A Racialized Examination of the Programmatic Utility and Salary Distribution of Football Bowl Subdivision Football Coaches

Extensive research explores a variety of factors contributing to coaching salaries. This study demonstrates a racial compensation discrepancy among Football Bowl Subdivision football coaches. When factoring for variations (i.e., recruiting responsibilities and team performance), compensation disparities result in Black coaches receiving lesser salaries than their White counterparts. We elaborate on historical and contemporary factors influencing compensation discrepancies reflecting structural racism permeating U.S. society. We also discuss the practical and theoretical implications of disparities in Football Bowl Subdivision football coaches’ salaries and advocate for increased compensation and advancement opportunities for highly qualified, but currently underpaid, Black coaching talent. Results indicate how, despite gains in representation, Black coaches still experience racial discrimination in compensation, demonstrating yet another example of institutionalized racial stratification.