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Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach Effects on Team Defensive Performance in the National Football League

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  • Joshua D. Pitts
  • Brent A. Evans

Abstract

This research examines the impact of defensive coordinators and head coaches on team defensive performance in the National Football League (NFL). We find that elite and very poor defensive coordinators and head coaches can have meaningful impacts on their teams’ defensive performances. A team’s defensive performance is shown to improve with increased defensive coordinator tenure. Similarly, defensive coordinators and head coaches who were NFL players contribute to improved defensive performance compared to coaches without experience as NFL players. In addition, a 3-4 defensive alignment is found to be associated with improved defensive performance compared to a 4-3 defensive alignment.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua D. Pitts & Brent A. Evans, 2020. "Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach Effects on Team Defensive Performance in the National Football League," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 21(5), pages 493-524, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:21:y:2020:i:5:p:493-524
    DOI: 10.1177/1527002520916220
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