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Time to Say Goodbye: A Duration Analysis of the Determinants of Coach Dismissals and Quits in Major League Soccer

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  • Dirk Semmelroth

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of voluntary and involuntary head coach turnovers using a large dataset of some 6,500 coach-game observations from Major League Soccer over 2004–2019. The duration analysis results show that team performance related to expected playoff qualification and performance expectations matter for both types of separations. Moreover, the findings reveal that coach reputation decreases dismissal probabilities, while coach age increases quit rates. The results of this study will be of particular interest to Major League Soccer team owners and managers as well as for business management outside the sports industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Dirk Semmelroth, 2022. "Time to Say Goodbye: A Duration Analysis of the Determinants of Coach Dismissals and Quits in Major League Soccer," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 23(1), pages 95-120, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:23:y:2022:i:1:p:95-120
    DOI: 10.1177/15270025211034820
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Brook Stacey L., 2024. "An Empirical Estimation of NCAA Head Football Coaches Contract Duration," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 244(5-6), pages 513-531.

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