International Journal of Sport Management

Job Satisfaction and Educational Opportunities of Millennial Graduate Assistant Coaches in NCAA Division I-FBS Football

Jarrod James, Andre Williams, Robert Malekoff, Molly Harry, Erianne Weight

Abstract: The Graduate Assistant Job Satisfaction Survey was utilized to explore job satisfaction and educational opportunities of millennial graduate assistant football coaches in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institutions. Utilizing both Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory and role conflict theory, researchers concluded that millennial graduate assistant football coaches at the Division I-FBS level were generally satisfied with their roles, but dissatisfied with their pay. While the majority of respondents were pursuing a master’s degree, few graduate assistants reported belief that they would complete their degree within a two-year period. Athletic and academic administrators should review the responsibilities of their graduate assistant coaches to facilitate opportunities to further job satisfaction and enhance educational experiences. In addition, stronger legislation by the NCAA could protect the academic and professional affairs of DI-FBS graduate assistant coaches.

Citation: James, J., Williams, A., Malekoff, R., Harry, M., & Weight, E. (2019). Job satisfaction and educational opportunities of millennial graduate assistant coaches in NCAA Division I-FBS football. International Journal of Sport Management, 20(3), 229-246.

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