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Abstract
This qualitative case study of a NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) coaching staff provided an in-depth description of a coaching staff’s organizational culture. The Presbyterian College (PC) football coaching staff served as the case study. Data were collected from members of the PC football program using face-to-face semi-structured interviews, field observations, and document retrieval. Schein’s (1985, 1992, 2010) model of organizational culture was utilized to analyze the data to determine the cultural artifacts, espoused values, and basic underlying assumptions. Analytic procedures followed a combination of the Braun and Clarke (2006, 2013) and Braun et al. (2016) thematic analysis approach in a six-phase process. The data analysis revealed four underlying assumptions associated with the PC staff. These were a) we are disadvantaged by our size, b) one needs resources to be successful, c) character influences success, and d) organizations have a hierarchy. Five espoused values of the PC staff were identified, including: a) we are family-oriented, b) we are organized, c) we work hard, d) we are PC men, and e) the HC is in charge. Lastly, eight artifacts played integral roles in the staff culture. These artifacts were a) player and coaches’ uniform dress, b) wall displays: signage, past teams and coaches' photos, and current logos, c) game and practice plans, d) coaches meeting room configuration, e) the blue hose, f) the athletic complex: coaches’ offices, locker room, and strength & conditioning complex, g) the play clock in the shape of a cross, and h) ARMS software. The findings held implications for coaching staff cultures.