Division I Football Coaches Needed for NIL Research Study
This graduate research study examines how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) affects the recruitment and retention of Division I collegiate athletes.
The study seeks football coaches' perspectives on how NIL is being used in recruiting, whether NIL is a concern, and how coaches are adapting their approach.
Current featured study conducted through Weber State University's Master of Education in Sport Coaching Leadership Program. NIL Research Hub is independent and not endorsed by Weber State University.
- Audience
- Current Division I football coaches and recent Division I football coaching staff members with direct experience in recruiting and athlete retention during the NIL era.
- Time
- 10–15 minutes
- Format
- Open-ended online survey
- Participation
- Voluntary
- Responses
- Confidential
"How does NIL affect the recruitment and retention of Division I collegiate athletes?"
This study focuses specifically on NIL's role in recruiting and retention. While the transfer portal may influence athlete movement, NIL is the central focus of this research.
Three questions guiding the study
How is NIL being used in recruiting?
This objective explores how NIL appears in recruiting conversations, athlete expectations, program positioning, and recruiting strategy.
Is NIL a concern?
This objective examines whether coaches view NIL as a concern for recruiting, retention, competitive balance, team culture, athlete expectations, or roster management.
What are coaches doing about it?
This objective explores how coaches and programs are adapting to the NIL environment through education, communication, recruiting strategy, retention efforts, and program management.
Why coach perspectives matter
Football coaches are among the stakeholders most directly affected by NIL. Coaches recruit athletes, manage roster retention, communicate with families, navigate athlete expectations, and adapt program strategy in response to NIL opportunities.
Current research includes athlete perspectives, legal analysis, policy discussion, and public opinion, but coach perspectives remain underrepresented.
By participating, coaches contribute valuable insight into how NIL is shaping recruiting and retention within Division I athletics.
Participate in the Research Study
If you are a current or former football coach, your perspective is valuable to this research.
- Participation is voluntary
- Responses remain confidential
- Estimated time: 10–15 minutes
Academic credibility
This study is being conducted as part of a graduate thesis requirement through Weber State University's Master of Education in Sport Coaching Leadership Program. The website itself is an independent research platform and is not owned, operated, or endorsed by Weber State University.
Cooper Smith
Offensive Graduate Assistant – Tight Ends
B.A., Spanish for the Professions — Weber State University · M.Ed., Sport Coaching Leadership — Weber State University
Cooper Smith is currently completing his Master of Education in Sport Coaching Leadership program. His experience includes football coaching, football operations, recruiting support, athlete development, and organizational leadership within collegiate athletics. His research focuses on understanding the evolving impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on recruiting and retention within Division I athletics. This study seeks to capture the perspectives of Division I football coaches regarding NIL's influence on recruiting, athlete retention, and program decision-making.
Faculty Committee Oversight
Faculty committee members provide academic guidance, research oversight, and thesis review throughout the duration of the study.
Assistant Professor, Physical Education and Sport Coaching Leadership
Professor · Program Director, Sport Coaching Leadership
Associate Professor · Department Chair, HPER · Program Director, M.Ed. Sport Coaching Leadership
Where this study fits in the literature
The literature surrounding NIL includes research on athlete compensation, recruiting, retention, competitive balance, athlete branding, and policy development. This study builds on existing research by focusing specifically on coach perspectives regarding NIL's impact on recruitment and retention.
NIL and Recruiting
Research suggests NIL has become increasingly relevant in recruiting conversations, athlete decision-making, and program positioning.
NIL and Retention
NIL may influence how athletes evaluate whether to stay with a program, seek new opportunities, or reconsider their athletic and academic priorities.
Traditional Recruiting & Retention Factors
Prior research identifies factors such as coaching relationships, academics, team culture, institutional fit, financial support, and personal development as important to athlete recruitment and retention.
NIL Concerns and Adaptations
Current research raises questions about competitive balance, resource disparities, team culture, athlete education, and how programs adapt to a changing NIL environment.
Ready to share your perspective?
The survey takes 10–15 minutes. Responses are confidential.