A recent dataset of more than 6,000 NCAA coaches revealed something many in the profession already feel but rarely say out loud: the mental health strain on coaches is real, and it’s constant.

According to the data shared by Dr. Tim Baghurst, a significant percentage of coaches report experiencing anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and mental health concerns “constantly” or “most every day.” Not occasionally. Not during the season only. Every day.

We Teach Mental Health. Just Not for Coaches.

Over the past decade, collegiate athletics has made meaningful progress in supporting athlete mental health. Universities invest in counselors, sport psychologists, wellness programming, and required education for student-athletes.

And that’s a good thing.

But who is supporting the coaches?

Coaches are expected to:

• Be emotionally available for athletes
• Model resilience and composure
• Manage pressure from administrators, parents, fans, and donors
• Recruit, retain, and develop athletes
• Win with limited resources and job security

All while being told to “handle it,” “push through,” or “be tougher.”

The Silent Load Coaches Carry

Coaching is often framed as a passion-driven profession. You’re supposed to love it so much that stress becomes part of the deal. But passion doesn’t make you immune to burnout.

Here's the reality - coaches rarely have safe spaces to talk honestly. Vulnerability is still perceived as weakness in many programs. And long hours and constant evaluation never turn off

When mental health struggles show up, many coaches internalize them. They self-manage. They suppress. They grind.

Until something breaks.

What If We Built Systems for Coaches Too?

Dr. Baghurst’s question is the right one: Do we need structured mental health education and support for coaches?

Imagine if coach mental wellness were part of professional development. Burnout prevention could be discussed as openly as strength training.

Strong Programs Require Healthy Leaders

Great cultures don’t start with people who are supported, regulated, and whole.

If we truly believe that people are the most important part of any program, then ignoring coach mental health isn’t just an oversight - it’s a contradiction.

Athletes don’t benefit from burnt-out leaders. Programs don’t thrive when the people running them are running on empty.

A Needed Shift

This data is an invitation.

An invitation for athletic departments, governing bodies, and leadership teams to expand the conversation beyond performance and outcomes, and toward sustainability.

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