When Coaches Pack Their Bags: The NIL Ripple That’s Hitting College Dugouts and Sidelines

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The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has disrupted college sports, making coaches as mobile as athletes and triggering a wave of defections to professional leagues. Tradition and loyalty no longer guarantee stability, as coaches seek relief from NIL chaos, recruitment pressures, and booster politics. This volatility affects athletes and families, who must now consider not just coaches but the entire structure and culture of a program. In the NIL era, adaptability is essential for both players and coaches, as change is the only certainty in college athletics.