Working under the most esteemed NFL coaches made other coaches more likely to be promoted, according to a study led by Martin Kilduff at University College London. Of the 152 NFL head coaches in their sample, the researchers said 35 of them fit their requirements for being a high-reputation industry leader (e.g., they won one or more Super Bowls or five or more playoff games). They found that the probability of receiving a coaching promotion in any given coach-year was 52% higher for people who had worked with these top coaches for a year (7.13%) compared to those who hadn’t (4.70%). The effect was particularly evident for people who were less known or had less experience, which suggests that it can pay to have connections to well-respected industry leaders.
Source: Magnification and Correction of the Acolyte Effect: Initial Benefits and Ex Post Settling up in NFL Coaching Careers
