Lived Experiences of Stress and the Coping Mechanisms of Assistant Coaches in the National Basketball Association (NBA)

This study investigated the stress, stressors, coping strategies, and support interventions experienced by NBA assistant coaches. Twenty male NBA assistant coaches participated in semi-structured interviews regarding stress and burnout. Data analysis revealed three core themes: Experienced Stressors and Burnout, Personal Coping Strategies, and Organizational Support. Participants reported high stress levels, sometimes moderated by family, organizational support systems, and religious faith. Unanticipated findings included stressors related to being a minority coach and the fear of failure. The findings indicate a need for enhanced stress reduction, coping strategy training, and systematic organizational support to help assistant coaches manage stress and avoid burnout