“I Have No One To Talk To:” A Call for Greater Support for Head Coaches in High-Performance Sport

Head coaches in high-performance sport environments operate under intense pressure, often facing emotional and psychological challenges that existing support structures overlook. While increasing attention has been paid to athlete mental health, the same cannot be said for coaches, whose well-being is often neglected. This commentary highlights the urgent need for tailored mental health support for head coaches and advocates for greater involvement from sport social workers in addressing this gap. Drawing from current research and recent developments in sport organizations, we present a range of stressors that coaches experience. Furthermore, we offer a set of practical recommendations, including integrating coach-focused mental health training into certification programs, creating formal support networks, and appointing dedicated mental health professionals within sports organizations. By reframing the narrative of “coaching resilience” and instead prioritizing coaches’ mental health, this article calls for a shift in how high-performance sport environments can better support head coaches. In turn, we consider that these recommendations will enhance coach well-being while optimizing team performance and fostering healthier sport cultures.