Head Coach recruitment at multi-club ownership groups: examining the decision-making of Sporting Directors in elite men’s football

Purpose This article examines the strategies, decisions, and processes underpinning Head Coach recruitment at multi-club ownership (MCO) structures in elite men’s football. It identifies key influences and provides practical insight, notably for football executives, Sporting Directors and academics.Methods Four detailed semi-structured interviews were employed, giving voice to key personnel working within separate MCO structures to examine significant patterns and approaches of MCO Head Coach recruitment.Findings Key themes emerged relating to data-driven approaches and network recommendations. The research demonstrates the importance of recruiting Head Coaches with robust yet grounded personalities who fit the culture and represent the philosophies of the respective MCO group.Practical implications The research found some potential advantages tied to MCO groups in Head Coach recruitment, namely relating to time pressure and long-term processes.Research contribution This work accesses the inner workings of four different MCO structures, offering insights into the often guarded context of MCO Head Coach recruitment.Originality/Value The research provides insights into processes, decision-making, and recruitment within MCO groups. It could enrich perspectives pertaining to MCO structures and Head Coach recruitment procedures.