Why So Many Football Coaches Love the GOP

Gave big bucks to McCain team last election—and little to Obama

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 2, 2009 1:26 PM CDT

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Why So Many Football Coaches Love the GOP — Florida State University head football coach Bobby Bowden watches his players as they go through drills on the first day of practice, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Though Obama outraised McCain 5-1, 20 college and NFL head coaches gave to Republication candidates in 2008—and only 3 gave to Democrats. One coach led the Pledge of Allegiance at a Sarah Palin rally; another spoke at the GOP convention. The scales are clearly tipped to the right, reports the Wall Street Journal, and shared philosophies seem to explain why.

“In coaching, you've got to have more discipline and you've got to be more strict and just conservative, I think. It fits with the Republicans,” notes Florida State coach Bobby Bowden. Similarly, former coach Lou Holtz notes that coaches teach players “you aren't entitled to anything. You get what you earn—your position on the team.” Plus, many Republicans like a "strong, singular" executive, the Journal notes. Coaching’s “not a dictatorship, but it's on the verge,” says Bowden.
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