Pay disparity

One of the core issues among coaches is the compensation they receive for the amount of hours that go into the profession. In Palm Beach County, head coaches receive a $4,100 stipend for what turns into a nearly-full time job.

“On the low end I would say I put in about 40-50 hours a week [on just football],” said former Suncoast coach Bobby May, who teaches social studies at the school. “When you add up practice, games, film, weightlifting, budgeting, paying bills, parent phone calls, paper work and fundraising, it’s probably more.”

May spent the past two seasons coaching the Chargers but stepped down in January to “look for an opportunity to move to a state where teachers and coaches are appreciated.” Like most coaches, May works a fulltime job at the school in addition to his coaching responsibilities.

“You spend your entire planning period doing football stuff, so you can still spend time with your family when you get home at 7:30 p.m., but then you still have to figure out time to grade papers [and so forth],” said May. fundraiser just in the pot.”

Davis is one of many who have departed for Georgia, which has quickly emerged as a Holy Grail of sorts for high football school coaches. With significantly higher coaching salaries combined with a lower cost of living, the Peach State has become incredibly desirable. In addition, Georgia also allows booster clubs to help with costs.

Like the majority of coaches, Davis isn’t in it for the money, but rather a love of the sport and working with the kids. However, there’s a tipping point for all people in the profession.

“I think when you look at the turnover, you’ll find a lot of people who are overworked for $4,100,” Davis said. “Everyone who is a coach loves the kids, but you look at what’s sacrificed — their marriages, their personal lives aren’t worth $4,100.” to put money