LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – For today’s Good Question, Sherry asks: Why do some coaches wear suits instead of jogging suits at the games?
It depends on which coaches you’re talking about.
Each professional league has different rules, and in college it’s really up to each conference or school.
NFL coaches now wear athletic gear
In the NFL, gone are the days of suits on the sidelines. Nowadays coaches wear league-endorsed athletic gear. It’s one of many rules put in place because of endorsement deals.
NBA dropped suit requirement during pandemic
It’s a similar story in the NBA. There used to be a requirement for suits, but that got dropped during the pandemic. Now coaches and their staff are expected to coordinate with team-issued gear while on the sidelines.
That change has filtered down to NCAA basketball, where you see more coaches wearing athletic gear, although some still suit up. It’s a similar move for NCAA football.
Baseball managers wear team uniforms
In Major League Baseball, suits aren’t even an option. Team managers wear the team uniform. That’s a holdover from the day when the team manager or captain would also play in the games.
NHL remains the suit holdout
The NHL is the last holdout when it comes to coaches in suits. There doesn’t appear to be an official dress code, but it does seem to be tradition for coaches to be suited up on the bench. It may also be a little warmer when you’re down by the ice.
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