A Narrative Review of the Role of Fan and Media Pressure in the Selection of Professional Football Head Coaches

Abstract

This study aims to examine how fan and media pressure influence the selection and dismissal of head coaches in professional football, comparing dynamics across Iranian and European leagues. This article adopts a scientific narrative review approach using a descriptive analysis method. Relevant literature from 2018 to 2025 was collected from peer-reviewed journals, sports management publications, media case reports, and official club communications. The study focuses on five thematic areas: theoretical frameworks of decision-making, mechanisms of fan influence, media framing and its consequences, historical case patterns in coaching changes, and a comparative analysis of Iranian and European contexts. Both qualitative and quantitative sources were synthesized to reveal underlying trends and contextual differences. The review highlights that fan pressure operates through channels such as stadium protests, social media campaigns, and supporter associations, often compelling clubs to act despite stable technical performance. Media pressure, driven by framing tactics and pundit narratives, shapes public and executive perceptions of coaching effectiveness. In both Iranian and European contexts, coaches increasingly face shortened tenures due to these external forces. However, institutional autonomy, media freedom, and the professionalism of club governance significantly mediate these pressures. In Europe, clubs manage external narratives through strategic frameworks, while Iranian clubs, embedded in politicized and less autonomous structures, respond more reactively to public and media sentiment. Fan and media pressure have become integral to football governance, transforming coaching decisions into public performances subject to emotional and symbolic scrutiny. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for clubs aiming to balance stakeholder expectations with long-term strategic planning. Comparative insights underline the need for culturally and institutionally sensitive approaches to managing external influence on coaching stability.