The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto research study was to determine if, and to what extent, a difference existed in the Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of African American NCAA D1 FBS football student-athletes for those who had a head coach turnover versus those who did not in the United States. Complex adaptive systems theory provided the theoretical foundation, as coaches serve as a critical component within the larger system of a football program. The research questions asked if a difference existed in the FGR and GSR for those who had their head coach turnover versus those who did not, using data from the NCAA Trends and Division Aggregate Reports and the NCAA D1 Head Coach APR Portfolio. The yes coaching change cohorts (n = 64) and no coaching change cohorts (n = 88) for both FGR and GSR were compared using Welch's T-test. Although FGR means were higher for cohorts who did not experience a coaching change than for cohorts who did experience a coaching change, M = 2.36, 95% CI [-1.77 to 6.49], t(148.759) = 1.131, p = 0.260, and GSR means were higher for those who did not have their head coach turnover than those who did not, M = 1.76, 95% CI [-2.06, 5.60], t(149.863) = 0.911, p = 0.364, the differences were not statistically significant. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]