Running an athletic department is no small feat. Between budgeting, recruiting, compliance, performance and community engagement, there’s always a new challenge on the horizon. While hiring internal roles like General Managers or NIL directors can help, what about bringing in outside expertise?
Consultants offer a fresh perspective and specialized experience that can help streamline operations, improve team performance and ensure compliance. Whether you need a little extra help in strategic planning, financial guidance, leadership development or team culture improvements, the right consultant can be a game-changer for athletic departments.
Top Athletic Consulting Firms
While there are surely smaller and local consulting firms available for you and your program, below are some of the top consulting firms that provide tailored solutions for athletic departments:
CarrSports
CarrSports Consulting specializes in intercollegiate athletics management. Services include:
- Business planning & fiscal management
- Feasibility studies (e.g., reclassification to NCAA D-I, adding football programs)
- Operations reviews for departments and sports programs
- Strategic planning to align with institutional goals
Huron Consulting Group
Huron Consulting Group partners with colleges and universities to enhance athletics programs while managing risks. Services include:
- Strategic planning aligned with institutional missions
- Financial modeling & revenue optimization
- Facility feasibility & cost modeling
- Leadership transition advisory & student-athlete wellness planning
College Sports Solutions
College Sports Solutions (CSS) is a full-service consulting firm for collegiate athletic programs. Services include:
- Executive searches for key leadership roles
- Operational reviews & efficiency improvements
- Strategic planning & feasibility studies
- Multimedia rights management & scheduling tools
Mammoth
Mammoth Sports Consulting provides tailored solutions for athletic programs, blending strategy with design & construction. Services include:
- Feasibility studies for program transitions
- Staff searches & leadership development
- Strategic planning & operational consulting
- Integrated consulting, creative design, & facility construction
Scott Garvis
Scott Garvis Consulting focuses on enhancing athletic programs, particularly at the high school level. Services include:
- Leadership training through the BTB Leadership Academy
- The PocketAD tool for streamlining administrative tasks
- One-on-one coaching for athletic directors & coaches
Team Sports Consultants
Team Sports Consulting Group helps athletic programs build winning team cultures through personality assessments & coaching strategies. Services include:
- Individual personality & motivation assessments
- Insight Reports to analyze team dynamics
- Retention strategies & improved coach-athlete relationships
True North Sports
Led by Celia Slater, True North Sports Consulting focuses on coach development & leadership growth. Services include:
- One-on-one consulting with COMPASS assessments
- Professional development plans for coaching staff
- Workshops on leadership, team culture & communication
- Virtual Coach Development Academy for long-term learning
Investing in the right consultant means finding an expert to invest back in — and future proof — your program. As athletics continue to shift with NIL policies, conference realignments and new compliance regulations, having an expert guide can help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether your program needs a small operational tune-up or a complete strategic overhaul, the right partnership can drive real results.
