The purpose of this study was to investigate Tennessee principals' selection of physical education teacher applicants based on hypothetical descriptions of academic merit and physical appearance. A final sample of 139 of the 210 randomly selected school principals completed the survey, "Hiring the Physical Education Teacher." Results indicated that significantly overweight (20 pounds above ideal weight) candidates were more likely to be eliminated from the applicant pool than slightly overweight (10 pounds above ideal weight) candidates (t [138] = 14.5, p less than 0.05). Further, binomial analyses revealed statistically significant differences (p less than 0.01) between candidates when academic ranking was added as a descriptor. Specifically, an average GPA, slightly overweight candidate was more favored for the job than a below average GPA, good physical condition counterpart. Also, a significantly overweight applicant with an above average GPA was less favored for hiring when compared to an average GPA candidate with good physical condition. Overall, physical description/appearance influenced Tennessee principal's selections in hiring physical education teachers. (Contains 2 tables.)