Technical assistance is an important resource for addressing the many implementation challenges facing comprehensive community initiatives. The authors discuss the role that a coach-a specific type of TA provider-can play in improving the capacity of an initiative to achieve its goals and generate learning for the field. The authors identify different dimensions of the role that a coach can play. These include carrying the vision of the initiative by reinforcing the commitment to the initiative's larger goals; fostering learning communities and new ways of thinking; facilitating dialogue among initiative participants; and developing capacity. The authors conclude that this approach to TA requires a commitment on the part of funders and sites to a shared vision, to a learning culture, and to clear rules of engagement. The paper examines two initiatives-the Neighborhood Strategies Project and the Rebuilding Communities Initiative-and reports data gathered through interviews with funders, coaches, evaluators and others.