We study the $N\pi N$ coupling, in the framework of a QCD-inspired confining Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model. A simple relativistic confining and instantaneous quark model is reviewed. The Salpeter equation for the $\mathrm{qqq}$ nucleon and the $q\mathrm{q¯}$ boosted pion is solved. The $f_{n\pi n}$ and $f_{n\pi \Delta }$ couplings are calculated and they turn out to be reasonably good. The sensibility of $f_{n\pi n}$ and $f_{n\pi \Delta }$ to confinement, chiral symmetry breaking, and Lorentz invariance is briefly discussed.

• Received 20 June 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.55.834