“Any idiot with a whistle can coach.” Not so much. Coaches have many constituencies - the community, the Athletic Department and principal, boosters, families, and especially players.
Leaders require a framework for operations. They will never please everyone. “The main thing is the main thing.” And the planning, preparation, and discipline of execution serves the main thing.
At the high school varsity level and above, winning matters. “Legacy programs” have sustainable competitive advantage through coaching, development, and culture.
Strong programs attract and refresh talent by adding value - tangible skill building and a competitive and collaborative basketball experience. Years ago you could watch Andover warm up and see a few kids hit ten consecutive elbow jumpers. That bakes in winning.
What barriers and pitfalls become “Claymores” aimed at coaches?
Everyone won’t like us. We’re too young, too old, too smart, too dumb, too inexperienced, or too different. Think about the greeting fictional coach Norman Dale gets in Hoosiers. The locals didn’t want an outsider or discipline. Never confuse talent with liking.
Maybe you’re following a legend. Coaches have never met the standard John Wooden set at UCLA. Sometimes shoes can’t be filled.
Sports are a meritocracy, except when they aren’t. Influential parents can displace a coach with chatter and sometimes cold cash. A state Coach of the Year was fired by a $25,000 donation. Less might get it done. Cut or bench a local politician’s progeny and knives come out.
What if the rising prospects have more talent than existing upperclassmen? Do you play the best players or risk the wrath of senior parents who feel their children have paid their dues? Remember the "Prime Directive" about parents first job is advocating for their child.
Does your calculus include what’s best for the program or for you? You may have support from the AD or principal that’s a mile wide and an inch deep. That’s thin ice even with a proven track record. If the 'buddy system' doesn't include you it's goodbye Charlie.
Find out what metrics define ‘success’ in your position. As a volunteer coach (in a paid position) I added financial value. At the middle school level, any pressure to win was self-imposed.
How might we add value?
- Communication - give and get feedback
- Individual skill development* (better ingredients, better basketball)
- “Teaching the game”
- Networking (clearing the path)
- Video analysis
- Retain and attract talent. Keep top players home with proven success. Yes, that may mean 'kissing the ring'. Stay humble.
Getting buy in is essential. For many (not all) players and parents that’s proportional to minutes, role, and recognition. Recognizing the importance of complementary players helps. Erik Spoelstra’s message that “there is always a pecking order” and most players are role players may not fly.
Find support. Be media friendly. Connect with boosters. Decide how much transparency you can handle. Coaching girls, I’ve always had a full transparency policy. Parents are welcome at practice, pre- and post-game conferences. This isn’t the NSA or the NBA.
Even when you bend over backwards, it won’t always be enough. Offend the wrong person and they may find a way to displace us. We can’t make everyone happy.
Lagniappe (something extra).
