Making a Difference in Coaching, Lessons of History and Literature

Coaches expect to make a difference. Nobody takes a job to make things worse. They don't pay you enough. But not everybody goes in, "eyes wide open." What are the pros and cons of Flagstaff? 

Engage the community. Mr. Rogers said, "Look for the helpers." Even if you don't expect Joseph Campbell's "The Hero's Journey," find sidekicks.  

Whether it's The Odyssey, Batman, Star Wars, or a quixotic quest of coaching, the hero NEVER goes it alone.

Make people better. Dean Smith created opportunity and left an indelible legacy. "Wokeness" brought Charlie Scott into major college basketball. Unselfishness encouraged a pro career for Michael Jordan leaving earlier. Gratitude left "dinner out" money for former graduating players. 

Change the narrative. Abraham Lincoln brought a "Team of Rivals" into his administration to help him shepherd the Union through the Civil War. UCONN sought the best 'woman coach' available in 1985. The players asked for the best coach and Geno Auriemma was the pick. That wasn't a ten-bagger investment but an eleven-bagger.

Reset expectations Schools bring in a 'name' coach and optimism rises. "Hope is not a plan." Some coaches like Alabama football coach Nick Saban are elite recruiters. Some write, "Talent Is Overrated" but good luck winning without it. 

Reinvent culture. Some bring in a distinguished alum like Patrick Ewing. That didn't work. Others tap a coach from an elite program as Harvard did with Tommy Amaker. It helps, but the Ivy League will never foster an NBA trade school mentality. 

Become a Center of Excellence. What does that even mean? If players can learn details of execution, offense, and defense, they can learn civics, history, and fundamentals of science. 

Raise the standards. Bill Walsh, 49ers Coach also taught classes at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Walsh believed in "Standards of Performance" at every level of organization. Administrative hires and groundskeepers were held to the same high standards as coaches and players. He was an early advocate for "how you do anything is how you do everything."  

Play the long game. Attacking problems takes time. There's no Trojan Horse that delivers overnight excellence. If coaching at the HS level, cultivate interest and "recruit" from within. If you can offer clinics and support to youth programs, you may be able to "home" more players. 

Lagniappe. You want more from a kid? In the right context and the right time, "I believe in you."