Promotion

What Makes a Successful Head Coach?

There is a lot of talk in Buffalo right now from fans and media about the necessity to remove Dick Jauron as head coach of the Bills. This discussion got me thinking about what kind of coaches are successful and which are not. In Jaurons case, the biggest complaints are lack of emotion on the sideline and game time management. So, naturally, the fans and the media want a fiery head coach to replace him, Bill Cohwer's name is being talked about. Regardless of the validity of the criticism against Jauron, the fact that fans want the opposite type of coach is predictable, but is it smart? Tony Dungy is the most laid back coach in today's NFL and also one of the most successful. In the past, Tom Landry was quite sedate on the sidelines and he was very successful to say the least. My point is that no matter what type of coach your team presently has, if they aren't winning, fans will want the opposite. In my opinion, almost all head coaches in the NFL are talented, what it comes down to is: 1. Does the coach's x's and o's strategy match his talent? 2. Does he have continuity with the GM and scouting department? 3. Can he adjust to the skill set and age of the team? 4. Does he come with a proven track record? If not he will have a shorter time to establish respect and trust with his new team. 5. Will he get support from ownership if tough personnel decisions must be made. 6. Luck, Luck, and Luck - Draft, injuries, turnovers, and schedule. Timing. Of course, the best ones will almost always succeed - Bill Parcells, Chuck Knox, Tony Dungy, Paul Brown, Marty Schottenhiemer, to name a few. These guys have won at multiple places. So, the moral is, hope for about twelve things to all come together at once, for your coach to be successful, and if not, pray for luck. Again!