What Coaches Do

Last night I went to a High School football game. As I watched and enjoyed the game, I couldn’t help but draw the common parallel between the sport and what we do. More specific, I watched the head coach and the assistant coaches, and I compared how they parallel our General Managers and Sales Managers.

I watched on every play how each coach was attentive to what their players were doing. I watched that while on offense they watched for each detail. After each play they would critique some players, some aspect, or the play itself. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched as the offense came off the field and a coach critiqued and role-played with his linemen, preparing them for the next time they had the ball. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched how a coach kept his team excited. How he complimented the good and kept his players focused. I realized this is what coaches do.

I saw a coach continually work with his kicker, even though he was exceptionally good, practicing, practicing, and practicing some more. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched that while on defense, the coaches would inspire their players to be aggressive, yet smart. I realized this what coaches do.

I watched as the other team started driving down the field. The coach because he was prepared and knowledgeable called a different defense. They stopped their opponent. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched, on two separate plays, the coach tried trick plays. One failed, one succeeded. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched when they scored how the team shared the excitement. He was creating a sense of team and congratulations. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched as a player fumbled the ball. He came off the field with his head down. The coach stopped him, raised his head, and told him to get ready to have the ball again showing he still had faith. I realized this is what coaches do.

I saw the team get flustered, confused, and disorganized. The coach called a time out, settled his team down, and got their heads back into the game. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched the other team. They were behind by two touchdowns with two minutes left, yet still playing with intensity. How could they believe they could still win? I realized this is what coaches do.

I saw the same players, with ten seconds left and no chance of winning, continue playing hard, they knew they were preparing for tomorrow, and the next game. I realized this is what coaches do.

I saw discipline in the players, and discipline in the coaches. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched and it was clear that each player had accountability. They knew they would be measured to this. I realized this is what coaches do.

I thought about great coaches and inspirations. I remembered stories about coaches like Dick Vermeil, working hard, long hours, thinking more dedication could make a difference. The next year he won the Super Bowl. I realized this is what coaches do.

I watched how the coaches provided leadership and guidance. They showed they cared and took a personal interest. I saw the respect they earned from their players. I realized this is what coaches do.