Coaches, Clinics, & Curiosity

 As I compile my list of "Stuff I'm Totally Gonna Do Perfectly" when I'm a head coach, at the top of the list is promoting and engaging in continuing education.

I am at that point in the summer where I am tweaking my coverages, analyzing trends, considering probabilities, and watching clinics by guys that come from different backgrounds than me. I think all of that is totally invaluable. 

I innately distrust a coach that doesn't study his craft in the offseason, and you can bet that will factor into my hiring practices someday.

Every season, when carefully reflected upon and considered, should be an entirely new experience for a coach. Each group reveals strengths and weaknesses in your scheme. Each group shows trends and tendencies. Self Scout. Change your 3rd down go-to plays a little. Change your primary and secondary situationals up a bit. 

But more than all of that, STUDY OTHER COACHES & SYSTEMS. Nothing irks me more than guys who are content in their knowledge...I suppose I could put it this way; I have no use in my professional world for terminally incurious people. If you aren't interested in the evolution of the game in general, or your league or team in particular, you and I are unlikely to get along. 

I am lucky to be on a staff of smart guys, who I believe can talk ball as well as anybody in the state. But more important than that, we are learning together to take new knowledge and prepare to TEACH it to our guys. If you can't teach it, it ain't worth much. As one of my earliest coaching mentors taught me as a rookie coach, "don't ever teach a play or scheme unless you can draw it perfectly multiple times." 

Even beyond all of that, we have to know our kids well enough to know what teaching styles will click, and I am still learning that. I suspect we all are. But it has to be a primary focus.

I've begun to ramble so I'll close by saying that, in my view, all good coaches have to be curious coaches. Whether it's Bear Bryant installing the Wishbone, or George Halas installing the T-Formation, or Nick Saban evolving his offense from ground-and-pound to spread RPO track meet, the most successful guys have always been two things, among many others: curious and adaptable.