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Jack Welch
How much winning is enough? Texas A&M Athletic Director Ross Bjork fired head coach Jimbo Fisher last week because he said the team has been underperforming. He referenced the programs elite fundraising, recruiting, and facilities. With the best tools available to build and sustain a program, the Aggies have a six-season decent but not great record of 45-25 under Fisher. The Aggies have not played for an SEC title or have been in the College Football Playoff during the Fisher era.
Well folks when you have everything needed, expectations are to never lose a game. Money buys the best facilities and talent. Most colleges and high school programs do not have tools available like some of these elite programs.
Last week I wrote about the advantage of winning the last game as compared to losing early in the playoffs for high schools. I had several people reach out and ask me what words of encouragement I would give high school coaches and players that had a tough season. I am not for sure I have proper advice but I gave some suggestions.
Everything within a program starts with organization and leadership. It is important to reach out to mentors, and visit with former players. Talk in detail about all the ups and downs of the season and seek their thoughts. It is important to hear from respected coaches and players.
The work after a winning or losing season begins immediately. Seek to overcome failures and improve successes. This can seem overwhelming but there are several points of emphasis I believe help coaches in a continuous journey to strengthen the culture of any program. Coaches and players should enjoy the process, not just the outcome. Remember it is the process that decides the product.
Coaches must set standards. When standards are set and demanded at a high level, then team improvement takes place. Regardless, if the season was successful or not, the first day of off-season needs to have the same intensity as the start of spring ball or fall camp. Focus on the new beginning but do not forget last year altogether. Critique last year’s performance but do not focus on it. Results of last year can serve as motivation but can also be a distraction. Keep it in perspective. Last season is a piece of the puzzle but cannot serve as landscape of the entire puzzle. Many good teams never reach greatness because they get satisfied.
Immediately after the season, set realistic off-season goals to achieve. Goals need to be set by coaches and players with consistent review. Create both individual and team goals including daily, shortterm, and seasonal goals. Meeting daily practice and workout goals increases confidence, self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. Keep goals in perspective as they are met or missed.
Improve talent on the team. Recruit your high school. Invite players from other sports to give football a try. Extra players will help bolster numbers and nurture a competitive environment. Additional numbers build depth on a team, which helps overcome injuries and attrition.
Thought for the week, “Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they were won.” Walt Whitman.
Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.