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Jack Welch
As a college football coach, I love this time of year. College coaches are making the rounds of visiting high schools. In doing so, I see some really good high school coaches struggling to get needed wins. Several of these coaches need a win in the worst way, just to shut naysayers up.
I hate to see so many great coaches in struggling programs being criticized. It makes my heart go out to them. Many times, the administration and public do not understand why their coach is struggling to win games.
High school coaches have more pressure than ever to turn programs around overnight. It does not happen that way. It takes time to construct a well-oiled machine. Great coaches start by increasing the number of participants, constructing a quality coaching staff, and orchestrating a yearly building plan. This takes time but with the right commander at the helm, big results will happen and many years of success will accompany the program.
I hear negativity about struggling high school coaches and it does not make sense. These coaches are only in their first or second year of reshaping the team. It takes time to build a winning program. The key is do these naysayers understand what a successful high school football program looks like? In my opinion, it is not just the wins and losses.
Things to look for if the coach is building a winning program. Look at the numbers and discipline of players participating. View the comradery of the team and coaching staff. Evaluate the strength of the assistant coaching staff. If these things are in tack, then give the head coach a few years. You will start to see a team of bigger, faster, and organized players. You will recognize the program is growing in numbers at the junior high and sub-varsity levels. There will be an attitude of excitement and players will be enjoying their experience.
If the players are buying into the coach’s direction, then a powerhouse could be in the making. To fire a coaching staff after only one or two years will set the program back even more than you think it is at this point.
This week, it was reported by sports writer Matt Stepp, there is smoke surrounding a major high school program in central Texas about the possibility of a coach’s resignation. I know that area well and cannot think of a weak head coach. Yes, there are some programs struggling but the programs I am familiar with have quality head coaches.
Teams might prepare to the best of their ability, but they do not have the talent and skills necessary to win championships? It takes a team with adequate talent. One man cannot win a team championship. A head coach needs a supportive administration. The administration needs a supportive school board. The school board needs a demanding community.
The greatest difference with winning and losing teams is confidence. Why do I say confidence instead of hard work or talent as the greatest component necessary for a winning team to have? Confidence radiates throughout a team when they know they are prepared to win.
Thought for the week, “Champions behave like champions before they are champions.” — Bill Walsh
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.