Distinctly Decisive Disciplinarians

Mike Singletary’s recent fury of comments about Vernon Davis got me thinking about the influence of coaches in sports. Singletary was right in trying to reprimand the attitude of a selfish player. Coaches are called upon to be leaders, exemplifying character on and off the field. They can often make or break a program and be more than just the person in charge to an athlete. Coaches are always a reflection of team ethics and principles. They should challenge their players to step up. Here are some of my favorite head coaches of all time for various reasons:

Bill Cowher: The Steelers head coach spent superior 15 years with the team and led them to 6 AFC Title Games and two Superbowl appearances. I admired his long tenure in Pittsburgh and his demonstrative dedication to the franchise. It was enjoyable and entertaining as Cowher enlivened the sidelines with his facial expressions. He was referred to by his “jaw” at times because it was his most distinctive feature. Bill was great with the X’s and O’x of the game, always trying to put the team in the best position to win. Although he is considered retired, I believe Cowher will one day return to the game in some form.

Woody Hayes: The relentless, intense Ohio State football coach could also be a comical character. He is famous for being a hot-tempered manic who loved to win. Hayes always emphasized putting the team first, and his record indicates his teams were successful. He built solid programs that relied heavily on running the football. Woody, ironically, was born on Valentine’s Day. He was a great competitor and I really would have liked to see him coach in person.

John Wooden: The UCLA Bruins won seven straight NCAA titles with the man who coached the basketball program for 27 years. Wooden brought out the best in each player and was a breeder of winners year after year. A smart coach, John is a legend of the college game. Many try to mimic his coaching technique and style. The famed “Wizard of Westwood” is known for his “Pyramid Of Success” formula maximized during his late 1940’s-1970’s run at UCLA.

Vince Lombardi: I am reading a Lombardi biography right now that I just find so fascinating. The book is an in depth look at his life and I am enjoying each page. Lombardi was misunderstood. He was very professional and also a disciplinarian. He did not take losing lightly and cared little for players’ excuses. Vince was so knowledgeable about football. His passion and love for the game was clear. Ignatrius of Loyola and a strong Catholic upbringing provided Lombardi with many of his tactics on and off the football field. He learned to be meticulous and pay keen attention to detail as a Fordham University football player and student.

Tom Landry: An innovator and believer in the sophisticated spread offense, I can only remember seeing Landry in pictures on the Dallas Cowboys sideline sporting a top hat, suit jacket and tie. Landry often employed Roger Staubach in a shotgun formation. Tom was one of the first head coaches to realize the options he had with a mobile quarterback. He remained with Dallas for almost 30 seasons and it would have been nice to see him work with Troy Aikman in 1989 had he stayed. The famed coach rarely showed emotion and had a composed demeanor.

Joe Torre: The former Yankee skipper has excellent people skills and is great with the press. A calm coach under pressure, he shows patience that players respond well to. Torre was very emotional after winning each World Series in NY. With tears in his eyes, he demonstrated graciousness. It was sometimes difficult to watch him seated in the dugout because I always thought he looked so uptight and couldn’t relax. Those notions were far from the truth. Torre was more comfortable and at ease than he looked.

Mike Krzyzweski: Coach K is probably the most famous fixture in the modern college basketball world. He single-handedly brought about the Duke program since becoming head coach. Mike won 12 national coach of the year awards. He is well-respected and athletes want to play for him, which makes recruiting one of his strong assets. His reputation is as good as his coaching skills. The man knows basketball fundamentals in and out and has the natural gift or teaching the game. Coach K is good at inspiring young people and I still recall him coming up as a fresh-faced new coach on the Blue Devils staff.

Bill Parcells: I wasn’t always a fan of Parcells but I learned to admire his gutsy, proactive, feared, no-nonsense style. He and his athletes often had love-hate relationships. Players knew Parcells would put them in their place. Bill sometimes did cross the line when he started calling players names and publicly humiliating them. He would do anything to win though, and that is respectable.

Joe Paterno: A figurehead who wants players to be all around good people, Paterno is a true mentor in all facets. You gotta love JoPa.

Jim Tressel: The Ohio State football teacher just reminds me of the coach prototype. He knows his players so well and is like a father figure to them. The best thing about Jim is, of course, his smooth sweater vest visually gleaming grossly.


Parting points: Tonight the longest World Series game will hopefully conclude. Interestingly, it should begin with a pinch hitter. I am sure the temperature will be very cold but Charlie Manuel says there are ways to keep his players warm (baby oil being one of them)
Can Greg Oden have any worse luck? The man misses a full NBA season only to return and injure himself in the season debut last night.