We were just told we have to win (update)

That's a tough one. Winning at the varsity level usually takes care of all that stuff (and more). I would say the AD is with you win or tie. It might be time to brush up your resume. We also try to play everyone on our Frosh and JV but I don't think 22 starters is necessary.

I would agree that it's important to play a lot of kids at the lower levels, but to start 22 might be a bit extreme. I am sure you could still get kids some PT on the lower levels but you might have to have some guys going both ways. Not trying to be negative but...yes it seems to be working where you have the numbers BUT is doesn't sound like it's translating into any wins on the Varsity. It's a harsh reality but bottom line is coaches are expected to win. If you have been told you need to win, then I would examine every aspect of the program and find out why you aren't.

then they will not mind 3 to 4 hr practices and practices on saturday mornings.

Just win. Put the best kids on the field at every level and win. You will still have numbers because the kids obviously like you guys to keep playing when losing. at the lower levels you can still play everyone when you get a big enough lead. You can also work in more kids for a series here or there - but win.

There is no doubt about it. You need to win based on what you were told. If the admin doesnt consider recitivism and participation "results" than give them what they want.

isnt playing on game night based on a couple of nights of practice? I hate to tell anybody this but the objective of playing a game is to win. Your message when playing the "play everybody" card is a losing one. The message you are sending to your good players who actually win you games, is the wrong one.

Clearly the administration is telling you need to win or else. I would put the best 11 on the field at all times. I understand your thought process in wanting to two platoon, but if your not winning games it may be time for a change in your program before you get axed.

In my experience, the MOMENT the administration steps in and starts interfering with how you run your program, you are already done. It's only a matter of how much time.

I know that sounds depressing and miserable...but I've never seen or heard any evidence to make me believe that it is not true.

I agree with lochness. Once administration tries to dictate football policy- you're toast. We had a similar situation at my last school. Our varsity sucked because the previous coach had no weight program and no discipline. Our JV/Frosh team sucked because winning on that level was not a priority. Our priority was developing players, rewarding hard-workers, etc. Our administration viewed the win-loss record of the JV/Frosh team as a sign that we weren't improving. I viewed that fact that we retained every 9th grader and doubled the weightroom attendance as a sign that we were improving. Too many ADs are spineless and impatient. We can't recruit- sometimes we are going to suck. It's not our fault- it's genetics.

Two years ago the administration told the head coach at our school we need to start winning.......... The next season we had a new head coach.

This actually deals with one of the first lessons I learned as coach. I was on a freshmen staff and coached OL and DL. I tried my darndest to start 10 different kids at those spots. We played an I formation offense and a four-man defensive front and the TE was my responsibility as well. I started ten different kids, but two of my dlineman weren't very good so after the first series or two, a couple of my olineman stayed and played DL as well. Well, the two kids I was "starting" by definition only saw right through this and didn't go out next year anyway. I feel on the lower levels you should start as many different kids as possible, but not necessarily 22 different kids.

Some may disagree, but it is still February--if the administration wanted you out, I think they would go ahead and do it now. I think you at least have to give them credit in letting you know those expectations up front.

I think its fair for admin to tell you that the expectations are to win. Its a reality that we all have to deal with.

That's cute! My question is, how the he!! can you win when you can't go buy your talent? The college football mentality is trickling into h.s. sports at an alarming rate and it is simply a fallacy. If we put it into perspective, coaching h.s. football and being asked to win like that would be like showing up to the Daytona 500 with an assortment of parts that you got at a junk yard. Even if everybody had to build their cars from junk yard parts, some junk yards are going to have better parts than others...right?! I've just never believed all this b.s. that at the h.s. level the coach is the major difference maker. In college, yes, but h.s. how can you be when you have play the hand your dealt? I do think you need to attempt to be competitive rather than having your kids just get run over, but there comes a point where the reality light needs to come on in these peoples heads!

It was like that at my last job. They were as school that in 50 years of football had 1 state title appearance and lost, had only been in the state playoff series 6 times in 50 years. The best record any coach had was one back in the late 60's who in 5 years went 32-18, but never put a team in the playoffs. The coach before me was there 16 years and a 90-92 record over that time. I came in and in 6 years we were 28-34, but had 2 consecutive years in the playoffs! The last year I was there we went 4-6 and missed the playoffs by the width of the upright on the goalpost and I get fired...go figure! Now all of a sudden winning is paramount?! Ridiculous! I think in h.s. for the most part football is a character builder first and then score oriented second. I know a lot will eat me alive on here for saying that, but I don't see how it can be otherwise. Like Parcell's once said, if you want me to make a gourmet meal, you better let me shop for the groceries, and very few h.s. football coaches have that luxury.

Duece

The reality is that we get judged on wins and losses. Like it or not, fair or unfair. That is the way our society is. They want to see results.

I know that football is more than wins and losses. But at the end of the day, parents and administrators want to win now.

Nobody cares about the ills of the program. Nobody cares about the school's historical lack of success. Nobody cares how many wins you had at your previous school.

Bottom line: You need to go out and win NOW...that is the light at the end of the tunnel. Those are the expectations. They have been made clear to you. Find a way. Bitchin about it ain't gonna help you achieve positive results. So get to work!

If you don't like it, then you and the staff need to resign.

recipe on how to make chicken salad from chicken sh!t


You have to CHEAT! You can't make chicken salad unless you get you some real chickens.