sbv
Sophomore Member
Posts: 171
|
Post by sbv on Nov 4, 2008 13:03:06 GMT -6
Guys, my question to all of you is how do you know when it is time to move on?
A little background is, I finished off my first season at a new school this past Thursday night. We finished at 1-9 on a team that last year was 0-10 with only 24 points scored. There were another three games that we were in and had a chance to win. The season went by quick and I had a great staff to work with. The problem is, that I lose five seniors that played both ways. One was my running back who was the leading rusher in the area for most of the season before getting hurt. Next year I see us as better (we should win between 3-5 games) but after that we lose a lot of talent and I don't see them getting replaced by lower grades. We play in a weak conference and our district (this decides which two our of the the four teams make the playoffs) is very difficult. We cannot change our schedule because we are obligated to play conference teams. We cannot change conferences to get better competition during the season because the other sports do not want to. I'm 27 and have been coaching for 5 years now. I'm having a little bit of doubt that some of the previous posters alluded to about doubting yourself. If I am realistic with myself, I don't see us winning State anytime soon (I realize that I am here for more than the wins, but I'm also the type who needs to feel like there is a chance). I know that this isn't the school I want to end up at (I would like to have a community around the school and a school that is a little larger). The kids are great and have bought in although our numbers are low. I'm preparing for next year as if I will still be here. I guess my question is, is it really possible to turn this program that has only had 1 winning season in 20 years of existence into a winning school with tradition? If so, how? The kids are getting stronger by lifting and like I've said they have bought in. We don't have speed or really good athletes and I don't know if I'm a good enough coach to get them over the hump. Can the weightroom make up for our lack of talent? (This is no exaggeration, one of our district teams had three linemen faster than our fastest player). A part of me wonders if it wouldn't be best for me to go to a larger school as an assistant and then try to get another head coaching job at a school I could see myself ending up at. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by rideanddecide on Nov 4, 2008 13:47:57 GMT -6
Coach,
A lot of guys here will call you a quitter and just encourage you to do what it takes to turn the ship around. While that is a noble thought, it really isn't always the case and sometimes it is a good professional move to look elsewhere.
"A part of me wonders if it wouldn't be best for me to go to a larger school as an assistant and then try to get another head coaching job at a school I could see myself ending up at."
I'm there too.
Here's what I've come to...good, bad, or otherwise....
Treat your job like you are going to be there forever. Do everything you can to right the ship.
But, be open to new possibilities. If the right situation arises don't be afraid to take it.
|
|
|
|
Post by midlineqb on Nov 4, 2008 14:16:09 GMT -6
First let me say that you your are the one that has to make the choice. In my own case I folded and then found myself in a much worse situation than what I had originally been.
If you believe in the kids and the kids believe in you and your staff they will eventually come around. Things have to be kept in a positive nature. When you start doubting yourself, you must keep your head up and give yourself positive affirmations. Rome wasn't built in a day.
Just my thoughts.
|
|
|
|
Post by coachcb on Nov 4, 2008 15:55:19 GMT -6
I don't think that moving on after one, or evn two, years is something that you should entertain. When a program has struggled the way yours has, it will take awhile to "turn the corner". If the kids and staff are committed to what you are doing and what you believe, then things will get better.
You may be surprised with how quickly the program does get better as well. One of the worst programs in the state picked up a new HC several years ago. They still struggled for two years, but this year they were very much improved. They won 5 games and missed the playoffs by one seed position. If you had told me that they would be a play off contender 3 years ago, I would have laughed at you. They will probably be even better next year; winning is contagious and it has brough kids out.
|
|
|
|
Post by btincup on Nov 4, 2008 16:18:05 GMT -6
This is easy.
You move on when it isn't rewarding or fun for you anymore.
|
|
|
|
Post by raiderpirates on Nov 4, 2008 19:20:40 GMT -6
They believe, some coaches never get that at a school. Other schools may be losing players too. This might be quite so static a comparison you're making. Young kids(lost five double starters) means you have a young team and those youngster believe and are committed.
It's hard to qualitatively value true motivation and commitment to the level people buy in 100% like you believe is being done.
|
|
|
|
Post by pantherfan on Nov 4, 2008 20:32:35 GMT -6
Steve Taneyhill former gamecock Qb took over a dismal program at chesterfield sc one win in two previous years prior to him taking the reins there,1st year 4 wins 2nd year played for state championship 3rd year won state championship,currently 9-1 they are the favorites to repeat,when he came to Cfld you could pack the fans at games into a mini van, now the whole town is there on fri nts.It can be done!!give it your best shot.if you can get it turned around it will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
|
|
|
|
Post by outlawjoseywales on Nov 4, 2008 22:24:21 GMT -6
sbv,
it sounds like you have already turned the thing around.
Going from only scoring 24 points, to winning 3-5 games.
That may not sound like a lot of wins for some programs but that is a huge increase over what they've had before.
It's tough to lose. People don't look you in the eye, or even speak to you sometimes because they don't know what do say.
Everybody wants to win, that's for sure.
We all feel for you on this one.
There are a few guys out there in the world that have miraculous stories of turning programs around but most of us are kinda' in the middle.
I will tell you that weight programs and strength make a huge difference. If you can get this kids stronger, they will be safer and more successful in football, period.
I also really like what these other coaches have said,
When it quits being fun, it's time to quit.
Focus on what you really like about coaching football and let that bring you inspiration to go on another day.
Sounds like you already have things moving in the right direction.
Whether or stay or go, you have laid a foundation of success for your successor and you will always have that in your memories.
Good luck coach.
OJW
|
|
|
|
Post by dc207 on Nov 4, 2008 22:46:08 GMT -6
Just based on my limited experience, we hit a crisis point in our second season here at a small high school that HAD a great tradition for 30 years. After consecutive losing seasons in our first two years, things had reached a low point and EVERYONE was frustrated in the middle of that second year.
I think most of us were in the mindset that you seem to be in now, BUT we had a group of rising juniors that we'd coached for two years on jv and we wanted to see what they could do. In one week, we may be making our second consecutive playoff trip with that group (now seniors) and having a shot to win our region and get back to the state final four. We feel that's where we belong, we felt that way when we all took the job, but it was hard to see in the middle of that crisis point in the second year.
In my opinion and experience, two years is not long enough to try to change things. I think it takes longer, but I'm sure it has been turned around ion quicker fashion.
Sounds naive maybe, but I vote for sticking it out and doing things your way, rather than being an assistant and letting someone else determine the path.
|
|
|
|
Post by touchdownmaker on Nov 5, 2008 8:04:48 GMT -6
I am one of those guys who will say that "feeling like you have a chance" starts with YOU and not with the players.
Perhaps you came into getting a HC position too quickly and too easily to really appreciate the opportunity you have in front of you.
Now, that said, it is time for you to go RIGHT NOW if you do not have your heart fully into the job. Step aside and make room for someone who is hungry for the chance to show that it can be done.
Just trying to get you to look at this from the point of view of someone who believes that building a "winner" goes well beyond just winning and losing games.
Best of luck in your decision.
|
|
sbv
Sophomore Member
Posts: 171
|
Post by sbv on Nov 5, 2008 8:10:17 GMT -6
Guys, thanks for the replies.
Touchdownmaker, I think you are right, and I believe that feeling like there is a chance for us to win starts with me. My heart is in it and like I said before, it was a fun season but the thing I am struggling with is that I don't know that I am a good enough coach to make up for our lack of talent. What do I need to do to become a better coach. I feel like I've got the kids motivated to work hard and they did this past year and they are still working hard but I feel like, "now what?"
|
|
|
|
Post by rideanddecide on Nov 5, 2008 8:30:21 GMT -6
Look at all your games from last year and try to pick up how teams beat you. Did you have an answer? Do you have an answer now?
If not, find a coach that runs your systems and sit down with him. Ask him how he would attack/adjust to the things you saw. Ask him what drills he runs to work the techniques necessary for success, how does he organize his practices.
Learn from the best.
|
|
sbv
Sophomore Member
Posts: 171
|
Post by sbv on Nov 5, 2008 8:47:28 GMT -6
Bear, thanks for the advice. I'll definitely do that.
|
|
sbv
Sophomore Member
Posts: 171
|
Post by sbv on Nov 5, 2008 9:25:19 GMT -6
Alright DC, I get you. Fight like a dog backed into a corner. I think you just helped me realize one of my problems, I'm worried too much about what may happen in the future and I need to keep my focus on what is going on right now. I've been worried that if I couldn't turn the corner here quickly, that is just piling on more Ls on the career record that will follow me everywhere not to mention if I get fired because of it, how that would look. I suppose I need to be more live in the now, and now worry about what may happen just know that I did what I could why I've got the chance.
As far as the "I don't know if I'm a good enough coach to get them over the hump" what I meant was that I don't know what else I could have done to get them to have a better chance of winning. I don't mean to sound like I am whinning, I was just looking for ideas on how to get better. I like beardc's post about going through each game, figuring out why they beat us at specific things and talking to another staff on what they would do to counter act it.
|
|
sbv
Sophomore Member
Posts: 171
|
Post by sbv on Nov 5, 2008 10:42:37 GMT -6
Good post DC.
|
|
