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Post by FlexboneOne on Jan 25, 2008 17:56:11 GMT -6
I need your collective help on this one guys;
Here is the sitrep: Small program...football has only been played there for 5 seasons. HC's contract was not renewed at the latest board meeting. Said HC was with the program for the last 3 years. Program won 3 games this year (most in history) and qualified for the playoffs,but got trounced in the first round. HC was not a teacher and was very buddy-buddy with the kids (among other things, but that is not important)
At the board meeting, kids were stating that they would not play football next year if the HC was not brought back.
I was not affiliated with the program, but started working at the school a month ago. I have since spoken with the AD about things, and to make a long story short, I have a pretty good shot at getting the gig.
My question is then in 2 parts: 1. If given the job, how would you handle the kids that have stated that they would not play. Keep in mind that this is the smallest classification in the state, so losing any kids is very tough.
2. I would tend to think that the interview board would ask a question that has you explain #1...what do you think?
Thanks in advance for your input
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Post by knighter on Jan 25, 2008 18:30:31 GMT -6
Sell yourself, and the direction of the program to the kids. Get them to buy into the vision you have. Let them know how proud you are to be able to pick up the program that is headed in the right direction, and help to make it all that it can be. They have a good start, and you want to help them continue to climb.
SELL, SELL, SELL!!!!!!
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Post by wildcat on Jan 25, 2008 18:45:36 GMT -6
Here's the long and short of it...the vast majority of the kids who are saying that they won't play for anyone but the old HC are bluffing (even though they don't know it ;D)...when it becomes OBVIOUS that the old guy is out and you (or whoever the new guy is) is in, the kids WILL come around.
The ONLY reason that it is an issue now is because the firing hasn't been "official" yet (in terms of the board approving the decision to not rehire that guy). As soon as it becomes "official", the kids will realize that refusing to play is only hurting them and they will be there for you (or whoever the new guy is).
Good luck. Keep us posted!
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gac8666
Sophomore Member
"Living in obscurity" Denver Broncos Offensive Line
Posts: 215
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Post by gac8666 on Jan 25, 2008 19:48:11 GMT -6
My first move would be to pump up the former coach and say how much you liked him and how much he was a great coach to get those kids who say there not going to play on your side. Then I would sell to them your philiopshy as a coach, be upfront, forward and commited... but still be able to relate to the kids so you dont loose them from the start.
Good luck Coach.
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Post by FlexboneOne on Jan 26, 2008 14:07:51 GMT -6
My first move would be to pump up the former coach and say how much you liked him and how much he was a great coach to get those kids who say there not going to play on your side. Then I would sell to them your philiopshy as a coach, be upfront, forward and commited... but still be able to relate to the kids so you dont loose them from the start. Good luck Coach. The only problem that I would have with this is that the administration want to completely move away from the former HC and his philosophies. If I were to pump up the former coach to the students, I know that will get back to the admin..that kind of thing always does. But I do see your point. This is a fine edge to have to walk |
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Post by coachd5085 on Jan 26, 2008 14:24:21 GMT -6
maybe don't pump up the former coach (especially if it is a lie) BUT...you can applaud the kids for their loyalty, and tell them with time you will earn that same loyalty too.
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Post by phantom on Jan 26, 2008 15:21:44 GMT -6
I need your collective help on this one guys; Here is the sitrep: Small program...football has only been played there for 5 seasons. HC's contract was not renewed at the latest board meeting. Said HC was with the program for the last 3 years. Program won 3 games this year (most in history) and qualified for the playoffs,but got trounced in the first round. HC was not a teacher and was very buddy-buddy with the kids (among other things, but that is not important) At the board meeting, kids were stating that they would not play football next year if the HC was not brought back. I was not affiliated with the program, but started working at the school a month ago. I have since spoken with the AD about things, and to make a long story short, I have a pretty good shot at getting the gig. My question is then in 2 parts: 1. If given the job, how would you handle the kids that have stated that they would not play. Keep in mind that this is the smallest classification in the state, so losing any kids is very tough. 2. I would tend to think that the interview board would ask a question that has you explain #1...what do you think? Thanks in advance for your input Treat them the same as you would under normal circumstances. Talk to all of the players. Talk to them as you would if this situation hadn't arisen. It has nothing to do with you. You didn't fire the guy. If they come out-and I agree that most will- fine. If not, oh well. You're building a program not just trying to win year to year. |
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Post by fbdoc on Jan 26, 2008 15:52:40 GMT -6
Some very good advice in the previous posts. Here is my take on it. Let the kids know that even though THEY may not have chosen you, YOU have chosen them! You are excited about being asked to lead the team in the next chapter - you appreciate the hard work and dedication that the players have already shown - and that you very much want to coach them. Don't even allude to players not wanting to play or anything that will take the focus off of you wanting to coach them and the team continuing on. It IS about selling yourself and your vision, so the kid BUY into it.
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Post by touchdowng on Jan 26, 2008 22:04:59 GMT -6
I would respectfully disagree with gac8666
Unless you honestly felt great about the former HC, I wouldn't say what a great guy he was. The less you bring him up the sooner the kids will move forward. Just be authentic in your approach. Kids will know if you're blowing smoke.
I'd begin talking about how great the program will be and how unfortunate it will be if some of them aren't part of it. But there will be a game 1 next year and a game 2 and so on.
Maybe say that the former HC helped lay a solid foundation and it's too bad he can't be around to reap the rewards but it is time to move on because that's life.
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Post by coachorr on Jan 26, 2008 22:07:24 GMT -6
I would have hard time as a submarine artist. Wait for the paint to dry then step in.
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