Is there a specific cause for the firing of professional sports coaches?
Near the end of every professional sports season, there are typically a group of coaches to get fired from their position. This year in the NFL, the group of head coaches being let go is headlined by Ben McAdoo, formerly of the New York Giants. Being in New York, coach McAdoo and the organization is under a microscope 24/7. I attribute this demise largely due to the lack of leadership. In this week’s #CJJblog I take a deeper look into the reasoning behind Coach McAdoo’s firing and how it could have been avoided. Enjoy.
- Lost control. Getting off to an 0-4 start is not ideal, but coupled with suspensions and losing the support of the locker room is disastrous. The team (and McAdoo) was doomed as soon as there were actions taken to establish power.
- Called out Eli. During the disappointing 0-4 start, Coach McAdoo made some comments that placed a lot of the blame on likely future Hall of Fame quarterback, Eli Manning. This showed his lack of ability to criticize in private and praise in public. Do you think he should have taken ownership of the slow start?
- Never took blame. It seemed as though every time something went wrong, the head coach was the one pointing the finger. As a leader, it is crucial to step up and take responsibility for the losses and distribute praise to others during the good times.
- Coach McAdoo made the final mistake in benching Eli a few weeks ago in favor of Geno Smith. At that point, it appeared as just another power move to establish control. Do you think this showed desperation?
- Lost the culture. As a head coach, it’s extremely important to maintain a positive culture in the locker room. Even during rough times, it is their job to motivate and inspire. How do you think Coach McAdoo managed the Giants’ culture this season?
Did You Know? Coach Jim Johnson and J-Mac had another speaking engagement with a local high school in Rochester, NY at McQuaid Jesuit High School as they delivered a talk on leadership to the boys varsity basketball team.
Life Tip #50: When you get up in the morning, look in the mirror and say “I am responsible.”
Deckard & Company