15 Best Books for Coaches

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."
John Wooden

In a previous post, I talked about some of the best books for leaders, whether you are a coach or not.  Today, I will recommend the books that will help a coach in nearly any sport at any level.  A couple of the books may seem sport specific, but contain information and insight that can help you regardless of what you coach.  Even if you are not an avid reader, flip through some of these books and steal one or two ideas to implement with your teams or to strengthen your coaching philosophy.  These are 15 books that are different than my list for leaders.  However, I would definitely suggest looking at those books as well.

1. "A Season on the Brink"  (John Feinstein)
2. "The Bowden Way: 50 Years of Leadership Wisdom"  (Bobby Bowden)
3. "Coaching Team Basketball" (Tom Crean)
4. "The Men of March:  A Season Inside the Lives of College Basketball Coaches"  (Brian Curtis)
5. "Runnin' the Show:  Basketball Leadership for Coaches and Players"  (Dick DeVenzio)
6. "Catch Them Being Good"  (Tony DiCicco & Colleen Hacker)
7. "Education of a Coach" (David Halberstam)
8. "Sacred Hoops:  Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior"  (Phil Jackson)
9. "Inside Women's College Basketball:  The Anatomy of a Season"  (Richard Kent)
10. "Five Point Play"  (Mike Krzyzewski)
11. "The Winner Within"  (Pat Riley)
12. "How Good Do You Want to Be"  (Nick Saban)
13. "Raise the Roof"  (Pat Summitt) 
14. "They Call Me Coach"  (John Wooden)
15. "Practical Modern Basketball"  (John Wooden)

Are You Growing?

“Do or do not...there is no try” the Jedi Master, Yoda, said to the young Luke Skywalker. I was a youngster when The Empire Strikes Back was in theaters. I loved that line then and I love it today. It can be used in a variety of settings.  However, as I have been thinking about leadership the last few weeks, it has become apparent that some of us get stagnant and don’t really commit to growth as leaders. We say we’ll try, but we don’t really.

I recently gave a copy of a leadership book by Doug Dickerson “Leaders Without Borders” to my boss. He is quite busy , yet he read the book within the next week. He didn’t even say he’d “try”...if said that he’d read it on his next trip while he was flying. If we have committed to being leaders then that is a lifelong commitment that requires lifelong learning. Because I read a John Maxwell book years ago or earned a leadership award or received a promotion does not mean I am growing as a leader. You never arrive as a leader. Fortunately, we do not have to reinvent the wheel. Leadership growth, leadership models and leadership examples exist nearly everywhere we look. You may have role models. You might have a mentor. You may just soak in the readings, videos, and seminars of those that can provide insights. Regardless, I encourage you to avoid complacency and instead, latch on a lifelong habit of continual learning. Do you care enough to grow today...tomorrow...and in the future?

This article was written for the April 2011 issue of "THE ENCOURAGING LEADER".  To see more issues of the newsletter, go to www.U-Leadership.com. 

Greener Grass?

In his book WINNING EVERY DAY, the former Notre Dame football coach, Lou Holtz, tells the story of the Trappist monk who was allowed to say only two words every three years. After the first three years, he met with the his order’s Brother Superior and  said, “Bad bed!” 3 years later, he came back to say, “Bad food!” After 3 more years of silence, the monk said, “No TV!” Another 3 years passed. This time, when the monk met with Brother Superior, he handed him his robes and sandals and announced, “I quit!” Brother Superior said, “Well don’t expect me to try to dissuade you. You’ve done nothing but complain since you got here!”

Complaints, excuses, envy, ambition...we’ve all been there.  Unless you are in a perfect place (which would make you an Angel), the grass may appear to be greener on the other side of the fence. The truth is that every job, every person, every situation has some flaws.  Until you own your circumstances, you will never truly maximize the potential of your situation.

Coach Holtz repeatedly has commented, “Make the big-time where you are at.”  Your job isn’t as good as another?  Your department doesn’t have what another has?  Your budget is too low?  Maybe you should start watering the grass on your side of the fence a little bit more.

Success and happiness are not always about resources but rather being resourceful. Andy Carter,  my athletic director when I was at Newberry College,  used to say “If it was easy we wouldn’t need you.” If you complain too much or make too many excuses, then you are indirectly saying that you are not the man for the job.

The late, great UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden, used to say, “Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do”.  Yes, he had all-time greats Bill Walton and Lew Alcindor.  However, one year he also had the shortest team to ever win a NCAA basketball title.  He was forced to find a way to win without height, thus bringing the game of basketball the 2-2-1 full-court trapping defense.

As Albert Einstein used to say, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” You are in your position for a reason.  Own your situation.  Make it perfect for you.  How will you take advantage of your opportunities?  How will you make your grass greener?  Each of us has a water hose...the question is “will we use it”?

What's Important to You?

In light of the recent Bobby Petrino debacle at the University of Arkansas, I thought it would be appropriate to reprint an article I wrote for the May 2011 issue of THE ENCOURAGING LEADER.

As an avid Michigan football fan, I appreciate the following story.  An Ohio State student and U of M student were taking a graduate school entrance exam.  Afterward, the proctor called both of them into an office and proceeded to tell them that they both missed only one question on the test, but that the Michigan student was receiving an “A” and the OSU student would fail.  When prompted, the proctor replied that the UM student had answered “I don’t know” for one of the questions.  Ironically, that was the same question the OSU student missed.  Except the OSU student answered “I don’t know either”.  Lately, it hasn’t pained me to see Ohio State football in the news for apparently violating NCAA rules. But, I can appreciate Jim Tressel’s success as a coach.  He seemed to be a class leader that did things the right way.   Is Jim Tressel a cheater?  Is he a bad person?  I don’t know for sure.  However, I can say that it appears his moral compass was off, at least for a moment.
Unfortunately, Jim Tressel is but one name among many that are flooding the headlines today.  Heisman Trophy winner, Cam Newton...former UT basketball coach, Bruce Pearl...USC football and Reggie Bush…former UT football coach Lane Kiffin...to name a few.  It is easy to say that we wouldn’t cut corners or play in the gray area, but the win at all costs mentality or the quest for “success” leads people to do strange things.  Integrity is what each of us has that we can control.  We may not be faced with the pressure of trying to win a national championship or keep our jobs amidst booster pressure.  However, each of us will face choices each day that determines our character.  How do you treat those that can’t “help” you advance your career?  How do you handle your organization’s petty cash?  Those and many other questions can determine your ethical  standing.  Five years from now...25 years...50 years...100 years...what will be more important, climbing the success ladder or changing lives for the better?  Our choices define us.  What kind of legacy or impact will you leave with those around you?

Another Leader "Crashes"

Joe Paterno, Jim Tressell, Bruce Pearl, the list goes on and on.  You can now add former University of Arkansas head football coach to the list of great coaches...great leaders, that fell short of their obligations as individuals of character.  As leaders of young men (or women), it is imperative that a coach abide by higher standards.  Character and integrity do go hand in hand with what a college (or high school) coach's expectations should be.  At these levels, a coach is expected to help develop character in their players.  It is a difficult task, made nearly impossible if a coach doesn't model an acceptable behavior themselves.
  Bobby Petrino crashed his motorcycle while he was with his mistress.  Obviously, this is a moral dilemma itself.  However, what cost Coach Petrino his job was his lying to superiors, the public and co-workers, while engaging in questionable ethical behaviors in regards to the hiring of this young woman to his staff, as well as other documented issues.  The bottom line is that we can forgive improper actions as long as their is some sincerity and repentance.  What is difficult to forgive and near impossible to further allow are actions that flaunt and mock the very characteristics that we deem important for student-athletes.  Honesty, integrity, and taking full responsibility for your actions regardless of the consequences never go out of style.  These characteristics help you as a leader and they also allow you to pick yourself up after a crash.  Below are some interesting articles with different perspectives on the recent Bobby Petrino situation.

According to Randy Smith, Petrino should have learned from Bruce Pearl. Jeff Long, the Arkansas A.D. gave Petrino numerous chances to come clean and take responsibility for actions and disclose the full truth of the incident.

Petrino betrayed his players by acting like one, according to CBSsports.com's Dennis Dodd.

Eric Alderson from YahooSports.com says that Arkansas A.D., Jeff Long, reminded us that the University is there to raise standards, not to ignore them.

Bobby Petrino has lied to his superiors time and time again. His latest scandal left A.D. Jeff Long with only one option, writes Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com

Gregg Doyel of CBSsports.com thinks that this whole Petrino situation will eventually cost Jeff Long his job.

Tim Keown of ESPN.com writes that firing Petrino was the right decision when Arkansas was faced with choosing between winning at any cost or firing a dishonest Petrino. 

In a light-hearted play on words, Steve Greenberg of The Sporting News says that "Karma is a Ditch" after the man that ditched a number of former players and employers ends up in a ditch.

Defense Wins Championships

All of us sports fans have heard it said that "Defense Wins Championships".  Though that axiom has a lot of legitimacy, it is hard to say whether it is 100% true.  Lots of things go into winning a championship. However, I must say that this year, it seemed that I noticed more winning coaches praising their team's defensive efforts as the main reason for their success.  This has gotten me to thinking about my team and whether or not we should emphasize defense even more next year. It probably can't hurt. Regardless, here are some of the examples that I am talking about when it comes to defense helping a team win a basketball championship.

Rob Edmisson, coach of the NAIA championship Oklahoma City University women's team, said "We defended so well, especially on their All-American (Lavanda Ross). We held her (Ross) to very few looks and really made it tough for her to be effective. Defense wins championships, we say that all the time and it proved itself tonight."

Rick Pitino may not have won a championship, but he did lead his unsung Louisville Cardinals to the NCAA's Final Four before bowing out to the eventual champions.  His team made a tourney run with, arguably, the best defense in the nation.

Kentucky's John Calipari obviously had the most talented team all year.  They were balanced on offense, exciting in transition and have futures at the next level.  However, in the biggest game on the biggest stage, they brought a suffocating defense.  "They won it on defense,'' said Calipari. "Unbelievable defense to get that 18-point lead in the first half."

Brittney Griner, the national defensive player of the year, was undoubtedly the most dominating force in women's basketball all year.  At 6'8", she seems to impact every possession of a game.  Combine this with her teammate's defensive tenacity and it is understandable how Baylor University and coach Kim Mulkey were able to take care of some unfinished business and win its' second National Championship this year.

James Justice Wins College Slam Dunk Championship

Congratulations to James Justice, the 5'9 All-American guard from Martin Methodist College, for winning the 2012 State Farm College Slam Dunk Contest.  He beat out seven NCAA Division I players, including Miles Plumlee from Duke University.  If you didn't see it on ESPN, then I highly recommend it.  If nothing else, seeing the judges (including Bobby Hurley and John Salley) react after James' last dunk is priceless.  Here is the footage (courtesy of SBnation.com).

http://www.sbnation.com/2012-ncaa-tournament/2012/3/29/2913006/ncaa-slam-dunk-contest-highlights-gifs-final-four

15 Best Books for Leaders

"I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday."

ABE LINCOLN

As a basketball coach, I have a tremendous opportunity to lead and influence people every day.  Certainly leadership involves a great many things, however, I have found that constantly learning and re-learning methods, strategies, and insights gives me a better chance to lead in a positive manner.  Reading books is one of the key resources that I utilize in trying to sharpen my leadership skills.  Every once in awhile, I'll even read a book again because it was so good.  Below are some of the books that I'd recommend highly for anyone seeking to be a better leader. These are not necessarily coaching books, but a variety of books that hit upon a number of key leadership areas. With summer fast approaching, maybe go to your local library or go online and get a copy of any of these books that you haven't read.  You won't be disappointed with the valuable insights in these books.

 

1. "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (Dale Carnegie) 
2. "Good to Great"  (Jim Collins) 
3. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"  (Stephen Covey)    

4. "Leadership Is An Art"  (Max De Pree)

5. "Leadership"   (Rudolph Giuliani)

6. "The Leadership Lessons of Colin Powell"  (Oren Harari) 
7. "War Room: The Legacy of Bill Belichick & the Art of Building the Perfect Team" (Michael Holley)
8.  "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln"   (Doris Kearns Goodwin)
9.  "Leading with the Heart"   (Mike Krzyzewski) 
10. "Reach for the Summit"   (Sally Jenkins)
11. "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty"   (Harvey Mackay) 

12. "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership"  (John Maxwell)
13. "Joe Torre's Ground Rules for Winners"  (Joe Torre)
14. "The Paradox of Power"  (Pat Williams)

15. "It's Called WORK For A Reason"   (Larry Winget)

Wish List for Coaches (hint, hint...wink, wink)

If administrators knew...what most coaches would like.

1. Job Security
2. Support (especially when it comes to ungrateful or delusional parents and players)
3. Stable Assistant Coaching Situation
4. Plenty of Heads up when important things change (scholarships, budget, etc...)
5. Incentives as a head coach.  Yes, we are getting paid to do many different things. 
6. No Fund-Raising
7. 
   

Mistakes Coaches Make in the Job Search Process

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1. Bad Boy Scout
2. No Questions
3. Negativity
4. Job Ownership
5. Bad Fit
6. Rushed Decision-Making
7. Ignoring Red Flags
8. Presentation
9. Assumptions
10. Overconfidence

Mistakes Some Administrators Make During Coaching Job Searches

Having been quite the student of the job searches of coaches and having gone through a number of job searches myself, I have discovered some things that are done during the processes that are not the most optimal behaviors.  There is not a perfect method to hiring coaches.  Every athletic director, search committee or university administrator has a different perspective on what is needed for the job.  It is always amazing to me when the search process leads to weird behaviors among those that are charged with leading the program further.  Below are some of my observations (right or wrong) throughout the years.

1. Checking only references provided by the applicant.  Unless, the applicant expressly asks that you not contact their current employers, why would you not do that?  First of all, shouldn't you want to know all you can about the candidate?  Secondly, isn't it common courtesy to ask for permission or inform the other school that you are interviewing one of their coaches.  By the way, shame on those administrators that get mad at their coaches for applying for a job without telling them but then end up hiring someone away from a job without informing the other school.
2. Hiring the "latest, greatest up-and-comer".  True, the coach that seems to have all of the momentum just may keep that momentum going into your job.  However, there is also the very real possibility that *******************
3. Lazy Questioning During Interview
4. Settling and Compromising
5. Not Including the Family
6. Not Including the Current Staff
7. Handshake Agreements or Day-to-Day Contracts
8. Silly Comments
9. Knee Jerk Reactions
10. Rushed or Hurried Interview Process
11. Not Being Prepared.  Short list.
12. Lack of True Direction
13. Bad Fit
14. On-the-Job Training
15.  

Championship Lessons Learned at NAIA National Tournament

From March 10-20, I spent time serving on the NAIA National Tournament Committee.  It was a bittersweet experience.  Meeting all the coaches, watching all the games, observing many practices and helping the tournament run smoothly was great.  However, it was difficult watching the teams play knowing that we had been fairly close to qualifying ourselves.  If only we'd won 1-2 more games, we might have been one of the 32-teams that earned a bid.  I must say that Rob Edmission's Oklahoma City University team was extremely impressive throughout the entire tournament.  They beat Union University in the championship game, which is no small feat.  As I watched the games and thought about how to get my team to the tournament, I came up with some observations. In no particular order, I have listed them below.  

1. "Want to" is not the same as "committed to".  Everyone wants to win, but these teams were committed to winning.  They were committed to the process.  They were willing to do extra.  They invested a great deal into achieving their goals.
2. Your roster, talent or "potential" are not as important as the way you actually play.
3. You have to have a point guard that is legit.
4. Whether you have a team of stars or a star with special role players, they must be the hardest workers. The Final Four teams were some of the hardest working teams I have seen.  Prima-donnas and entitled players don't work at the national tournament.
5. You can't let distractions sidetrack you. Coach yelling at you...not getting enough shots...don't like playing at 8:30am.  Doesn't matter. Dysfunction doesn't work.  Drama doesn't win.  Distractions are not acceptable.
6. Many of the same teams go to nationals. It is not always because of politics. Rather, I think it has to do with culture. Those teams have a culture of winning. It permeates what they do year in and year out. They expect to win but they don't take it for granted. The go out and earn what they get.
7. All-Americans are legit. I saw talented players not named First-Team All-American. However, the players that were on the First-Team were very deserving. They impacted the games they were in. They earned what they got. They were not just talented, but they played like they were the best. They made a difference on nearly every play.
8. There is a fine line between winning and losing at the national tournament. Upsets are likely. Unlike the "Big Dance", there are only 32 teams in the NAIA tourney. 25 ranked teams and then 7 others. That means there are very few gimmees, if any. One bracket saw the 5-8 seeds beat the 1-4 seeds. Outside of the best two teams (Union and Oklahoma City), there was very little differences.
9. Scoring is important, but you NEED a strong defense to win. Defenses were varied, but no team with only an offense made it very far in the tournament. In fact, one of the #1 seeds (Freed Hardeman) had one of the top defenses in the nation coming into the tourney. For some reason, their defense (and their rebounding) was not in attendance in their first round double-overtime upset loss.
10. Pressure defense and trapping are very effective (even against skilled offensive players) provided, the players work hard, don't foul, are athletic and rotate quickly and effectively.

DON'T BE A TWIT ... twitter rules to live by

I am fairly new to the world of social media, especially twitter.  I have an account and have composed some tweets.  However, don't expect me to twit anyone back.  I also just learned in the last week that "dm" isn't short for "you da man".  "Direct Message" makes more sense. I kind of thought that it was strange when people would keep asking me to "dm" them.  Okay, whatever dawg...u da man!  Anyway, I believe the twitter universe is here for the long haul and I must get used to it.  More importantly, my players have embraced it so I guess I need to learn a little something about it.  I came across two great articles about tweeting.  The first is "100 Twitter Rules To Live By", which was written by Darren Rovell (a sports business expert for CNBC).   The second "50 Twitter Tips for Division I Student Athletes" was written by Tom Satkowiak, who works in the athletic media relations off at the University of Tennessee, is a good read for anyone but especially college athletes.  Some of my favorites are:

• Twitter has not made texting obsolete.  I hate reading messages to others that are just specific to them.  Text them, call them, or lean over 4 feet and just talk to them. 
• Before hitting send, ask yourself if you would be comfortable with the message if your mom, pastor or grandma read it.  At this rate, no one will be qualified to run for president in 20 years, as everyone will have tweeted too many things they are ashamed of.
• Don't shirk responsibility for what you tweet just because it didn't originate with you...so what!?!
• If you would delete the tweet a few days later, if you could, then don't tweet it to begin with.
• Don't air dirty laundry.
• Like anything else, enjoy it responsibly.

March Madness Brackets

Let the Madness begin!  The brackets were revealed yesterday, which means today was not a good day for "going green".  How many trees we are responsible for killing is probably a number that will never be known.  However, if you are like me, you'll be printing out a bunch of different brackets.  You'll have your 'upset' bracket, your 'favorites' bracket, your 'pick with the head' bracket, your 'pick with your heart' bracket, your 'mascot' bracket, your 'school colors' bracket, and finally your 'bracket of integrity', which is never the one that wins the office pool.  Keith Lipscomb, a college buddy of mine, is an editor for ESPN Fantasy Games.  He just released an article on ESPN.com that is the ultimate in getting information for filling out your bracket and giving you the best chance to beat out your wife and her crazy picks! Click on the link below for all the information you need.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/page/tcmen12trends/2012-men-ncaa-tournament-bracket-trends-consider-making-picks-field-68

The "I GOT FIRED" Club

Springtime.  March Madness.  What a great time of the year.  The flowers are blooming, the weather is nicer, yard sale signs are going up and basketball tournaments are providing us with great excitement.  However, it is also a difficult time of the year for some folks in the coaching profession.  The internet is beginning to be littered with stories and rumors of coaches being fired or getting "resigned".  As fans of basketball, this is natural and expected.  Our team isn't performing like we want them to be and so we want change.  For coaches everywhere, this is also a normal occurrence, though not one that we want our friends and acquaintances to go through.  And by all means, we don't want to go through it ourselves.  It is said that coaches are hired to be fired.  If you are a coach and haven't been fired (or had your contract renewed, or asked to resign, or been re-assigned, etc...) then you are either a relatively young coach or one of the very few fortunate ones.  Notice, I didn't say that you are one of the good coaches.  Bad coaches get fired.  Average coaches get fired.  Good coaches get fired.  Men get fired.  Women get fired.  Alums get fired.  Coach of the Year winners get fired.  No one is immune to this phenomenon.  Sometimes we see it coming; other times it blindsides us.  As a member of one of the biggest clubs around, I wanted to make mention of a couple of things you should keep in mind if you should find yourself joining (or getting your membership renewed in) The "I was fired" Club.  

1.  Proper Attitude--The old Charles Swindoll quote, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it" is true.  Getting rejected (i.e. fired) stinks.  However, you can choose how you react to it.  Have class.  Stay focused on what you need to do...just like you do in games during that 14-2 run the opponent just put on you.

2.  Don't Burn Bridges--You never know when you'll need a good reference, help with another job, or something else.  Burning bridges rarely helps.  It might make you feel good at that instant but it is not a long-term solution.  

3.  Improve--You obviously were not the right person for the job, anymore, according to somebody with power.  Does that mean you are a bad coach or did something blatantly wrong?  No.  However, you will want to take stock of what you did (or didn't do) and try to improve upon it.  We tend to be stubborn or defensive in these situations, but that doesn't help us in the next situation.  Just like that 5-point game that you lost, where your star went 2/17 from the field and your point guard had two crucial turnovers down the stretch; you still pour over the film analyzing your decisions (when you called or should of called timeout, who/when you substituted, what plays you called, etc...).  Even though you may not have been able to avoid the loss, you still try to find an edge to help you next time.  Same thing with losing a job.

4.  Be a Blessing--Many people don't want to listen to how you got the shaft or were wronged or what your problems are time and time again.  They have their own problems.  However, think of how refreshing it would be to be out with friends and to talk with them about their life?  To ask about their issues, their families, their hopes and dreams?  Most of us want to talk about our selves and the predicament that we now find ourselves in.  Turn it around and be an encourager to others.  Be an inspiration. Wouldn't it be great if someone said this about us... "Wow, so and so really is staying positive after what happened to her.  I know I'd be ticked.  I wish I could have that attitude.  But I guess if she can be positive, then my problems are not so big after all."  

5.  Bad Things Happen to Good People--This doesn't mean it is easy or fun, but you can move on from this (sometimes to bigger and better things). Harvey MacKay, in his book "We Got Fired!...And It's the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Us". mentions so many examples of people getting fired and making better things come of it (Lou Holtz, Larry King, Bill Belichick, Joe Torre, Michael Bloomburg, just to name a few).  If you get fired, you are not a loser.  It is not the end of the road.  It is just the beginning of a new adventure.  Don't dwell on the bad stuff or think you are worthless.  See where this new road takes you.

6.  Public Relations--You may or may not be able to control the news of your firing.  It depends on a number of factors.  Try to keep a clear mind and a long-term perspective on this short-term problem.  Much like the bridge burning issue, in the age of social media, internet and "small-world" networking, a mistake in handling your dismissal could limit your future opportunities.  Just like you can't get rattled in a game and say things to players that you will later regret, you don't want to say or do things publicly that you'll regret.  How will the school's website handle the decision?  What will your administrators say about you? Will you be able to address the media?  Will you be able to address the team?  How will the dismissal be worded or presented to the public?  These are all questions to think about.

7.  Maintain Integrity--This can relate to the public relations issue, at times.  Not everyone needs to know every detail of your dismissal.  However, you don't want to get into a such a vicious cycle of spin that you are telling five different versions depending upon who you are talking to.  That can catch up to you eventually.  The old adage of "If you tell the truth, then you never have to remember what you told someone" is often true.  Honesty is normally the best policy, though it still is important to have some wisdom and discernment.   

8.  Be Prepared--Think about questions people might ask or situations that might come up and know how to address them.  A fan might not like the fact that New England hired Bill Belichick after his Cleveland Browns debacle.  However, the Patriots management liked his answers to what he learned with the Browns and how that experience would benefit the Patriots in the future.  You can do the same.  Just like you are always taught in interviews to turn "your weaknesses" into a positive, do the same with your dismissal.

9.  Be Picky but not a Job Snob--It is important that you bounce back in a positive manner.  Your next job can be crucial for your future.  It is important not to settle and take any old job that comes your way (depending upon your family's financial situation, of course).  You want to be picky and make sure that it is the right situation for you.  However, don't be a job snob.  You may be a great coach.  You may have a lot to offer an institution and its' student-athletes.  However, the job market is difficult.  Not everyone may see your talents or be the one to give you a second-chance.  Don't be afraid to take an assistant's job with a good program and get a little mojo back.  Don't be afraid to take that DII job or that mid-major DI job. Coaching is coaching....though the pay, prestige and pressure may vary.

When I was fired, a coaching mentor of mine (Ed Schilling) sent me a book entitled "God Meant it for Good" by R.T. Kendall.  It talks about Joseph from the Bible and all the junk he went through that wasn't his fault and how he rose above the circumstances to be a blessing to so many.  I would also recommend this book to those that have experienced a dismissal.

By the way, if you are not yet a member of the "I Got Fired" club, then file these thoughts away or keep them in mind to help out a colleague.  Also, pick up a copy of Harvey McKay's outstanding book "Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty".  One of the best books ever on building a true network of friends/contacts that can be a blessing to you when you enter the hallowed grounds of THE CLUB.

Best Basketball Coaches Not on TV

Union's Mark Campbell, winner of 4 NAIA National Championships and 89% of his games in 13 years as coach

A recent blog posting by Helen Wheelock got me thinking about coaching job searches and who administrators hire.  Seems like most of the talk always centers around the DI coaches, especially the “up-and-comers”.  I do not profess to know exactly what makes a good coach in all situations.  Good coaches in a bad situation can lead to struggles and failures, whereas unproven coaches (i.e. assistants) in good situations can lead to success and excitement.  I decided to put together a list of some of the best coaches I know.  These coaches are not necessarily up-and-comers.  They are just individuals that know what they are doing and have proven they can get the job done.  Isn’t that what is important for an A.D. anyway?  Coaching X’s and O’s are pretty much a common language across the divisions. 
In fact, often at the lower levels, a coach needs to be even more diverse and versatile in their coaching strategies because they are not always able to hand pick the exact team that they’d like to have each year like their Division I counterparts.  In terms of recruiting, it all is a game of salesmanship.  What is the product that you are selling, how much do you believe in the product and how will you best sell it.  For a small college coach, there are numerous obstacles (cost, lack of name recognition and branding, less gear, less television exposure, etc…).  Small college coaches are like the paper salespeople in the hit TV show “The Office” when going up against Office Depot and Staples…they have to be creative, persistent, and truly believe in what they are doing.  I would suggest that small college coaches can coach at the DI level successfully.  A lack of DI experience by the head coach can be made up by a competent staff that does have some DI experience.  So, without further a due, here are some of the best coaches that I know (I’ve been around a lot of places over the years and have met some great coaches that aren’t on this list…that doesn’t mean they can’t coach or that I think less of them, I’ve just limited it to those that come to mind right away).

MATT BOLLANT (UW-Green Bay) – Doesn’t really fit this category anymore because he is the head coach at UW-Green Bay.  However, five years ago, he was an NAIA head coach at Bryan College.   I just wanted to mention him because he is a great coach and a great recruiter.  He deserved to get a good Division I job.  He has not disappointed as he led the Phoenix to the Sweet-16 last year and this year is primed to experience similar success. I personally believe that he didn’t get the Wisconsin job this past spring because they wanted to go with a more glamorous assistant and not with a proven winner.  At the time, he said that he wasn’t too disappointed because his Horizon League team was actually better than the in-state Big Ten team.  Then all he did this year was go out and whoop Wisconsin...oops.

MARK CAMPBELL (Union University) – His numbers are so extravagant that you would think they are a typo…In 13 seasons as a head coach, he has won 4 NAIA National Championships, won 89% of his games, won 35 games in a season six times, held the #1 NAIA ranking for 48 straight polls (2006-2011) and been WBCA coach of the year twice.  As a coach in Mark’s conference, all I heard this year was that this was a down year for Union.  That was true, they only went 31-2, averaged 71 ppg and were #2 nationally.  As crazy as these numbers are, he is a great guy.  He and his wife have adopted a child from India which is quite an unselfish act.  He wants to win as much as the next guy but he truly wants to do it the right way and has a good perspective on things.

ROBIN HAGEN-SMITH (Shawnee State) – I don’t know her personally but everybody I have ever talked to about her has good things to say about her character and her coaching ability.  When I attended the 2011 NAIA National Tournament, everywhere I went, it seemed that people couldn’t say enough about her coaching abilities when she led Shawnee State to the Final Four in a Cinderella run.  This year, she has her team back in the Top-10 going into the national tournament.

CRAIG JACKSON (Montreat College) – Former University of Pacific head coach was a nemesis of mine for three years when I was at Bryan College.  He absolutely knows his basketball.  He is always prepared.  He took a Montreat program that had very little institutional support, scholarship money or tradition and he has turned it around.  They have been ranked the last few years and has had a number of 20-win seasons.  That is not easy to do at Montreat College.

RUSTY KENNEDY (Our Lady of the Lakes) – Nobody I know has done more with less than Rusty.  He has found ways to win games at many different institutions where others have failed.  He is not polished like most coaches.  He doesn’t fit your stereotypical image of a big-time coach but the man can coach.  He isn’t necessarily a “player’s coach” but his players seem to love him.  The comparison that comes to mind is Bob Huggins but with less baggage and controversy.  He just won the Red River Conference Tournament and is finally rewarded with his first trip to the national tournament.  He is very deserving.

CHRIS KIELSMEIER (Wayne State University) – I coached against him for 4 years when I was in Texas.  He finally won a NCAA-III National Championship during the 2007-08 season and then got rewarded with a DII job.  He has made that program something special.  They are now a consistent resident in the Top-25 polls.  He started at Iowa State for Bill Fennelly as a graduate assistant so that has helped him establishing a big-time mentality no matter where he is at.  Entering this season (his 11^th), he has a career record of 246-66.

MARTY ROWE (Lee University) – I first learned of him when he took an overachieving Brescia College team to the NAIA Final Four in the early 2000’s.  I was asked to interview to replace him when he left for Lee.  What I learned in my research convinced me that I didn’t want to be the guy to replace him at Brescia, where they were short on talent, short on funding and but high on expectations after his successful stint.  I have since become friends with him and have seen up close (practices, games, camps, clinics) how good of a coach he is.  He is also a great recruiter.  At the small college level, he’s as good as you get.  When he decides he wants a prospect, he normally gets them…even if they are a DI prospect.

Undercover Boss

What if you were a fly on the wall in the break room?  What if you were invisible and followed your subordinates around all day?  What if you were in disguise and worked side by side with your employees all day long?  Would you learn startling new revelations?  Would you like what you heard?  Would you be happy...frustrated...or sad?  There actually is a television show that sets up these scenarios in “Undercover Boss” on CBS.  I have only seen a handful of episodes as it is not one of my regular shows that I watch.  Anyway, I saw an episode last week about the C.E.O. of Rally’s/Checker’s fast food restaurants that went undercover as a new trainee at three different restaurants.  He was very adamant about having the best customer service and fastest fast food culture possible.  He felt that his company was doing well...until he got a dose of the real world of his restaurants.  Through his undercover work, he discovered that there really was unsatisfactory training procedures—both for managers and regular workers; insufficient incentive plans; outdated equipment; and underachieving stores.  He even shut one restaurant down for a whole day so that they could get trained properly because he didn’t want them going through the motions anymore.  Because of this overall experience, he saw many things that needed to be changed.  He also gave away about $75,000 to employees.  Even though he thought his company was doing the right things, he realized that he was out of touch with what was really going on.  I don’t eat at these stores and I am a die-hard Chick-Fil-A guy, but I was quite impressed with this C.E.O.’s sincerity and passion to improve his product and service even though it might be painful and costly.  Do we have all the answers?  Do we know exactly the best way to run our office...our company...our institution...in all situations?  Would we be willing to change right away if we saw something that needed to be changed or would we wait until the next fiscal year...the next semester...the next billing cycle?  If we truly want to provide the best service possible, isn’t constant evaluation and change necessary?

Fight for Justice

Men's Basketball - Fri, Feb 24, 2012

CHICAGO, Ill. - Martin Methodist's senior guard James Justice has moved on to the final four round for the "Dark Horse Dunker" competition, and Martin Methodist College needs your votes. "Dark Horse Dunker" nominees are under-the-radar players who have what it takes to compete against the D-I field in New Orleans. The winner is decided through a bracket-style voting contest on Facebook, and will compete at the NCAA Division I Final Four dunk contest held in New Orleans, Lousiana airing March 29 on ESPN at 9 pm ET.  
Sixteen dunkers have been selected to compete in the "Dark Horse Dunker" Facebook bracket which is a four-week knockout competition. Fans will determine the winner by voting during each round at the official Facebook page (http://apps.facebook.com/college_slam).   "Lil" James Justice is a 5'10" high-flyer who soars above defenders despite his small stature, and after sending a YouTube highlight video of Justice, courtesy of MMC's Guy Schafer, the senior All-American was chosen to compete for the final roster spot in the dunk contest. He has insane hops and is a threat to win any slam dunk competition. Justice is facing-off against Wichita State's David Kyles in the Championship round. To watch Justice in action and to vote for them or any of the other competitors visit (http://apps.facebook.com/college_slam). Voting ends Monday, March 5th.
 

#FightForJustice

Win the Day

As I write this, it is January 1st.  It's the first day of the new year.  This is a day of new beginnings.  It is a day that gets people thinking about change.   I went to the gym this afternoon for my normal exercise session.  There were a number of new people there that I haven't seen before.  I think this will become the new normal...at least for a month or so.  New Year's resolutions abound.  Promises are made.  Commitments are revealed.  The start of a new year is a great time to re-evaluate where you are personally and professionally.  There is no magic to a new year but the perception exists that wonderful things can be accomplished and that we have a clean slate.  It is always good to make long term plans and seek to improve our lives.  However, I think New Year's resolutions can sometimes be a little daunting.  New beginnings are great but what if our goals are rather large? 
Want to lose weight, want to save money, want to be a better person, want to get a promotion, want to quite smoking, want to get out of debt, want to enjoy life more?  All of these are great goals and are considered some of the top New Year's resolutions each year.  Commitments, planning and goals are good.  What we need a little bit more of, however, are momentary or daily wins in these areas.  Chip Kelly, the football coach at the University of Oregon (aka University of Nike), has a slogan whereby he constantly reminds his team to "Win the Day".   He talks about doing the little things throughout each day that leads to victory...victory for that day, which leads to victory for the week, which leads to victory for the month, and so on.  Worry about the stuff that you can control.  Worry about the immediate stuff.  For the Oregon Ducks, trying to win the upcoming Rose Bowl started a long time ago.  Every major victory has countless minor victories along the way that made it possible.  You want to quit smoking, then stop smoking for this hour...this afternoon...this day.  You want to get out of debt, then don't stop at the mall today.  Yes, you need to pay down the credit card debt but you need to win a little battle first.  You want to lose 20 pounds, then bypass your normal after dinner piece of pie today.  Then when tomorrow comes, do it again.  Tackle your goals or your New Year's resolutions in smaller increments.  Win the little battles and you'll eventually win the war.  Win enough days and you'll eventually be a winner.

Maternity Madness...Let the Names Begin

"I'm pregnant".  Oops!

They say communication is pretty important in a relationship.  Guess my wife and I had a little bit of a communication breakdown.  I heard my wife say that the doctor said that "pregnancy was impossible", which led to us adopting Jaylen--a future star quarterback, by the way.  The more I think about it, the more I think that I heard my wife wrong. 

51% chance of a boy.

Tabitha says that she'll let me pick four names and that she'll make the final decision.  Sounds fair to me.  Teamwork.  How will I decide what names to give her?  Then it hits me.  What is my favorite holiday of the year?  March Madness.  Brackets.  Office pools.  I'll make a 64-name bracket and whittle them down to a Final Four for my lovely wife.  She thinks it sounds fun.  The mother-in-law sings a different tune but you'll have that.  She's probably the type that picks University of Louisiana-Lafayette because they are the Rajun Cajuns or Oregon State University because Obama's brother-in-law coaches them or the Maine Black Bears because she has relatives that live up in the land of Stephen King.

What if it's a girl?  That's a stupid question.  The doctor said it was a boy...at least, that is what I heard.


What if it's a girl?  I am not even going to worry about that possibility.   Any name is fine with me but it's impossible...at least, that is what I heard.

What if it's a girl?  Call her whatever.  Just not Sparkles, Barbie or Ruby, the stage name of one of my former players.  Besides, it can't be a girl.  The doctor said so, at least that is what I heard.

Above all else, I want a name that is a strong sports name or just plain memorable without setting my son up to get beat up.  A paladrome would be nice.  I went to college with a girl named Remle Anna Elmer.  The same both ways forward and backward.  I always thought that was one of the best names ever.

It's bracket time, BABY!  Where is Dick Vitale when you need him to emphasize a pun.

The seeding:
#1--Bo'Shem (not so that he can be a great amish quilt maker, but because my last name is Bechler)
#1--Tebow (there are two types of people in this world, winners and those who don't like watching Tebow)
#1--Peerless (he'll be so good at sports, he'll have no peers...except my other son, Jaylen)
#1--Champ (a name says it all)
#2--Robinson (Shoelaces might be the best running quarterback ever)
#2--Brady (Tom not only wins Super Bowls and has a supermodel wife but went to Michigan)
#2--Landry (The Dallas Cowboy legendary coaching silhouette was my first sports hero)
#2--Bryson (I know that my wife likes this name already without even knowing that it belongs to the hottest hitting sensation in baseball)
#3--Ty (Law is good, especially when he played in Michigan's secondary)
#3--Derek (Jeter is a Kalamazoo, Michigan native that has done a thing or two in his career)
#3--Carson (once again, knowing that my wife likes this name makes the former Heisman Trophy winner's name that much more attractive)
#3--Price (wife once babysat Mark Price's kids and I wrote him in for president in my first ever voting in 1992)
#4--Ryan (Nolan was my favorite athlete growing up...even before he took Robin Ventura out to the woodshed when he charged the mound)
#4--Lance (Armstrong is one of the greatest athletes and toughest competitors of all-time, plus one of my best friends in college was Lance Geren and he and I would talk sports for hours)
#4--Woodson (the former Michigan Heisman Trophy winner continues to go strong for the Packers)
#4--Larkin (Barry, the former Michigan shortstop did a thing or two on his way to a Hall of Fame career)
#5's--Loy (Vaught); Nolan (Ryan); Jeter (Derek); Dunn (Bill Dunn, my HS coach)
#6's--Mookie (Blaylock); Rison (Andre); Whitaker (Lou); Tram (Alan Trammell)
#7's--Javon (Kearse); Jamison (Antawan); Curry (Stephon); Cooper (Michael)
#8's--Reevis (Darelle); Lofton (Kenny); Nash (Steve); Rip (Richard Hamilton)
#9's--Blaylock (Mookie); Parrish (Lance); Shaka (Smart); Tayshaun (Prince)
#10's--Bradshaw (Terry); Shawn (Sillman); Shane (Brown or Meling); Jackson (Mark)
#11's--Walton (Bill); Wooden (John); Thorpe (Jim); Quinn (Snyder)
#12's--Dirk (Nowitzski); Kobe (Bryant); Lanier (Bob); Zeke (Isaiah Thomas)
#13's--Desmond (Howard); Chaz (Smoot); Tshimanga Biakabutuka; Dez (Bryant)
#14's--Worthy (James); Reggie (Miller); Bo (Shembechler); Vaughn (Ricky "Wild Thing")
#15's--Malone (Karl); Mullin (Chris); Clayton (Mark); Corey (Bechler)
#16's--Anderson (Sparky); Rusty (Kennedy); Kevin (Prater); Manning (Peyton)

All top 16 seeds made it into the Sweet 16 except for Larkin, Carson and the first #1 seed to go down in Peerless.  Pulling the upsets were Mookie, Chaz and Dunn.  In one of the greatest trivia questions of all-time, Mookie Blaylock (former NBA guard from Oklahoma University) was also the original name of the band Pearl Jam, who named their first album "10" after his uniform number.  Chaz pulled the major upset as that name represented one of the best on-court leaders I ever coached, Chaz Smoot (All-American post player from Anderson University).  Dunn belonged to Bill Dunn, my high school coach basketball coach at Jonesville.  He won a ton of games every year, while teaching class and having the right attitude.  He died of cancer when he was 47.

The bracketologist were all wrong as none of the #1 seeds made the Final Four.  Robinson, Brady, Lance and Price made their way through the myriad of names to reign supreme. This reminds me of my single greatest prognostication of all time...picking the 2004 NCAA Final Four correctly when #1 Duke, #2 UCONN, #2 Oklahoma State and #3 Georgia Tech all made it.  Now, to the big question.  Who would my wife pick.  She has repeatedly said that she likes last names for first names.  Well, there are three in the group. 

And the Champion is ....Wait, what's that Doctor?  It's a girl?  There must be some sort of mistake.  I heard you say it would be a boy.  You said that there was a 51% chance of it being a boy.  Isn't that definitive?  But we did a bracket!  It's official.   It has to be a boy.  Okay, that's fine.  Tebowa or Bo'Shema works just fine.  What's that Tabitha?  Just adding an 'a' to the end of a word doesn't make it feminine.