--Local writer has an issue with Will Muschamp. I try to explain from a coach's perspective.
Posted by: Pete Roussel on August 19, 2012
Orlando Sentinel sports columnist Mike Bianchi doesn't understand why Will Muschamp is less available to the media than Nick Saban.
Bianchi, well respected for his journalism, wrote during intereting article today, "Why can't he regularly speak to the media after practice so Gator fans can be kept up to date with what's going on with their team? Doesn't he know the Gators are the most popular sports team in this state - college or pro - and there are millions of fans who are interested in what is going on inside "their" program?"
Bianchi isn't the only person in the media that is perplexed by the media available of specific coaches, but as a former coach myself, here are three things to consider.
1. Inaccurate storylines become a distraction for coaches and can affect the psyche of players. Once an inaccurate storyline surfaces, coaches have to spend time managing the situation with the individual player, position group, or even the entire team. Nobody would argue that Bill Belichick and Nick Saban are masters of reducing distractions, or "clutter" as they call it.
I think Oklahoma State offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Todd Monken made a great point on Saturday, essentially a reminder to fans and media, about the one thing people forget about scrimmages.
2. Players get better from on-the-field experience, which includes making mistakes. For example, on Saturday, I attended the Ole Miss scrimmage in Oxford. Hugh Freeze opened the scrimmage to the public. It's no secret that the Rebels have a long way to go. The fan base is skeptical right now. While Freeze is trying to rally the fans, I couldn't help but wonder if his play-calling was affected by the fact that Saturday's scrimmage was attended by a few thousand fans. Following the scrimmage, Freeze even alluded to the notion that he would have called some things differently on game day. There's a fine line. Do I call some plays to build confidence and let the fans see what's promising, or do I invest in 15-20 third & 8+ situations, working to get better, but also risking a fan base leaving with a sour taste because it looked like the quarterbacks were having a difficult time? But that's the only way to get better. Players have to learn from their mistakes. They have to be put in adverse situations. They have to compile not just reps, but valuable reps.
Some coaches know who is watching practice. They feel comfortable running trick plays from the first fews days of August training camp. It's no coincidence those teams execute their trick plays better than others. But when a coach doesn't feel he can trust the practice observers, he's not allowing his coaching staff to coach the way they need to coach. Try executing a trick play that you install on game week. The results aren't as good as a trick play you've been repping for weeks and weeks.
3. Coaches actually want to help the media. I can honestly say that I don't know a single college football coach that is "against" the media. The bottom line is coaches want their time invested with the media to be productive. Coaches don't mind answer interesting, thought-provoking questions. Coaches appreciate the platform to sell the positives and establish the storylines. They understand that tough questions are evitable and reporters are obligated to ask such questions at times.
But take Kevin Sumlin, for example. Don't ask him something that's he's already talked about. Don't ask Dan Mullen or Lane Kiffin about injuries. And like on Saturday afternoon, once Chris Petersen informs you that he'll tell you when he's decided on a starting quarterback, don't ask him again and again. Coaches want their time with the media to be efficient. They also appreciate their time with the media is an enjoyable experience. I'm no expert, but I'd say the more a reporter understands a coach's perspective, the more receptive the coaches will be.
You can read Bianchi's entire article, right here.
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Pete Roussel is a valuable resource for coaches, athletic directors, NFL front-office personnel, and college football enthusiasts. A former college football coach, Roussel shares insight on coaches 365 days a year and is recognized as the most trusted expert on coaching transactions. Follow @CoachingSearch on twitter and send your feedback to pete@coachingsearch.com
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GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY!
1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions
2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions
2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996),
Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY!
1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions
2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions
2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996),
Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
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