What does it take for a coach to make a radical, philosophical change?
I’m tired of all the horse-beating, tired posts around here either whining about Harbaugh or pining for Campbell. I am hoping we could objectively look at what it takes for a coach, especially a seasoned, well-established winner, to fundamentally change the way his team approaches the game?
Nick Saban is the perfect example. Years ago his teams were caught in 10-7 slugfests and when he realized the direction the modern game was headed he radically changed. Now, Bama is the equivalent of the mid-aughts Oregon in so many ways, minus the pure spread nature of the offense.
So, what does it take for a WINNING coach to change so radically? Is it harder or easier for someone with a proven track record to make that switch than it is for a coach who’s performance demands it? Does it come from the coach or the myriad of assistants that bring unique ideas and experiences to the table?
I remain someone who has hopes in a Harbaugh-led regime, but I think change comes from the assistants over time, vs a radical shock to the system.
January 12th, 2021 at 1:05 AM ^
Utter failure.
January 12th, 2021 at 1:11 AM ^
Your premise is at least somewhat flawed. Saban’s offense has slowly evolved. But they have been winning at the highest level the entire time. There’s been no radical transformation and certainly no nadir which caused a transformative reckoning.
January 12th, 2021 at 1:25 AM ^
#1 change needed is to make the program fun and aspirational again. This is narrative shit but I guess I think it matters. Why do UM guys bail at first opportunity? I think the program is no fun. Get wild, get fun, stop shitting on guys, let's get some wins, and who knows? It's not out of the question Harbaugh can turn stuff around, but it's hard to expect. But better and happier players seems like a great starting point. Fuck OSU. They aren't relevant anymore. But let's set our sights on PSU and Wisconsin.
January 12th, 2021 at 1:33 AM ^
Nick Saban points to a psych prof while at MSU, Dr. Lionel Rosen. His philosophy is that every day is an opportunity to learn and improve to learn and improve. Saban reinvented his approach to leadership, and worked to adapt his still lead the people he interacted with as opposed bending their will to his. Together with Dr. Rosen, they developed a system they called process-driven learning.
The tenets are:
- Focus all of your energy on the present moment.
- Remember that everything matters ("attention to detail")
- Eliminate distractions and outside noise.
- Relinquish your attachment to outcomes
- Develop toughness and discipline to face adversity
- Compete against yourself while being accountable to others
- Refuse to get comfortable
Saban is heralded for his elite recruiting classes, his ‘Process’, his hiring. He believes in innovation and collaboration. If you accept a task he holds you accountable. He shoulders more blame than he deserves and bestows more credit to those when he could take it himself. He runs every facet of his program like a business. But perhaps his greatest strength is less celebrated: his adaptability.
In 2009-2015 they Bama had these crushing defences. No one put up 25 paints against Bama in 2009.
Fast forward today Bama gave up 24 points and 340 yards but they thrashed a defence that held Clemson in check.
Saban identifies trends and adjusts accordingly. He’s always ahead of the curve. If defense wins he has the best if it’s offense he’ll go there.
Now to Harbaugh. There’s no way Saban does to McCaffrey what Harbaugh did. JH is this old school, driven, super competitive guy that excepts everyone to be like him and can’t stand when they’re not.
It’s not a radical philosophical change, it’s just one that requires constant effort from everyone in the entire football organization.
Adapt. change or die, that is the choice Harbaugh is facing. Unfortunately judging from Harbaugh’s recent history the later may be the rout he takes.
January 12th, 2021 at 9:21 AM ^
I will say that Saban has changed dramatically, and he has had how many ex-head coaches as assistants from all over the country and with all different coaching strategies. It seems he's picked their brains for knowledge and turned them all into champions many times over.
January 12th, 2021 at 10:33 AM ^
Alabama also ran some nice concepts last night. They worked hard to get Smith open. Yes, they are talented, but that looks like a well coached offense.
Michigan had a really good offense for that brief stretch at the end of 19 and then it disappeared again. I’d like to see a harbaugh run game paired with a Gattis passing game.