What makes a good head coach?

[DallasCowboysRule!]

There are 32 NFL head coaches in this league but only a select few are considered to be the really "good coaches". But what makes a good head coach? It is flat out football knowledge? I have a hard time believing that Bill Belichick knows so much more about defensive football than Wade Phillips that it earned him three Super Bowls. Is it personality? Jimmy Johnson was a fire breather and Tom Landry wasn't, but they were both winners.

So my two questions to you, people of Cowboyszone, is what makes a good head coach? What seperates Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson from Dave Campo? And most importantly, does Jason Garrett have the qualities necessary to be a great coach in this league?

 

[BigDFan5]

If anybody in this forum actually knew what it took to be a great head coach they wouldnt be on this forum they would be coaching somewhere

 

[AdamJT13]

Hundreds of pro sports general managers and college athletic directors are wondering the same thing.

 

[Hoofbite]

Red Hair.

 

[Nirvana]

He wins.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

A podium

 

[DallasCowboysRule!]

He wins.

This answer may have been tongue in cheek but its probably close to the truth.

I'm just curious if there is some specific quality that people think makes a good coach. Leadership, work ethic, or commitment...what is that common tie between the great coaches

 

[Royal Laegotti]

It takes brass and not paper mache.

 

[Deep_South]

The number one thing you need for a head coach to be successful is an owner who doesn't draft for special teams.

 

[Royal Laegotti]

The number one thing you need for a head coach to be successful is an owner who doesn't draft.

Fixed it.

 

[Nirvana]

This answer may have been tongue in cheek but its probably close to the truth.

I'm just curious if there is some specific quality that people think makes a good coach. Leadership, work ethic, or commitment...what is that common tie between the great coaches

A common denominator to winning just about any game is being prepared for your opponent and that particular game. Focus is paramount, actually showing up, etc.

A coach who prepares his team well would be a common denominator. In order to do that you have to have good intelligence and good knowledge.

It's evident from seeing past successful coaches that discipline or inspiring speeches, etc. isn't a "must have" ingredient for success. However, it stands to reason that one set of players may require more discipline/inspiration than another, may have more internal group pressure, team leaders (eg. Peyton Manning in Dungy's case) etc. thus making these qualities variable in necessity for that particular team.

 

[superonyx]

I think the reason guys like parcells,billecheck, jimmy johnson, ect were great head coaches is they made sure the coaches and players that were under them would follow them. Any man who has made it to the ranks of head coach at this level is a leader. Any man who has made it to the ranks of assist coach is a leader. They can all get up in front of a group of players and make a speech.

The difference is the winners made sure they got rid of the guys that refused to follow them. Some guys will never mesh together. It doesnt mean the player will not be a good player in this league. But its important that the coach gets rid of them. Like Parcels did with Antonio Bryant. Like he would have done with TO if given the chance.

Some players are just malcontents. I have come across these personality types in the business world. If my job is to be a leader the first think I am going to do is make sure everyone on my team is going to be 100% behind me. If i sense a guy or girl has the potential to be a malcontent then they are gone and quick. I have tried to lead these types before and it always blows up in your face.

Its just my opinion of course. But I feel their is something to it. I dont have the energy to try to force people to get on board that never will. Figure out who can be led. Then figure out who amongst the team will act as mini coach on your behalf. If a person has a dominant personality and they wont fall in line with you then they need to be gone. Because they will spread like a cancer through the group.

 

[NextGenBoys]

In no partuicular order:

Leadership

Motivational ability

Communication

Knowledge of the game

 

[rangers71]

Getting the most out of your players and getting them to believe in you enough that they will run through a wall for you.

 

[forever22]

Respect from the players, football intelligence and willingness to change - everything else after that depends on the people around him.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Press conferences.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

Like said earlier, simply leadership. I also think it is very important to have people that are brighter or more talented around you on the coaching staff. Classic management really.