A supposedly significant reason that Marcus Freeman got the job was because
the players wanted him. I get that. Only the players are a bunch of 20 year old kids
who are short-termers with the program.
Being a head coach requires a different temperament apart from who the
players "like". Based on likablility, Ara, Lou and Nick Saban too probably
wouldn't be the first choice of the guys who played under them.
Heck, if likeability to players were a driving criterion, Lombardi would not
have been hired by Green Bay.
The collective opinion of the players should be respected and listened to.
But used primarily to support the negative of why a guy shouldn't be hired.
I.e., the players know that a guy is a liar and/or a sociopath or just plain
incompetent.
Making major decisions based on heart-string appeals rather than demonstrated
evidence almost never works out. I can only hope that Marcus proves to be
an exception.
I was worried a lot when the players all wanted him. How many players would want Saban ? I am sure it's like playing for Darth Vader but they win. And you respect DV.
recruiting class. I don’t think ND should be any coaches first HC job. I’m fine with his hiring of the Al Golden but he was stuck with Rees. More than anything, the offense needs to get rectified.
Was coach. Part of my work included tutoring scholie athletes. The football players told me Erickson didn't want anything to do with them off field. He told them if you have ANY problems, you go to your position cosches, GAs, or councilor. Don't bother me.
Needless to say, players hated him. Erickson didn't care. He had a job to do, he didn't have a lot of time, and wasn't going to waste any of it on his players. Very successful, but not popular, HC..
But they respected him and knew he cared for them. You never saw Vince at a practice going around and hugging every player.
Think Lou Holtz grabbing the facemask of Huntley Bakich! No kid gloves there. He made sure he got the message. Years later, all of the harsh discipline is forgotten and morphs into respect and appreciation for Lou by his players.
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Ding judgement. It’s obvious the rope that was given the players has not been man managed well. Let’s see how MF and team respond.