I got a call from one of our coaches, yesterday. They "fired" my assistant who helps them out. The kid still has a job, but not working with this particular team. I want to be able to say that this call caught me off guard, but it didn't. I wasn't surprised in the least bit. This prompted some thinking and this is what I've been pondering.
Observation 1: Full of shit
This millenial generation (not all, but the ones I've seen) of coaches are full of shit. I see all kinds of posts on the Twitter about how these young coaches can (and to themselves, do) shape the lives of young athletes. They help these young athletes learn and grow and blah, blah, blah. Horseshit! These young coaches SAY the right things, but DO NOT practice what they preach. Newsflash: EVERYONE, especially the athletes will very quickly realize you're full of it.
Observation 2: Have an unhealthy need to feel important
This was spurred by a post a friend of mine made. When I read it, I realized how many times I've seen exactly what he's talking about.
Newsflash: Our job IS important, but you're not. That includes me. EVERYONE is replaceable. You're not the reason the kids do well or don't do well. You have very little to do with that. I know that's tough on some egos. I'll post my BUTTHURT REPORT and you can send it to me. I'll be sure to print it up so I can throw it in the trash.
I remember reading a post that said something to the effect of, "You want to know the heart of a program? Ask the athletes and they'll say the strength coach." I feel like Stan's mom in South Park... WHAT? WHAT? WHAAAATTTTT? Get over yourself. We are PART of the program, not the heart of the program.
If you need constant praise and recognition make sure your therapist is on speed dial and your prescription of Xanax is filled.
I'm currently in the hiring process. It's crazy what some of these kids say and think. Not all are bad, though. I've spoken to a lot of young kids that seem like their head is screwed on properly. There's hope?
Young coaches, humble yourselves. You're going to piss off us old farts and we're not going to hire you. Us old guys know what it's like to be your age and THINK you know everything. We remember the stupid things we proclaimed when we were 25-30 years old. Now, we look back and realize how stupid we were, how much we've learned and how little we know.
