David Halberstam’s Education of a Coach explores the path that Bill Belichick took to reach his position as head coach of the New England Patriots, winners of three Superbowl titles. Influenced by his father, long-time Navy coach Steve Belichick, Bill began breaking down film at a young age — though he never played football professionally or at a major college, he continued to study the game diligently under coaches such as Ted Marchibroda, Ray Perkins, and Bill Parcells. An unsuccessful stint coaching the Cleveland Browns interrupted and delayed a meticulously planned rise to the top of his field. Coaching suggestions …
Just Win Baby
Struggling to keep up with all the latest cheating news and unsure about how my coaching philosophy places all of this in context, I used Al Davis’ motto as a title. From Tim Donaghy to HGH to the New England Patriots, I’m not sure whether the rules should be black and white or shades or grey. How does one define bending the rules to gain an advantage and how is this different from outright rule-breaking by a coach or athlete? Is sport more like professional wrestling – where Hulk Hogan must overcome not only the Iron Shiek but his blatant …
Professional Athletes
Vince Young declared for the N.F.L. Draft today. In professional sports, always follow the money for this reason. Good idea Vince, there was nothing left to prove in Texas. (In retrospect, Carson Palmer definitely made a great decision by signing an eight-year extension last week.) The only difference between college and professional sports is that the professional athletes can get paid above the table. In college, Coach K gets the American Express commercial because Christian Laettner made a turnaround at the buzzer back in 1992. In the N.F.L., when the Patriots win three Superbowls, it’s Tom Brady and his offensive …