The process of hiring a football coach today is truly intriguing. You know how people say baseball is a copycat sport? I think the NFL takes that to a whole new level.
Nowadays, everyone seems to be looking for an “offensive guru” to lead their teams—except, perhaps, in New England, where Bill Belichick’s influence is still strong.
Currently, the only new head coach hired is Mike Vrabel, a former Belichick assistant known for his defensive skills. Right now, it feels like the NFL favors strategies that score points over those that prevent them.
This brings me to the Peter Principle. This idea suggests that in a hierarchy, people are promoted until they reach a level where they struggle to perform effectively. When it comes to football coaching, being a head coach is vastly different from being an offensive or defensive coordinator.
The best head coaches see the bigger picture. They create game plans, but their role is more administrative. They guide their assistants, who, in turn, work closely with the players. It’s not just about knowing how to coach; it’s about managing a whole team.
For instance, consider Kyle Shanahan. He has a unique approach, delegating defensive strategies to specialists. While this has worked to some extent, it hasn’t been perfect. Until recently, he didn’t have a dedicated offensive coordinator—he was that person. Now, he has Kyle Kubiak in the role, though it appears Kubiak will still be learning from Shanahan.
Sean McVay’s coaching style with the Rams is similar, and it has seen success. But teams still often prioritize scoring and defense when selecting head coaches—an outdated mindset, if you ask me.
The 49ers stand as examples of this mismatch in thinking. Coaches like Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly were indeed great tacticians but struggled as head coaches.
Interestingly, some of the current successful head coaches, like Shanahan and McVay, had average playing careers. Andy Reid, often seen as the top coach, hardly played but showed a keen understanding of the game while assisting at BYU. Tom Landry merely punted, while Bill Belichick also excelled in other sports during his college years.
On another note, there’s Ben Johnson, a rising star in coaching who may join the ranks of successful head coaches. We’ll have to wait and see if he takes that leap.
Then there’s Robert Saleh. He’s a former defensive coordinator under Shanahan and now head coach of the New York Jets. While he’s found success, coaching the Jets is challenging due to the team’s chaotic management. I wouldn’t be surprised if decisions are influenced by unexpected sources, like an owner’s son playing video games.
Saleh might get another head coaching chance soon. I believe he has the rare ability to be both a hands-on coach and an effective manager. Still, I’d love to see him return to a role where he can focus on coaching.
Before I wrap up, I want to highlight Charmin Smith, who has taken the reins of the women’s basketball team at Cal. She’s a former player under the renowned Tara VanDerveer and has earned respect in her own right.
If you’re looking for a local sports team to support, check out the Cal women’s basketball team. They’re 16-2 and ranked No. 18 nationally, showcasing a strong season under Smith’s leadership.
Barry Tompkins is a San Francisco native and a veteran sportscaster. You can reach him at barrytompkins1@gmail.com.
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