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Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Adam Wainwright
St. Louis Cardinals' starting pitcher Adam Wainwright was recently diagnosed with a torn ligament in his pitching elbow that will require surgery and end his season days after it started.
I was fortunate to never sustain a major injury that would require surgery. It has to be devastating.
The sad part is that Wainwright didn't make his last scheduled start of the 2010 season because of discomfort in the elbow. The Cardinals had it checked out and there wasn't any problems detected. But, according to a St. Louis Dispatch article, he was apparently worried that something wasn't right and was scared to pitch.
I feel bad for him because I know who much time goes into to preparing for a long baseball season. Parts of almost every day of the off-season are spent getting ready for the long grind - especially of being a starting pitcher.
And to have your season cut short just a week after it started has to be a hard pill to swallow.
But I'm sure Adam Wainwright will resurface. You don't get to become a Cy Young Award candidate without hard work and discipline.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
I was fortunate to never sustain a major injury that would require surgery. It has to be devastating.
The sad part is that Wainwright didn't make his last scheduled start of the 2010 season because of discomfort in the elbow. The Cardinals had it checked out and there wasn't any problems detected. But, according to a St. Louis Dispatch article, he was apparently worried that something wasn't right and was scared to pitch.
I feel bad for him because I know who much time goes into to preparing for a long baseball season. Parts of almost every day of the off-season are spent getting ready for the long grind - especially of being a starting pitcher.
And to have your season cut short just a week after it started has to be a hard pill to swallow.
But I'm sure Adam Wainwright will resurface. You don't get to become a Cy Young Award candidate without hard work and discipline.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Rafael Furcal
In anther story that is flying under the radar when it shouldn't, apparently when Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal re-signed with the team before the 2009, the Dodgers included a unique perk.
The Dodgers included a clause that would provide Furcal's hometown of Loma de Cabrera in the Dominican Republic with a fire truck.
In a Yahoo! Sports interview, Furcal says "A lot of poor people get killed in my hometown because they don’t have a fire truck. We’re doing something for this little town.”
After an L.A. truck was recently retired, the still-serviceable truck was donated and repainted. The Dodgers will pay to have it transported to Loma de Cabrera as well as have firemen travel there to train the local volunteers.
In a sports world where there are contract arguments over private jets, luxury boxes and massage therapists, it is nice to see both the Dodgers and Rafael Furcal agree to something honorable.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
The Dodgers included a clause that would provide Furcal's hometown of Loma de Cabrera in the Dominican Republic with a fire truck.
In a Yahoo! Sports interview, Furcal says "A lot of poor people get killed in my hometown because they don’t have a fire truck. We’re doing something for this little town.”
After an L.A. truck was recently retired, the still-serviceable truck was donated and repainted. The Dodgers will pay to have it transported to Loma de Cabrera as well as have firemen travel there to train the local volunteers.
In a sports world where there are contract arguments over private jets, luxury boxes and massage therapists, it is nice to see both the Dodgers and Rafael Furcal agree to something honorable.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Shannon Sharpe
In staying with the recent Hall of Fame selection theme, Shannon Sharpe redefined the tight end position into what we know it today. Shannon was the first of the new-age tight ends that seem to be too quick to be guarded by a linebacker, but too big to be guarded by defensive backs.
Shannon Sharpe's career spanned 14 season, all but two with the Denver Broncos. When he retired in 2003, he held several records for tight ends, including receptions (815) and yards (10,060), which have since been broken by Tony Gonzalez.
To reach the highest level as Shannon Sharpe did or any professional does in their respective career, you have to be motivated.
Shannon Sharpe said in this interview that he was motivated by two things - cold oatmeal and getting wet when it rained.
Shannon said that when he was growing up, he lived with his Grandmother, who worked at a nursing home. They weren't wealthy and, many times, dinner consisted of cold oatmeal. The home he grew up in had an old tin roof and when it rained, the water leaked inside.
Sometimes, you don't have to be motivated to be the best. I would argue that, although the drive to succeed is powerful, trying to escape real life situations can be more moving. And when you factor in the drive to not only help yourself escape, but the love ones who make sacrifices for you, that may be all you need.
Shannon Sharpe was motivated to become a professional football player so he could to move his family to a home with a stable roof over their head and warm food on the table.
What motivates you?
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Shannon Sharpe's career spanned 14 season, all but two with the Denver Broncos. When he retired in 2003, he held several records for tight ends, including receptions (815) and yards (10,060), which have since been broken by Tony Gonzalez.
To reach the highest level as Shannon Sharpe did or any professional does in their respective career, you have to be motivated.
Shannon Sharpe said in this interview that he was motivated by two things - cold oatmeal and getting wet when it rained.
Shannon said that when he was growing up, he lived with his Grandmother, who worked at a nursing home. They weren't wealthy and, many times, dinner consisted of cold oatmeal. The home he grew up in had an old tin roof and when it rained, the water leaked inside.
Sometimes, you don't have to be motivated to be the best. I would argue that, although the drive to succeed is powerful, trying to escape real life situations can be more moving. And when you factor in the drive to not only help yourself escape, but the love ones who make sacrifices for you, that may be all you need.
Shannon Sharpe was motivated to become a professional football player so he could to move his family to a home with a stable roof over their head and warm food on the table.
What motivates you?
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Evgeni Malkin
Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin recently suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) in his knee. The injury will require surgery and will end his season.
After the diagnosis, Malkin sent Penguins General Manager Ray Shero a text message saying that he was sorry.
Sorry for what? He didn't try to get injured. Although, the Penguins chance of returning to the Stanley Cup Finals took a major hit, it isn't his fault.
One of the many life lessons my dad taught me at a young age was that, if you give your best, never tell a coach or teammate you are sorry.
Giving your all and falling short is part of sports. You can't always win and every single game isn't going to be perfect - in fact rarely, if ever, will you have a perfect game. But you can always show up and give the best effort you can.
If you are confident that you tried as best you could, never apologize.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
After the diagnosis, Malkin sent Penguins General Manager Ray Shero a text message saying that he was sorry.
Sorry for what? He didn't try to get injured. Although, the Penguins chance of returning to the Stanley Cup Finals took a major hit, it isn't his fault.
One of the many life lessons my dad taught me at a young age was that, if you give your best, never tell a coach or teammate you are sorry.
Giving your all and falling short is part of sports. You can't always win and every single game isn't going to be perfect - in fact rarely, if ever, will you have a perfect game. But you can always show up and give the best effort you can.
If you are confident that you tried as best you could, never apologize.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders played 14 seasons in the NFL and was recently selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His career began with the Atlanta Falcons. He had a flamboyant style of play that came off arrogant and cocky to most.
He burst onto the scene after a career at Florida State and made an immediate impact in Atlanta as both a cornerback and a returner. As a Falcon, he score eight touchdowns and made 24 interceptions in five years.
Deion was aptly named "Primetime" and made the biggest name for himself as a member of the talented teams of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s - though his only Super Bowl team with Dallas was 1995.
He retired following the 2005 season with 53 career interceptions and 22 career touchdowns which came a variety of ways - interceptions, fumbles, receiving, punt returns and kickoff returns. The best shutdown cornerback of his era, Deion is unquestionably a Hall of Famer.
But Deion wasn't well liked. Many sports fans didn't appreicate his flash, which seemed to lack respect for the game and his opponent. When he made a play, he would typically high step in Deion fashion, almost taunting the other team. By his actions, it didn't seem humility was in his vocabulary.
But in an interview after recieving word that he had been selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Deion Sanders said something that resonates with me, a lesson that we can all learn. Deion Sanders, amongst all the criticism, said he didn't care what anyone else thought of him.
Too many times, whether in athletics, academia or life, we get caught up in what people will think of us. What will they think of me if I make an out or miss a tackle or lose? What will be said if I don't pass this test or get into a certain school? What will they think if I don't stay out late because I want to go to church in the morning?
It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You have to be comfortable in your own skin and with your own decisions. What you think is the only thing that truly matters. Focus on what you can control - how hard you work, how long you study or how much you read. You can't worry about what the cute girl or your best friend or the stranger will think.
I know it is easier to say than do. But you have to start eventually.
Only you can control you. And only you should influence you.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
He burst onto the scene after a career at Florida State and made an immediate impact in Atlanta as both a cornerback and a returner. As a Falcon, he score eight touchdowns and made 24 interceptions in five years.
Deion was aptly named "Primetime" and made the biggest name for himself as a member of the talented teams of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s - though his only Super Bowl team with Dallas was 1995.
He retired following the 2005 season with 53 career interceptions and 22 career touchdowns which came a variety of ways - interceptions, fumbles, receiving, punt returns and kickoff returns. The best shutdown cornerback of his era, Deion is unquestionably a Hall of Famer.
But Deion wasn't well liked. Many sports fans didn't appreicate his flash, which seemed to lack respect for the game and his opponent. When he made a play, he would typically high step in Deion fashion, almost taunting the other team. By his actions, it didn't seem humility was in his vocabulary.
But in an interview after recieving word that he had been selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Deion Sanders said something that resonates with me, a lesson that we can all learn. Deion Sanders, amongst all the criticism, said he didn't care what anyone else thought of him.
Too many times, whether in athletics, academia or life, we get caught up in what people will think of us. What will they think of me if I make an out or miss a tackle or lose? What will be said if I don't pass this test or get into a certain school? What will they think if I don't stay out late because I want to go to church in the morning?
It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You have to be comfortable in your own skin and with your own decisions. What you think is the only thing that truly matters. Focus on what you can control - how hard you work, how long you study or how much you read. You can't worry about what the cute girl or your best friend or the stranger will think.
I know it is easier to say than do. But you have to start eventually.
Only you can control you. And only you should influence you.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
the Green Bay Packers
I know this is a few days late, but congratulations to the Green Bay Packers for their victory in Super Bowl XLV, a hard fought win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There is a simple lesson that can be learned from the Pack - believe in yourself, even if nobody else does, regardless of the adversity.
Though the Packers were several analysts' preseason Super Bowl pick, the team faced a variety of injuries to key players during the season. Starting running back Ryan Grant was lost in the first game. Later in the season, defensive captain and middle linebacker Nick Barnett was injured and put on injured reserve (meaning a player can't come back for the rest of the season), as were starting tight end Jermichael Finley, outside linebacker Brady Poppinga and offensive tackle Mark Tauscher.
In all, 15 Packers finished the year on injured reserve.
To make matters worse, 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson injured his collarbone in the second quarter of Super Bowl XLV and didn't return.
In order to even make it into the playoffs, the Packers needed to win their last two regular season games. They did.
After getting in as the sixth seed (only six from each conference make the playoffs), they faced the reality of having to win three games on the road even to make it to the Super Bowl. They did. And did so by beating the three best teams in the NFC - the Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears.
Injuries alone gave the Packers a built in excuse to not succeed if they wanted to take it. But they didn't. They just fought a little harder. If not the injuries, they could have said that playing on the road was the reason they didn't make it. They didn't.
The desire to win is willing to overcome anything. We just saw that with the Green Bay Packers.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
There is a simple lesson that can be learned from the Pack - believe in yourself, even if nobody else does, regardless of the adversity.
Though the Packers were several analysts' preseason Super Bowl pick, the team faced a variety of injuries to key players during the season. Starting running back Ryan Grant was lost in the first game. Later in the season, defensive captain and middle linebacker Nick Barnett was injured and put on injured reserve (meaning a player can't come back for the rest of the season), as were starting tight end Jermichael Finley, outside linebacker Brady Poppinga and offensive tackle Mark Tauscher.
In all, 15 Packers finished the year on injured reserve.
To make matters worse, 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson injured his collarbone in the second quarter of Super Bowl XLV and didn't return.
In order to even make it into the playoffs, the Packers needed to win their last two regular season games. They did.
After getting in as the sixth seed (only six from each conference make the playoffs), they faced the reality of having to win three games on the road even to make it to the Super Bowl. They did. And did so by beating the three best teams in the NFC - the Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears.
Injuries alone gave the Packers a built in excuse to not succeed if they wanted to take it. But they didn't. They just fought a little harder. If not the injuries, they could have said that playing on the road was the reason they didn't make it. They didn't.
The desire to win is willing to overcome anything. We just saw that with the Green Bay Packers.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tom Walter
Most of the people that coach any type of sport do it because they love the game, love being around the game and mentoring players. Tom Walter is no different.
Tom Walter is the head baseball coach at Wake Forest University. Tom Walter is a kidney donor.
Kevin Jordan is an outfielder on the Wake Forest baseball team. A freshman from Columbus, Georgia, Kevin became sick about a year ago with what most thought was the flu. He was eventually diagnosed with ANCA vasculitis, a condition which your white blood cells begin to destroy your own tissue. His kidneys began to fail and he had to have dialysis treatments three times per week.
Kevin Jordan was one of Tom Walter's kids. If you have ever coached, especially at the college level, it is easy to take on the role of a parent or big brother when a player is several hours away from home. Your only role is not to help them become better at their athletic skill, but also teach them about life (although the stereotype of many 18-22 year olds is they know all they need, many of those I deal with aren't as naive and are worried about job prospects, student loan debt and life after baseball).
Tom Walter was eventually tested to see if he was a match to possibly give a kidney to Kevin. He was. Coach Walter decided that he was going to give Kevin one of his kidneys. Way more valuable than a scholarship or advice, Kevin was going to receive a new outlook on life.
This past Monday was the day. Coach Walter and Kevin Jordan both went into surgery. Monday afternoon, lead surgeon Dr. Kenneth Newell proclaimed the surgery a success. Both are still resting in an Atlanta hospital.
One group, NKF, estimates the five year survival rate for a living kidney transplant at 90 percent. Let's hope this story plays out the right way. While it is unknown if Kevin will ever be able to play again, the fact that he now has been given hope of seeing his twenties and beyond makes him a winner.
But it makes Tom Walter Coach of the Year.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Tom Walter is the head baseball coach at Wake Forest University. Tom Walter is a kidney donor.
Kevin Jordan is an outfielder on the Wake Forest baseball team. A freshman from Columbus, Georgia, Kevin became sick about a year ago with what most thought was the flu. He was eventually diagnosed with ANCA vasculitis, a condition which your white blood cells begin to destroy your own tissue. His kidneys began to fail and he had to have dialysis treatments three times per week.
Kevin Jordan was one of Tom Walter's kids. If you have ever coached, especially at the college level, it is easy to take on the role of a parent or big brother when a player is several hours away from home. Your only role is not to help them become better at their athletic skill, but also teach them about life (although the stereotype of many 18-22 year olds is they know all they need, many of those I deal with aren't as naive and are worried about job prospects, student loan debt and life after baseball).
Tom Walter was eventually tested to see if he was a match to possibly give a kidney to Kevin. He was. Coach Walter decided that he was going to give Kevin one of his kidneys. Way more valuable than a scholarship or advice, Kevin was going to receive a new outlook on life.
This past Monday was the day. Coach Walter and Kevin Jordan both went into surgery. Monday afternoon, lead surgeon Dr. Kenneth Newell proclaimed the surgery a success. Both are still resting in an Atlanta hospital.
One group, NKF, estimates the five year survival rate for a living kidney transplant at 90 percent. Let's hope this story plays out the right way. While it is unknown if Kevin will ever be able to play again, the fact that he now has been given hope of seeing his twenties and beyond makes him a winner.
But it makes Tom Walter Coach of the Year.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and our free eBook at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Bob Feller
My cousin posted this on a social networking site. Being that it is my family, I'll take his word.
Bob Feller pitched 18 years for the Cleveland Indians. He won 266 career games, was an eight time All-Star and is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. He won 20 or more games in six seasons, pitched more than 300 innings in three seasons and finished with an ERA below 3.00 in five seasons.
But during a documentary that my cousin was watching, when asked what was his most memorable win (or something to that effect), his answer was World War II.
Wow.
Bob Feller missed three full season in the prime of his career to fight for our country in World War II. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 23 after the Japanese attach on Pearl Harbor. When he came home in 1945, he pitched for the Indians two days later and won.
Thousands of heroic men and women serve our county each day. Each day, the freedom is protected by brave soldiers and sailors.
Let's quit taking it for granted.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and eBooks at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Bob Feller pitched 18 years for the Cleveland Indians. He won 266 career games, was an eight time All-Star and is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. He won 20 or more games in six seasons, pitched more than 300 innings in three seasons and finished with an ERA below 3.00 in five seasons.
But during a documentary that my cousin was watching, when asked what was his most memorable win (or something to that effect), his answer was World War II.
Wow.
Bob Feller missed three full season in the prime of his career to fight for our country in World War II. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 23 after the Japanese attach on Pearl Harbor. When he came home in 1945, he pitched for the Indians two days later and won.
Thousands of heroic men and women serve our county each day. Each day, the freedom is protected by brave soldiers and sailors.
Let's quit taking it for granted.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and eBooks at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Mark Burk
I fell upon this show by accident, but the Golf Channel has a new series titled "Pipe Dream." It is the story about a professional golfer (professional because he was paid, not because he was on the PGA Tour), who has been accused of domestic violence and ends up homeless on the streets living in a culvert pipes that are stacked next to train tracks.
I must admit that I don't know that much about his story, only that he has spent everything he ever made to "clear his name" (I'm not sure if he was convicted, pleaded guilty, found innocent, entered a plea agreement, etc.).
His dream is to continue to attempt making it through the qualifying school for the PGA Champions Tour, which is for those aged 50 and over. In addition to trying to survive, he spends time each day stretching and practicing his swing. After not playing for a couple of years, he shot a three over on a previous episode.
There are two lessons to be learned. One is the obvious of having a goal and not taking no for an answer. Mark is prepared to do whatever it takes to reach his goal and realizes that there is no substitute for hard work.
But in the broader picture, there is an lesson that shouldn't be underscored and that is to not put yourself in vulnerable positions.
As I said, I don't know a lot of the background of the story. But regardless of innocence or guilt, Mark put himself in a position that he is now paying dearly for. And while we are all victims of circumstances at one point or another in our lives and we can't control everything that is written, printed or said about us, we can certainly avoid situation that seem uneasy.
I'm anxious to see how Mark's story unfolds.
Pipe Dream airs Tuesdays at 9:30.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and eBooks at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
I must admit that I don't know that much about his story, only that he has spent everything he ever made to "clear his name" (I'm not sure if he was convicted, pleaded guilty, found innocent, entered a plea agreement, etc.).
His dream is to continue to attempt making it through the qualifying school for the PGA Champions Tour, which is for those aged 50 and over. In addition to trying to survive, he spends time each day stretching and practicing his swing. After not playing for a couple of years, he shot a three over on a previous episode.
There are two lessons to be learned. One is the obvious of having a goal and not taking no for an answer. Mark is prepared to do whatever it takes to reach his goal and realizes that there is no substitute for hard work.
But in the broader picture, there is an lesson that shouldn't be underscored and that is to not put yourself in vulnerable positions.
As I said, I don't know a lot of the background of the story. But regardless of innocence or guilt, Mark put himself in a position that he is now paying dearly for. And while we are all victims of circumstances at one point or another in our lives and we can't control everything that is written, printed or said about us, we can certainly avoid situation that seem uneasy.
I'm anxious to see how Mark's story unfolds.
Pipe Dream airs Tuesdays at 9:30.
Visit our complete online resource for instructional baseball videos and eBooks at www.ToTheTopPerformance.com.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
LaGarrette Blount
Most people know LaGarrette Blount's name for the wrong reasons. After the 2009 college football opener in which Blount's Oregon Ducks were beaten by Boise State, Blount punched an opposing player who was taunting him.
Blount was immediately suspended by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly for the rest of the season. He was allowed to continue to practice with the team, but his playing days - at least in college - seemed to be over.
Blount was reinstated before Oregon's season finales after doing all the right things - being a good teammate, learning from his mistakes, good behavior.
All the NFL teams stayed away from LaGarrette in the 2010 NFL Draft. It seemed no organization was willing to take a chance on his character and questionable past.
Eventually, the Tennessee Titans offered LaGarrette an opportunity to in training camp. He was released before making the team and had an incident with a teammate, though the Titans said that didn't lead to his dismissal. With his release, everyone expected LaGarrette to ride off into the sunset.
But Tampa Bay was in need of running back depth, so they decided to give him a shot. He didn't play in three of the first five games and in the other two he combined for 10 carries and 30 yards. Hardly impressive.
If you follow football, by now you know that LaGarrette Blount had a breakout year. He accounted for 1,007 yard on 201 carries and scored six touchdowns. He is a legitimate contender for the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
I didn't write this to condone what LaGarrette Blount did. But I think it is important that we learn from his story.
Stay patient and take advantage of opportunities when you get them. And it becomes even more important if you make a mistake. You may only get one chance.
Blount was immediately suspended by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly for the rest of the season. He was allowed to continue to practice with the team, but his playing days - at least in college - seemed to be over.
Blount was reinstated before Oregon's season finales after doing all the right things - being a good teammate, learning from his mistakes, good behavior.
All the NFL teams stayed away from LaGarrette in the 2010 NFL Draft. It seemed no organization was willing to take a chance on his character and questionable past.
Eventually, the Tennessee Titans offered LaGarrette an opportunity to in training camp. He was released before making the team and had an incident with a teammate, though the Titans said that didn't lead to his dismissal. With his release, everyone expected LaGarrette to ride off into the sunset.
But Tampa Bay was in need of running back depth, so they decided to give him a shot. He didn't play in three of the first five games and in the other two he combined for 10 carries and 30 yards. Hardly impressive.
If you follow football, by now you know that LaGarrette Blount had a breakout year. He accounted for 1,007 yard on 201 carries and scored six touchdowns. He is a legitimate contender for the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
I didn't write this to condone what LaGarrette Blount did. But I think it is important that we learn from his story.
Stay patient and take advantage of opportunities when you get them. And it becomes even more important if you make a mistake. You may only get one chance.
Monday, January 3, 2011
the College and NFL Head Coaching Carousel
What have you done for me lately?
That is the sentiment among many college programs and in the front offices of several NFL teams on what is typically called "Black Monday," to signify the end of tenures.
The NFL season hasn't been over for a full day and John Fox and Eric Mangini are already out of Carolina and Cleveland, respectively, with Marvin Lewis expected to part ways with Cincinnati.
Though Fox and Lewis have had significant runs with their teams, Mangini had two full seasons in Cleveland and achieved a 10-22 record. Earlier this season, Denver severed ties with head coach Josh McDaniels in the middle of his second year.
And in college, it seems to not necessarily be worse, but just as confusing.
Ralph Friedgen was fired from Maryland after 10 years. And 2010 saw a turnaround. The Terps finished 2009 with a 2-10 record. This year, Maryland finished 9-4 after a Military Bowl victory over East Carolina and Friedgen was named ACC Coach of the Year.
To clear up any confusion, I am not necessarily opposed to the "what have you done for me lately" culture, especially in the NFL. While schemes are more complex, everyone runs a Pro-Style offense and the best football players in the world are playing on teams.
But regardless of what level you are at, you need talent to win. Coaches that have talent, but don't win, should be shown the door as Wade Phillips was earlier this season by the Dallas Cowboys.
By the end of the week, it is expected that coaching situations will become more clear for teams like the Dolphins, Texans, Titans, 49ers, Vikings and Cowboys. Counting the teams I already mentioned and the Giants, who have already apparently decided to bring coach Tom Coughlin back, 11 NFL teams have some speculation about the future of their head coaches.
Is that a good thing? More than one-third of the teams are not certain who their coach is going to be in 2011. Is it a coincidence that out of those 11 teams, only one - the Giants - have a Super Bowl championship in the 2000s?
Is it also a coincidence that one of the NFL's most popular teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, have had 3 coaches since 1969 and have won six Super Bowls. The best team of the 2000s, the New England Patriots, have had the same coach, Bill Belichick, since 2000 and has won three Super Bowls.
One could say, and I wouldn't argue, that the Steelers and the Patriots have had some really good players. But if a coach like Eric Mangini finishes 10-22 in two seasons and doesn't get to pick his players, how much blame should he receive?
Whatever task is in front of you - coaching, playing,working - have a sense of urgency to get the job done. Your success and how long you are around may depend on your results.
www.ToTheTopPerformance.com
That is the sentiment among many college programs and in the front offices of several NFL teams on what is typically called "Black Monday," to signify the end of tenures.
The NFL season hasn't been over for a full day and John Fox and Eric Mangini are already out of Carolina and Cleveland, respectively, with Marvin Lewis expected to part ways with Cincinnati.
Though Fox and Lewis have had significant runs with their teams, Mangini had two full seasons in Cleveland and achieved a 10-22 record. Earlier this season, Denver severed ties with head coach Josh McDaniels in the middle of his second year.
And in college, it seems to not necessarily be worse, but just as confusing.
Ralph Friedgen was fired from Maryland after 10 years. And 2010 saw a turnaround. The Terps finished 2009 with a 2-10 record. This year, Maryland finished 9-4 after a Military Bowl victory over East Carolina and Friedgen was named ACC Coach of the Year.
To clear up any confusion, I am not necessarily opposed to the "what have you done for me lately" culture, especially in the NFL. While schemes are more complex, everyone runs a Pro-Style offense and the best football players in the world are playing on teams.
But regardless of what level you are at, you need talent to win. Coaches that have talent, but don't win, should be shown the door as Wade Phillips was earlier this season by the Dallas Cowboys.
By the end of the week, it is expected that coaching situations will become more clear for teams like the Dolphins, Texans, Titans, 49ers, Vikings and Cowboys. Counting the teams I already mentioned and the Giants, who have already apparently decided to bring coach Tom Coughlin back, 11 NFL teams have some speculation about the future of their head coaches.
Is that a good thing? More than one-third of the teams are not certain who their coach is going to be in 2011. Is it a coincidence that out of those 11 teams, only one - the Giants - have a Super Bowl championship in the 2000s?
Is it also a coincidence that one of the NFL's most popular teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, have had 3 coaches since 1969 and have won six Super Bowls. The best team of the 2000s, the New England Patriots, have had the same coach, Bill Belichick, since 2000 and has won three Super Bowls.
One could say, and I wouldn't argue, that the Steelers and the Patriots have had some really good players. But if a coach like Eric Mangini finishes 10-22 in two seasons and doesn't get to pick his players, how much blame should he receive?
Whatever task is in front of you - coaching, playing,working - have a sense of urgency to get the job done. Your success and how long you are around may depend on your results.
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