The position of head coach, at most high level college jobs has moved from just a teacher of a game to the CEO of multi-million dollar enterprises. The right coach can set a program on the path to a championship, while the wrong hire can set a program down the path of anonymity. The coach is the face of the program and, sometimes, the face of the entire university. Which is why it’s critical that a school president and athletic director do the necessary homework to hire the right person.
The days of coaches staying in one place for 30 years or more will likely end once Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim and Duke’s Coach Mike Krzyzewski both retire. The demands on a coach in today’s environment, especially at the top of the profession are just too much to bear for a long period of time. With turnover higher than it’s ever been, the key is finding someone to get a program to the top, but keep it there. The question is: What are you looking for in a coach.
Mar 9, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts to a call during the game against the Florida Gators in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Florida 61-57. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart has written the book on what to do and what not to do when making a coaching hire. In retrospect (and depending on who you ask), it was evident early on that Billy Gillispie was a bad hire. But then, Barnhart more than made up for it by hiring John Calipari. And Coach Cal, despite his baggage or maybe because of it, is an absolute perfect fit. Ask any member of Big Blue Nation about Cal and, chances are, the response will be, “he gets it.” Calipari knows how important the men’s basketball team is to the fans and alumni of the University of Kentucky. He understands and accepts the challenges of being the head man at college basketball’s greatest program. Cal is brash and a little bit arrogant, and that makes him the perfect coach for the Wildcats.
And since Coach Calipari is now one of us, the Big Blue faithful, have taken to defending him, by reminding our Hoosier and Cardinal friends and neighbors, correctly, that he has never been convicted, let alone accused by the NCAA of any wrongdoing. Some people need reminding that John Calipari did not invent or author the NBA’s so-called “one and done” rule, he’s just excelling within the confines of the system. Those around the country will label Cal as “shady” and neglect to mention raising money for the Haiti earthquake victims or those that suffered the wrath of hurricane Sandy. Cal’s not perfect, but he’s done a spectacular job coaching his team and representing the University of Kentucky with the class that we can all be proud of.
He’s never angrily confronted another assistant coach.
He’s never sullied the name of the university by becoming involved in a sordid, sex-infused extortion trial.
He’s never damaged the good name of the university by becoming the first person to get them placed on probation.
He’s never put a program on probation. Never. Ever.
He’s never choked a player. Some coaches do.
All Coach Cal does is help kids realize their dreams of playing in NBA. And, Coach Cal does is remind us that, when it comes to the Big Blue Nation, “You people are crazy.” You’re right coach, you’re right.