- May 1, 2024
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Most of us have held a position under another superior whom we felt we had better ideas. And, when said superior was removed from the position, we may expect to fill that position. Sometimes, it doesn’t happen for us.
As coach Travis Roland met with the FPC coaching staff this past Monday, I stood in the weight room, waiting to interview. While waiting, I begin to think about how strange it must be for some assistants, when an “outside” coach takes over.
I’m sure some of those coaches wanted the head coaching job, which is understandable, and some may have even applied. They’ve been around the team for years. They know the players. They know the competition. And, they know the culture of the school.
Earlier this year, my church’s youth pastor became the senior pastor, and I was his assistant. I was 100% sure there was no one on earth who could take the youth group forward the way I could. Because of our relationship, the kids believed the same. I was eventually named youth pastor — to the joy of everyone in the church — but I would’ve been sorely disappointed, had someone else been chosen.
So, instead of laying out their vision for the team, the assistants have to, again, teach the players to follow another coach’s vision, although they themselves may not agree with it.
And, let me make this clear: neither Roland nor the assistants are to be blamed for this particular scenario. Every coach wants to eventually lead a team, and many of them will never get that opportunity. And, those who make the hires are responsible to choose the best candidates they believe will get the best results for the program.
Going forward, this new staff will play out in two ways. If the Bulldogs win games and are successful, everyone will celebrate the hire, and the coaches will love each other. Then, like Roland, other football programs may snatch up some of the FPC assistants to lead their teams.
But, if the Bulldogs continue to struggle, there will be, due to human nature, a lot of second guessing the leadership.
This should come as no surprise for all involved parties. With great opportunities come great responsibilities.
