by Todd Pheifer

Created on: April 02, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Whenever our beloved team loses, we always want to blame someone. We blame either the referee, or the player who made a mistake on that one play, or in some cases the coach or manager. Coaches should face some criticism when the team loses, but only in certain situations. When a baseball player strikes out, I suppose it is possible that the coach or manager could have spent more time with the batter talking about pitch selection. However, the player still has to perform and do the things that make them a gifted athlete. When the football coach diagrams a play, they are giving the players a blueprint for completing their strategy or goal. Still, when the quarterback drops back and throw the ball to the wide-open receiver who ran the correct route, sometimes the receiver simply drops the ball. In that case, it is probably not the direct fault of the coach. The coach is there to tell the players how they should perform on the field. He or she can even make adjustments or suggestions as play is progressing throughout the game. However, the players still have to play the game, and play it well enough to win the game. The coach cannot make a key shot, hit the ball, or outmaneuver an opponent for the players. Granted, there are times when a coach makes an error in judgment. They may call the wrong play, or they may underestimate how fatigued a certain player has become throughout the game. Ultimately, the coach is paid to make the best decisions possible, but they are still human. In every sport, there are typically two coaches who both have a plan of action that they will implement to the best of their ability. The reality is that in this society, we sometimes want a reason why the team lost, besides the possibility that the other team was just a little bit better. In other words, we need someone to blame, which is sometimes justified but other times it is a bit sad. The reality of life is that people make mistakes. Just about all coaches do not go out and intend to lose. But somebody has to lose. Therefore, you can critique decision-making if you want, but always remember that "hindsight is 20-20". In other words, it is pretty easy to criticize but would we have done any better?

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