Joe Paterno is one of the most beloved coaches in football. Did you know he has had 5 losing seasons! I mean 4 win seasons at that. He had two losing seasons in a row and the third year his team went 11-1!
Bear Bryant one of the most notorious and well known coaches had two 6-win seasons at the height of his career at Alabama and the third year his team went 11-1!
Nick Saban, to whom everyone points, did not lead a team to a bowl victory until he coached LSU!
In 10 years as head coach of Georgia, Mark Richt has 6 seasons with 10 or more wins! And now people are counting him out.
What would have happened if Alabama fans had said, "Oh well, two 6 win seasons. I guess the ride is over. Send Bryant packing!"
Can you ever imagine Penn State fans saying, "Joe-Pa has had it. Two abysmal years is enough. Fire the old guy!"
- What would have happened to those 11-1 teams AND the very good teams that followed those years?
- What if no one believed enough in Nick Saban to allow him to coach in the SEC because his teams never won a bowl game. What if they never trusted him because he has not coached anywhere longer than 5 seasons?
To all the know-it-all fans who want Richt fired - you may be the ones holding Georgia back- not one bad season.
To Coach Richt - Kudos and I am looking forward to another great season win or lose!
Here is what one coach thinks of Richt: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/09/14/2389258/bennett-gives-support-for-ugas.html#ixzz1Xz1EbSDU
Okay, so my research has put a fire in my belly. Like it or lump it. It is the truth. Fire Richt now and Georgia may not find a better coach.
Here is a major leadership lesson.
Does real leadership happen during down or bad years? Can a good leader hold something together that may otherwise implode without them? Time is a factor in leadership that some are unwilling to give. Yet time may be the only thing that can bring real and lasting results. Jump ship too soon, and you may find yourself sinking while the ship steams ahead.
I'll flesh out some more thoughts later. Your thoughts on time and leadership are welcome.
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