A Quarterback and His Coach

One of the most fascinating relationships in sports is that of the exchange between a coach and a player. A coach is one who leads, shapes, trains, prepares and ultimately, makes the decisions about the plays in a game and the players who play. The coaching position is one of authority and great power, yet where does that power come from and to what end is it used?

A relationship between a quarterback and his coach is additionally unique because the quarterback is expected to be the leader on the field and, if there was a hierarchy in the game of football, the quarterback is, in essence, the right hand man for the coach. Therefore, how the coach and quarterback interact and operate is pivotal to a team’s success. So what are the two most important components of a quarterback/coach relationship? Its simple: Trust and Respect.

Trust and respect are mutual interactions in a relationship that require commitment and honesty. They both have to be earned. A coach can not storm into a locker room, verbal arms swinging, and constantly berate a quarterback or tear him down in front of his peers. This will do nothing for the confidence and relationship of the quarterback with his coach. There is an element of trust that is lost when this occurs. Conversely, a quarterback who gripes about his coach or complains about his coach’s decision is not earning the trust of his coach.

If you look around the NFL or College Football and look for the quarterbacks that lead their team and have been consistent in performance and success, you will undoubtedly find a coach there that respects and trusts his quarterback to get the job done. Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators said today that one reason why he has decided to remain in college football another year is because of his loyalty to his coach, Urban Meier. On the other hand, Jay Cutler, QB of the Denver Broncos and his new coach, Josh McDaniels are in a ego-centered contest for power that is tearing the Denver Broncos apart.

Mutual trust and respect are foundational to a healthy relationship between a quarterback and a coach. Furthermore, these pillars hold true for boss/employee relationships as well. But they are not something that are easily given or inherent, they must be earned, and continually displayed through word and deed. Work hard in your relationships to maintain trust and give and earn respect.