Wednesday, January 14, 2009

It's about having to do the hard thing and do it often

Great quote here from Colts owner Jim Irsay about new IND coach Jim Caldwell and their owner-coach relationship:

"[Coach Caldwell's] not really here to do anything but what all outstanding head coaches do in our league and that’s blending a little bit of everyone they’ve been around, all of the influences they have been around.

My thing with him as an owner is supporting him. I’ve always said that it’s through the toughest times. When things are going the worst, when things are going the wrong way – and they do, because it’s all about overcoming adversity – that’s when I’m there for him. That’s what I always make sure I give our head coach.”

Leadership is the critical component, being a leader of men. If that is missing, no matter how much knowledge you have in terms of Xs and Os and all those sorts of things, you’re going to come up short. If things aren’t going well, you can’t close your office door and stare at film all day. The head coach has to be ready to confront tough issues. You have to have that sort of mentality and I know Jim has it.

It’s about having to do the hard thing and do it often."