3 ms·

Ask HN: What does a NFL coach do?

3 points by chirau 4y ago

It seems to me that offensive and defensive coordinators pick the plays and pick the personnel for each play. So what does the coach do?

jleyank 4y ago
For one, they pick the offensive and defensive coordinators. I assume they set the tone for the offence and clubhouse, and keep things on track. I also assume that the two coordinators aren't equal as some head coaches emphasize one or the other and probably do it a bit themselves (such as Belichick).
- chirau 4y ago
  I meant during the game. What are they actually doing?
  - yuppie_scum 4y ago
    They do have a headset and can talk to their guy with the mic on the field. They are responsible for coaches challenges (throwing the red flag). They accept or decline penalties against the opponent. and obviously the buck stops with them in terms of the decision making of the coordinators/play callers. But certainly a lot of the work is the prep.
chiefalchemist 4y ago
Can I cut in? :) It's probably a misunderstanding to call them coaches. They're rarely coaching. At that level they are managers, with one foot in leader-ville. That is, there is plenty to manage; plenty to lead. If you're coaching in the NFL then you're likely to be unemployed soon. I'm not being snarky or troll-y. The assumption of the question is wrong. Note: At the elite level of European futbol, they are properly called managers. For good reason. Words matter.
- jleyank 4y ago
  Well, in the nfl they’re called head coaches although some have higher, secondary titles involving personnel.
- chirau 4y ago
  During a game, what are they doing though? I know soccer. As much as they are called manager, Pep or Mourinho or whoever, is actually summoning personnel off the bench and changing tactics during the game.
  - chiefalchemist 4y ago
    Coaches do practice. Managers do training. Pep isn't showing KDB how to trap the ball or how to head. Is he? To your point, changing players and tactics is managing. They are trying to maximize results given the resources available. There's no time for coaching at that point.
yuppie_scum 4y ago
If you have HBO, check out an episode or two of the series Hard Knocks. It’s a documentary series that follows one team each year in depth, and you can get a sense for the many responsibilities of the HC. There are also a few very good specials on Belicheck but he isn’t necessarily the typical HC, he does the GM work and is pretty hands on in all aspects of the team. Regardless it should give you an appreciation for how much work goes into running a team.
- chirau 4y ago
  I was asking about during a game. I will check out Hard Knocks, thank you for the recommendation. I have a bad opinion on Belichick and his tactics at the Pats so i am not objective enough to look at any of his stuff. Decorated guy though.

3 points by chirau 4y ago

It seems to me that offensive and defensive coordinators pick the plays and pick the personnel for each play. So what does the coach do?

jleyank 4y ago

For one, they pick the offensive and defensive coordinators. I assume they set the tone for the offence and clubhouse, and keep things on track. I also assume that the two coordinators aren't equal as some head coaches emphasize one or the other and probably do it a bit themselves (such as Belichick).

chirau 4y ago
I meant during the game. What are they actually doing?
- yuppie_scum 4y ago
  They do have a headset and can talk to their guy with the mic on the field. They are responsible for coaches challenges (throwing the red flag). They accept or decline penalties against the opponent. and obviously the buck stops with them in terms of the decision making of the coordinators/play callers. But certainly a lot of the work is the prep.

chiefalchemist 4y ago

Can I cut in? :) It's probably a misunderstanding to call them coaches. They're rarely coaching. At that level they are managers, with one foot in leader-ville. That is, there is plenty to manage; plenty to lead. If you're coaching in the NFL then you're likely to be unemployed soon. I'm not being snarky or troll-y. The assumption of the question is wrong. Note: At the elite level of European futbol, they are properly called managers. For good reason. Words matter.

jleyank 4y ago
Well, in the nfl they’re called head coaches although some have higher, secondary titles involving personnel.
chirau 4y ago
During a game, what are they doing though? I know soccer. As much as they are called manager, Pep or Mourinho or whoever, is actually summoning personnel off the bench and changing tactics during the game.
- chiefalchemist 4y ago
  Coaches do practice. Managers do training. Pep isn't showing KDB how to trap the ball or how to head. Is he? To your point, changing players and tactics is managing. They are trying to maximize results given the resources available. There's no time for coaching at that point.

yuppie_scum 4y ago

If you have HBO, check out an episode or two of the series Hard Knocks. It’s a documentary series that follows one team each year in depth, and you can get a sense for the many responsibilities of the HC. There are also a few very good specials on Belicheck but he isn’t necessarily the typical HC, he does the GM work and is pretty hands on in all aspects of the team. Regardless it should give you an appreciation for how much work goes into running a team.

chirau 4y ago
I was asking about during a game. I will check out Hard Knocks, thank you for the recommendation. I have a bad opinion on Belichick and his tactics at the Pats so i am not objective enough to look at any of his stuff. Decorated guy though.