[Mick]

On the other hand, being liked by players is not a requirement to be a good coach.



BC

This goes back to the question of whether it is better for the Prince to be loved or feared. Either can work. However IMHO a college coach has to realize that there are going to be personality conflicts on the team. It is his job to make it a teaching moment and at least try to have all parties behave in a mature manner and work together for the benefit of the team. For sure, that isn't always possible, as some guys just can't or won't do what is needed to get along. That said, the guy who is being a totally ego focused asshole better not be the coach. I am afraid that with Harbaugh, sometimes it is.

One of my son's early volleyball coaches coached both the boys' and girls' volleyball teams at a prominent South Bay high school.  Early on, I asked him the biggest difference between the two.  Was it power?  Strategy?  Positioning?  Uh-uh.  Biggest difference was attitude.  If two guys couldn't stand each other off the court, they could still play together and play together well on the court.   But if the setter on the girls' team didn't like the star outside hitter, she wouldn't set her -- ever.  Not once.

[Mick]

On the other hand, being liked by players is not a requirement to be a good coach.



BC

This goes back to the question of whether it is better for the Prince to be loved or feared. Either can work. However IMHO a college coach has to realize that there are going to be personality conflicts on the team. It is his job to make it a teaching moment and at least try to have all parties behave in a mature manner and work together for the benefit of the team. For sure, that isn't always possible, as some guys just can't or won't do what is needed to get along. That said, the guy who is being a totally ego focused asshole better not be the coach. I am afraid that with Harbaugh, sometimes it is.

One of my son's early volleyball coaches coached both the boys' and girls' volleyball teams at a prominent South Bay high school.  Early on, I asked him the biggest difference between the two.  Was it power?  Strategy?  Positioning?  Uh-uh.  Biggest difference was attitude.  If two guys couldn't stand each other off the court, they could still play together and play together well on the court.   But if the setter on the girls' team didn't like the star outside hitter, she wouldn't set her -- ever.  Not once.