Let me throw this perspective out there.
I had a defensive end in high school who ended up going and playing in the NFL. Great young man.
Had a crucial game we were playing and we knew the offense was about to attack an area on the field based on our defensive look. So with that, we called a TO so we could get everyone on the same page. In that huddle, I put us in our base defense for that week and explained how I wanted it to look. But I changed 3 guys responsibility on the backside and had them say back to me what they were going to do. We were showing (disguising) our defense to lure them into the play(s) we had seen them have some success with. The adjustments were perfect. Not going to lie. On paper....beautiful. I sent them back out to the field.
From the time they left me to the snap of the ball. 10 of my 11 players did exactly what I communicated. The one, my NFL player, did not. We give up a crucial 1st down that took away too much of our needed time to make the proper comeback. No one play causes defeat in a game. But it sure didn't help our cause.
A couple of things learned from this one experience:
After the game, as a coaching staff, we did not point fingers at any coach and lay the blame at their feet as the crucial part that failed. As the DC, I get the loss as I called the game. I accept and take that responsibility. For what its worth, the HC of the team that beat us that game, recruited me to be his DC because what he saw, in his words, was a talent to put kids in the right spot at the right time. Also, he had heard good things about how I treat the kids, parents and administration. His perspective from afar. A humbling moment for a coach. Makes your chest stick a little.
The second thing and the reality of how this game is to a coach. I am a great coach when I have great players. When my players aren't that good...apparently I am not a good coach. Again, the POV from the individual making a judgement is based on experience and whatever inputs (information) they gather as they live the sport. Nobody's view is incorrect. You always make the best choice you can with what information you have. The decision makers always get more information than anyone else for obvious reasons. It is why you see what people call re-treads. Doesn't mean its the correct choice. However, it is as close as an educated decision as one can make. You can begin to see the complexity of such choices and why people with experience don't just go with the fresh new ideas. Doesn't mean they won't but there is a calculated choice being made.
With this one little experience added to the thousands that happen every year for each individual....there is still only one category that is highlighted by ALL. Results. Luckily, in the coaching ranks, that one number is not the make or break for an opportunity. Its the face to face and relationship you build with the guys and gals around you.
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