Posted at 4:00pm -- 10/15/2009Coach's Corner: Coach Rod on Saturday
Tate Forcier committed one of the cardinal errors a player can make, he would not close his mouth and let Coach Rod coach him up.
It was obvious Forcier had made an error in judgment and instead of just listening and learning, he either made an excuse or was trying to justify his actions. That is the absolute worse thing a player can do.
From being in that situation many times you keep trying to coach the kid up and get frustrated when they keep talking. You are really trying to coach the kid up so he can get back into the game, but his behavior prevents this from happening. In my opinion that is why Coach Rod pulled Forcier.
It was Coach Rod’s way of telling Tate to close his mouth and listen. No coach can allow a player, regardless how talented or important, to challenge his authority in front of the entire team. Forcier flat-out gave Coach Rod no choice, but to sit him.
If you re-watch the game Coach Rod tried multiple times to get Forcier to listen, but Forcier would have none of it. Coach Rod made a decision that was short-term pain for long-term progress. He sat Forcier, who clearly gave Michigan the best shot at winning. In my opinion it was 100% the correct move, putting principle over short- term gain typically pays bigger dividends.
Much has made of Coach Rod's demeanor and passion. This is Coach Rod, fiery and passionate, hell yes, that is one of his best traits. Even at practice he has the same body language and fire displayed during the game.
Here is why I am okay with what happened Saturday. Coach Rod does not just scream and cuss at the kids, he is still coaching and teaching. I have witnessed this trait from him at Glenville, West Virginia, and here at Michigan.
Despite the fire, he never loses sight of his job, coaching and teaching. If Coach Rod was just throwing a fit and cussing players out without continuing to do his job it would be a different matter, but he keeps coaching.
The only thing I wish would not have happened is Forcier getting undressed on national television, but I can say with a fair amount of certainty that had Forcier ever decided to just shut his mouth, the undressing would not have happened. And either way it is not a major snafu.
Editor’s note
As a former coach in a collegiate program, no player can dictate to a head coach what the agenda is, period, end of discussion. Great job. This happened to an inexperienced freshman in the heat of battle. Now the real question will be how does Tate respond?
Written by GBMW Staff
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
I coach track and had a similar situation. As soon as the kid was off of the team things finally started getting better. Completely agree with you. I'm not positive of what happened Saturday, but if Tate was mouthy then he should be out.
ReplyDeleteDidn't Tate have a concussion and that is why Drob played?
ReplyDelete100% agree
ReplyDeletea problem I had with Ryan Mallett is the way he acted towards Carr on national TV vs Illinois after the had thrown a pick.
I love confidence from a player, but NEVER try to show up the coach or make excuses as to why you just screwed up.
Deja Vu Mallett incident.
ReplyDeleteDid anybody actually see this transgression? I was watching, but must've missed it. I did hear the sideline announcer SPECULATING about the interaction. I hope all this "controversy" isn't based on that! Let's stick with the facts -- if anybody bothers to find them out, anymore.
ReplyDelete