AD's unique relationship with their FB coaches

Seth53

Well-Known Member
The AD at most major (i.e. football factory) schools have a 'unique' relationship with their FB coaches (and in some cases BB coaches). As follows:

- Yes, AD has the positional authority. And yes, that is the final trump card. However, consider:

- FB coach makes more money, sometimes 3-4x the money. (Not unlike the NBA coaches and their players). This holds true somewhat for the BB coaches.

- FB coach is the face of the school, at least publicly. Try picking out the OU or FL or ND AD out of a lineup. Same for the BB world. Same as above. Makes it difficult for ADs to deal with pubic figures.

- Who has the most difficult job? Difficult to a$$ess since it comes down to skill set, hours one places upon ones-self, etc. Certainly a W/L screw-up is more scrutinized than having to let the rowing coach go. I'd probably rate this a toss up.

- Who ultimately has more influence? Bill Snyder just endorsed a KS Senate incumbent. Think the AD's endorsement would have meant anything?

- Who ultimately has a safer job? Most would say the AD. But tell that to the Michigan AD who got let go several weeks before the end of the FB season.

- Who directly brings in more money through successful program stewardship? FB coaches by far. Their on-filed success generates more interest, donations and buzz than anything the AD directly can do.

- Bottom line: The AD/FB coach have a unique relationship. Positional authority usually trumps anything else. But I think it can be shown, in real life, the coach has so much more non-org-chart power that it offsets the positional authority.

- While Barta has to put on the game-face regarding program status, KF in no small part, is pulling those strings.

Thus the dilemma for Barta and the FB program.
 
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