This offseason, one of the local head coaches that everyone respects and had turned around a really bad program resigned. Of course in the press it was to spend more time with his family, but he told me privately that after a game, his children said “Dad, why do your fans hate you so much?”. He thought it over and realized all his work and time wasn’t worth it for that community, and made the difficult decision to resign. That program has suffered this year, and went from a contender to a doormat.
I am approaching my 100th win as a head coach, and as I reflect on it, the guys on my staff now are a part of most of those wins. I speak quite a bit with other head coaches, and consistently they are impressed with our attention to detail and game plans.
I would be sick to my stomach, and I know our program would suffer, if my coaches decided that their work and dedication wasn’t worth it for the verbal abuse they take. I am asking administration to have a presence in the stands moving forward, and removing those of you who can not watch a game with class and respect. Is screaming derogatory terms at members of our coaching staff what we want PHS Football to be known for? Are those the lessons you want your sons to take with them from the game? Do you really think we are being out-coached and out-worked in games? Or are you upset that your kid isn’t getting the ball enough or on the field enough, and your outlet for frustration is to embarrass yourself and our program in the stands?
As always, my door is open for discussion. It really is a shame I had to compose this message, but it really was necessary. I thank the vast majority of you that understand and appreciate our work, and hope the minority of you that made this message necessary can fix your behavior. Looking forward to Thursday’s contest with Heritage and seeing our boys compete.