The Coach's afterlife

Happy Friday! 

Unless you’re a Cameron Brink fan, then it’s a sad Friday.

In solidarity of Brink’s Left ACL being torn, ending her first Olympic 3×3 opportunity, we will be honoring her by not using our left leg during each 3×3 game.

Prayers up.

Keeping on the sad news, we’re diving into the after life of a Coach once they’ve been fired.

Unless you really follow a Coach, like really follow them, they usually fall off the grid and start selling insurance back in their hometown, or they’ll become a travelling Author.

So today, we’re going to talk about what usually happens once they get the boot. 👇️ 

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TODAY’S STORY
💥THE COACH’S AFTERLIFE

I WANT TO BE A COACH

As a kid, I think we all dream of being a coach someday. Those early years are filled with idolizing players and looking up to coaches, imagining ourselves in their shoes one day.

But reality often takes a different turn and you’ll find yourself rotating cubicles every 10 years for the next 50 years of your life.

What if you knew a coach's career typically lasts only about 7 years? Would that change your mind?

Maybe.

Imagine landing that dream head coaching job, only to have your athletic director suggest stepping down, leaving you uncertain about your future job prospects.

Unless you're incredibly humble, transitioning from Head Coach to Assistant Coach can be tough.

It does happen though, like recently when Kentucky's head coach, Kyra Elzy, was let go and then hired by her friend and former teammate, Duke's head coach Kara Lawson.

Connections. They matter.

Kyra's fortunate. Without her network, she might have left the basketball world behind, maybe becoming an insurance agent or an author instead.

PUBLIC PERCEPTION

When women's basketball coaches are let go, it can be a turning point in their careers and personal lives.

Losing a prominent coaching position can lead to unexpected opportunities and challenges that reshape their professional trajectory and personal identity.

An abrupt end to someone’s tenure can sometimes serve as a springboard for reinvention or a renewed focus on different goals., as crappy as that sounds.

Coaches like Tina Thompson, who was let go after four seasons with Virginia, often find their reputations questioned. Public perception can shift rapidly, especially if the firing follows poor performance, as evidenced by a series of losing seasons.

And not to make this about me, but I’ve been one of the lucky few to watch Tina Thompson in her prime. Definitely better player than coach

Stories that highlight the reasons for dismissal, such as issues with team records or clashes with the athletic director, can either tarnish or, in some cases, garner sympathy for the coach.

NCAA Tournament and NIT experiences are valuable assets. Coaches with such backgrounds may find roles in development or as strategists for current head coaches. The move isn't always easy, as market conditions and the presence of qualified replacements can limit opportunities.

Unfortunately female coaches aren’t as fortunate as their male counterparts when it comes to securing a broadcasting role once their coaching career ends.

I mean, if you watched any of the NBA finals and have a Twitter account, you could see Doris Burke getting annihilated just because of the way her voice sounds, aggravating a bunch of Tom, Rick, and Jerry’s at home.

So while it would be LOVELY to get to see coaches you love on the big screen once they’re done with coaching for whatever reason, and lord knows we need them, it’s just not a realistic job change for women.

THE IMPACT

Mental Health

When a coach is fired, it often takes a serious toll on their mental and emotional health. Feelings of failure and disappointment are common, and the sudden loss can lead to stress and anxiety.

(I’ve interviewed a few. It’s true)

In some cases, the inability to coach further exacerbates these feelings.

Amanda Butler, for example, faced public scrutiny after being let go by Clemson. This type of exposure can contribute to a decline in self-esteem and confidence, making recovery and the search for new opportunities tough.

Lots of coaches seek professional help, including therapy, to navigate these challenging times. Engaging in new hobbies or pursuing education can also be coping mechanisms to rebuild mental strength.

Family and Relationships

The effects of a coach's firing often ripple through their family and relationships.

The stress and emotional strain felt by the coach can impact their partner and children. Changing job locations frequently disrupts family routines, leading to additional stress.

Especially if a coach has kids, those things know how to run up a bill!

Financial instability following a firing also strains relationships. Couples have to navigate new budgets and possibly re-evaluate their long-term plans, adding another layer of complexity to their daily lives.

Why do you think the divorce rate is so high in this industry?

NEXT STEPS

Coaches basically find themselves trying to get their own version of an MBA.

Building and maintaining a network is crucial. Coaches often lean on connections to find new job opportunities or transition into different roles within the sports industry. Attending industry events, coaching clinics, and joining coaching associations are just a few ways they can stay in the game.

Engaging in professional development through certifications or advanced coaching courses can enhance their resumes.

This sounds like the equivalent of Corporate America requiring employees to take DEI training.

Rebranding is critical.

Coaches need to shift how they are perceived, focusing on their versatility and the breadth of their skills. This might involve updating their online presence to reflect new career aspirations or showcasing different aspects of their professional journey.

Creating engaging content such as blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels focused on specific coaching techniques or sports insights can help in establishing themselves as thought leaders.

By sharing their experiences and insights regularly, they can build a strong personal brand that resonates with a broader audience, paving the way for new opportunities.

Like I said earlier, Coaches already have an audience, they have hundreds of connections in the sports world, and they can share so many behind-the-scenes stories that people would die to hear, but so few actually do anything with it post-career.

What a loss.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These career shifts highlight the multifaceted nature of coaching. Fired coaches often find themselves at a crossroads, reflecting on their next steps while navigating the aftermath of their exit.

Whether they choose to retire, pursue new coaching opportunities, or transition to entirely different fields, each former coach embarks on a unique journey shaped by their experiences and ambitions.

Transparently, the options kinda suck for coaches once their tenure ends, but I see a huge opportunity waiting for someone to act on.

You’ve got a bunch of quality people, with specific skills and experiences, all suited for certain roles, yet their potential isn't fully utilized.

Surely there's more out there for them beyond just attending coaching conferences.

Well, that’s all we’ve got!

If you enjoyed this, share it with a friend.

If you didn’t enjoy this, go eat a cactus.

We’ll see you next week 👋