“The big idea is that happy players make for better players.”
I’ve a troubled relationship with Pete Carroll.
On one hand, he seems like a super-affable guy who gets his teams fired up and has genuine affection for his players. On the other hand, he coached the Patriots into the ground before the Belichick Era and managed to get out of USC just before all sorts of NCAA-violation gnarliness reduced the campus to marching-band-bragging-rights only status.
However . . .
After reading Alyssa Roenigk’s ESPN: The Magazine article, I think the Dick Clark of football coaching might be back in my good good graces. Here are four (of many) reasons why public education ought take a good look at what is happening with the Seattle Seahawks.
1. The Seahawks are building personalized learning models.
2. The Seahawks motivate players to participate in enrichment activities by rolling them out strategically and on a voluntary basis.
3. The Seahawks are helping players with all aspects of their lives, not just their abilities to perform in high stakes situations.
4. The Seahawks are doing what they believe is best for their players, even if the rest of the league is conducting business the same way it has always been done.
“I talk to guys on other teams, and other teams aren’t like this. We do stuff different here.”
See how the season plays out. If Russell Wilson and company have a winning record, and many prognosticators have them slated for a Super Bowl appearance, well, maybe we ought to get some meditation coaches, practice field DJs, and Jumbotrons in our schools.
And I’ll owe Pete Carroll a tip of the visor.