Dr. Billy Graham said, “A coach will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime.”  Dr. Graham is right.  As a result, it is vital a coach knows how to properly steward their influence.

So what makes a great coach?

I am a HUGE fan of the daily sports writing subscription service The Athletic. The Athletic is an online sports subscription service which features the best writers available.  You can also follow individual writers, sports, conferences, and even specific teams.  I cannot recommend this resource enough to sports fans.  It is a must-have for anyone interested in sports and sports leadership.  Also, it makes the perfect Father’s Day gift.  Click HERE  or the image below and get 40% off an annual subscription.

Recently, one if its contributors, Eamonn Brennan wrote a profile of Virginia Cavaliers head basketball coach Tony Bennett entitled “Is This Tony Bennett’s Masterpiece?”  The Cavaliers won last year’s NCAA Championship but this year may be his finest coaching job yet.

The following are 10 Signs Of A Great Coach I gleaned from Brennan’s article.  Also, for more on Coach Bennett click 17 Lessons From The Amazing Generosity Of Virginia Basketball Coach Tony Bennett and What The Greatest Champions Think About Success, Failure, And Beating Your Rival.

  1. A Great Coach Learns From Failure – Cavalier forward Kihei Clark said, “Losing taught us a lot of things.  It’s not necessarily bad.  Now look at us. We’re at this point where we can finish first, second or third.  A month ago we were supposed to be done. We were supposed to be in a relegation or something, I don’t know — that’s what people were saying.”
  2. A Great Coach Focuses On What He or She Can Control –  Clark added, “We just put our heads down and focused on what we could control, and now we’re here.”
  3. A Great Coach Adapts To Their Players – Coach Bennett has had to be tougher on this group than any in recent Cavalier memory.  He never uses foul language but he has had to raise his intensity and sense of urgency.
  4. A Great Coach Properly Evaluates Reality – The reason for Coach Bennett’s increase level of intensity is he knew back in training camp this Cavalier team was not ready.  They lacked outside shooting and the overall offense was sub-standard.  When the season began, they played like it.
  5. A Great Coach Is Willing To Have Clear, Tough Conversations – After a December loss to South Carolina, Coach Bennett told Clark “he had to get better.”
  6. A Great Coach Senses, Seizes, and Does Not Waste Opportunity – They know the value of every possession.  Brennan wrote, “He’s been coaching like a man who knows every single possession of every game is going to be a titanic struggle.”
  7. A Great Coach Wins Close Games – John Maxwell in his book The 17 Indisputable Laws Of Teamwork discusses The Law Of The Edge.  This law teaches us that the difference between two evenly-matched teams is leadership.  Brennan added, “(Coach Bennett) realizes that every Virginia game these days is decided by single digits and probably a single bucket.”  Coach Bennett said, “We’re winning more close games,” Bennett said. “We’ve been in so many close games. We’ve been getting more balanced scoring.”  Through March 7th, the Cavaliers are 13-2 in games decided by 6 points (2 possessions) or less, proof of the amazing leadership of head coach Tony Bennett, his staff and players.
  8. A Great Coach Gets The Most Out Of Their Players – Brennan concludes this train of thought by concluding, “(Coach Bennett) knows it’s up to him to wring every last drop from the players at his disposal.”
  9. A Great Coach Prioritizes Continual Improvement – They know you can always get better.  Coach Bennett said, “We still have room to grow. Just a little better in all areas.”
  10. A Great Coach Still Needs Great Players – Coach Lou Holtz said, “I’ve coached teams with good players and I’ve coached teams with bad players.  I’m a better coach when I have good players!”  All leaders are better with great talent.  Coach Bennett acknowledged, “Guys are making big plays down the stretch and that’s what it comes down to.”

As March 8th, the Cavaliers were tied for second in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 15-5 record and 23-7 overall.  Virginia is only one game out of first place.  If the team makes up the one game difference, it would be their fifth conference title in six years.  Tony Bennett is a GREAT coach.

What is one thing you learned from Coach Bennett which will make you a better coach?

My book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is available for purchase.  If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you!  By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you.  This book is not to be read alone.  Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence.  Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.