NLL Player Poll: Are you diggin’ your coach?

With coaches catching a bit of flack this year and others getting praise for some awesome work in certain cities, we wanted to see what the boys in the locker room thought of the guys runnin’ the show behind the bench?

They’re always the first to get the boot if things go south and fans usually attack them more than the guys that are actually on the rug. The amount of time media and fans actually see most coaches during games makes up a really small percentage of the actual work these guys do.

Who knows ‘em the best? The players for sure.

It’s the reason why the most improved team’s coach usually gets the nod as coach of the year, cuz there’s usually very little to go off of from just watching these guys in their suit and tie on the bench for an hour or so of ball. The only ones that actually see these guys on and off the bench are the players.

Anyways, here’s what the boys had to say about what they thought of their current NLL Head Coach along with a couple other things. Make sure to check out the player’s comments below too.


1. Do you respect your current NLL Head Coach?  
A. Yes 96%    
B. No 4%    
         
         
2. Do you buy into the current systems and philosophies your current NLL
Head Coach is instilling in the team?
A. Yes 66%    
B. No 2%    
C. Usually 22%    
D. Sometimes 10%    
         
         
3. Have you ever been involved in a heated argument with your coach either
on or off the floor/field?
A. Yes 15%    
B. No 85%    
         
         
4. Do you feel you can openly discuss team related concerns with your
current NLL Head Coach?
A. Yes 84%    
B. No 16%    
         
         
5. What current NLL player do you feel would make the best Head Coach in the
NLL after retiring?
A. Brodie Merrill, Portland 6%    
B. Curt Malawsky, Calgary 34%    
C. Regy Thorpe, Rochester 13%    
D. Colin Doyle, San Jose 2%    
E. John Tavares, Buffalo 3%    
F. Jim Veltman, Toronto 22%    
G. Jim Moss, San Jose 0%    
H. Tracey Kelusky, Calgary 3%    
I. Taylor Wray, Philadelphia 3%    
J. Other 14%    
Other Votes: Cam Woods, Ryan Ward, Ryan Boyle, Chris Courtney, Pat McCready,
Brian Langtry, Pat Coyle

Comments:

1. Do you respect your current NLL Head Coach?

“I do but respect is not needed as long as they can motivate you and you have the same goal in the end. Win Championships.”

“Best in the Business – Bob McMahon”

2. Do you buy into the current systems and philosophies your current NLL Head Coach is instilling in the team?

“Don’t always agree with all systems but they are the coaches and the leaders of our team so… you do it to the best of your ability.”

“Absolutley. He has a great understanding of the game and a great way of communicating his wants with his players.”

3. Have you ever been involved in a heated argument with your coach either on or off the floor/field?

“There are certain guys that are in the league that I have definitely had run-ins with, but think I’ll let them remain nameless. Coincidently, one will be in the hall of fame shortly.”

“I try and wait until cooler heads prevail.”

4. Do you feel you can openly discuss team related concerns with your current NLL Head Coach?

“I think I can. He values other’s opinions and realizes we all have different ways of doing things.”

5. What current NLL player do you feel would make the best Head Coach in the NLL after retiring?

“Curt lives, breathes and eats lacrosse. He’s a walking encyclopedia on the sport and the best team guy you’re going to find.” on Curt Malawsky

“He knows his stuff and has more heart and passion than any other player.” on Curt Malawsky

“Not sure current players should be coaching in the summer. Sure you’ve heard what was said between Clark and Shooter this past summer when Barrie and Brampton played. Must be a weird environment in Toronto.”

The foremost boxla writer, Tutka is a former NLL scout and a longtime Inside Lacrosse contributor. Email him at paul.tutka@nllinsider.com.

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