Jay Gruden hired as head coach of the Redskins

[Skinzman]

Originally Posted by WillH

This does happen in every field, but often is seen as a mistake. If you're an executive of a company and a sales position becomes open, could you really justify bringing in your buddy to fill the position without interviewing other candidates? Even if you have worked with them before, know that you get along, and know they are pretty good at sales it would be considered a mistake to not consider other candidates, and would likely raise a few eyebrows around the office (which itself could cause entirely new issues of trust and fairness etc.). The big problem is you could miss out on the opportunity to add a significantly more talented individual with a better sales record.

Common and intuitive though the practice may be, it is unprofessional, and potentially detrimental.

I'm not saying this is definitely what's happening here, and I'm not saying it will end in disaster, but if it is happening - good or bad outcome - it is not sound management.

While this is true in business, There is a difference with football. Mainly the fact that while someone else may be a better coach, he may not coach the system that is in place. He may do things much differently than what the HC wants. Which just gets you mismatched parts and usually doesnt work. The same goes for players. Some may be great players in one system, but not so good in another. Its not about the most talented in football, Its the most talented that fits your system. Getting people that fit your system rules out a fair amount of talented candidates.

We have seen that first hand recently with the 3-4 defense while having 4-3 coaches and players. Coaches need their staff to be thinking a similar way to them so they are on the same page. Familiarity plays a role in those hires when in sales, they do not.