Cleveland Browns (NFL) fired head coach Hue Jackson in the end of October 2018 and appointed defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and running backs coordinator Freddie Kitchens as new interim head coach and offensive coordinator until the end of the season.
Hue Jackson lost the dressing room, was in conflict with his QB Baker Mayfield, his offensive coordinator Todd Haley and lost four games in a row. The loss against arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers was the final nail in the coffin. In many ways a similar scenario to José Mourinho’s final months with United except Hue Jackson had a record of 3-36 in three seasons. But anyway.
The interesting part is how Williams and Kitchens restored the teams self confidence from the very first day. For those of you who are interested in elite sport management search for Freddie Kitchens and Gregg Williams on You Tube and compare to José Mourinho’s approach on his press conferences.
Key words is;
# The dressing room is built on trust and respect. Players and management are all equal but with different responsibilities and different roles. The chain is as strong as the weakest link.
# We take day by day and game by game. Focus on doing your part the best you can and trust in others doing the same. We win and lose together.
# Try to be the best version of yourself and others will follow your example.
# 100% of effort and commitment in every situation when you represent the badge is a given, otherwise you don’t belong to this club. Period.
# Communication. We talk to each other like adults and we respect others opinions.
# Be on time otherwise another player/coach will take your place.
# Small thing matters.
# To be successful as a group we need to be on the same page. Do your best and trust in others to do the same.
I hope our next manager will have the same mindset as Freddie Kitchens and Gregg Williams. Great coaches and likable characters. Like I said, if you’re interested, check YouTube and spot the difference between good and bad leadership.