Saints Coach Sean Payton and lessons in leadership

Indianapolis Colts Management are you listening?

On Wednesday, Dec. 30th 2009, I posted a blog, Gutless Indianapolis Colts coaching staff means they will not go down in history.  Well, a lot has happened since then.

In Monday’s Miami Herald, Jeff Darlington writes, “The Saints became Super Bowl Champions because of a calculating quarterback, a risk taking coach and a team’s faith that did not waiver.” Drew Brees is quoted as saying this about his coach, “Not only is he an aggressive play caller, a confident play caller, but he’s a guy that can instill all those qualities in his players.” My words: That’s what leadership is all about.

This is not to say that the Colts players didn’t give the game every ounce of effort, because I’m sure they had.  As a matter of fact I know they did.  Surely the Indianapolis sportswriters will second-guess the coach’s decisions well into next season. This second-guessing may prove beneficial to the organization, maybe it will not.

I say it probably will not because my thoughts go back to the regular season and to the decision to rest players when the Colts had a chance at destiny, to go undefeated entering the Super Bowl. The Colt’s executive and coaching staff chose to play it safe.  It was considered a “smart football decision” and thus they decided to defeat themselves, to quit, and not to strive to become the greatest NFL football team and thus the greatest Super Bowl Champions ever. Well, the Colts got their wish. They are the most rested, injury-free, second greatest, not Super Bowl champions.

When the decision to sit players was made, so went the Super Bowl.  The Colts organization demonstrated a lack of need and commitment to be the best. Not good! These types of “committee” decisions must be washed away from the Colt’s organization if they are to recover to become champions again. The organizations will, their non-aggressive attitude, and their leadership skills must improve if they are to become champions. If not, they are destined to become what they desired by sitting their players…a safe and mediocre, second place team.

Am I being tough on the Colts organization? You bet. But what do we tell our kids? “OK little Johnny, strive to be the best, but only if it’s not too hard. If you get tired or afraid or if your goal is stressful play it safe.”  It’s Okay to phone it in, Lil Stewie.

Is that what we teach our kids about striving to be the best?

I’ll bet they aren’t saying that to the kids in New Orleans!

As usual your thoughtful comments are welcome.

Dr. John Morgan