WM: TJ...how would you like to be a head coach?
TJ: Where?
WM: At UConn of course.
TJ: But you already have a head coach.
WM: Yes we do at the present moment, but things may be changing soon. So let me rephrase that? What do you think it takes to be a head coach or to replace one?
TJ: To be a head coach, you have to be able to relate positively with everyone...from the President of the school on down of course, but even more importantly to the student-athletes themselves. They have to know you are on their side, and that you will do whatever it takes to make them successful on and off the field. They have to believe what I believe, that we are all born winners and that's how I expect them to play and achieve in the classroom.
As for what it takes to replace a head coach. It depends more than faulting a head coach just for having a losing season. Heck, even Joe Pa had some less than stellar seasons at Penn State. No, I'd say it begins when those players you expected to believe in you suffer a loss of confidence and start to doubt themselves and whether they can ever win again. At those times, a head coach in concert with his assistant coaches must use every ounce of their energy to overcome the setback of a loss by making sure the players know and understand that, yes - they will face adversity on the gridiron and even in life, as many of them have already have. However, it is more important how they respond to make certain that they know and understand that they mustn't let those setbacks define them. In addition, a head coach must continue to make certain the student-athletes continue to trust in themselves, their teammates, and their coaches and remain positive that not only are they capable of winning, they will win. Because if they stop believing in themselves, so too will their level of confidence that makes you ineffective as a head coach. At that point, you must be replaced.
WM: Could you wait outside for just a minute. I need to make a phone call.
TJ: Sure Mr. Manuel.
WM: [Distant phone ringing.] Ms. Herbst. This is Warde.