Big Phil
Registered User
- Nov 2, 2003
- 31,703
- 4,147
Yes I know this doesnt realte to everyone but just generally. Why do you think a great player doesnt make a great coach quite often? And vice versa, why do poor or marginal players quite often make great coaches? Here's some examples
Scotty Bowman - never played an NHL game (he got wacked over the head to end his career early) he's the greatest coach ever
Pat Burns - Never played an NHL game, great coach
Pat Quinn - Okay but not great defenseman, an although the Cup has eluded him he's been a great coach
Ted Nolan - He's been coach of the year
Don Cherry - Love him or hate him he was a good coach who only played one NHL game
On the flip side here's some great players that havent been memorable in suits
Bill Gadsby - All-star defenseman had a poor coaching record
Wayne Gretzky - Sure he hasnt had a lot to work with but he's had a couple years, just poor results so far
Gerry Cheevers and Terry O'Reilly were great/very good players but no more than average coaches
There are exceptions too. Toe Blake would have made the Hall of Fame even as just a coach not just a player. But in general why is it that the greats dont usually translate their success behind the bench? Is it because it's hard ot teach players things that came so naturally to them?
Scotty Bowman - never played an NHL game (he got wacked over the head to end his career early) he's the greatest coach ever
Pat Burns - Never played an NHL game, great coach
Pat Quinn - Okay but not great defenseman, an although the Cup has eluded him he's been a great coach
Ted Nolan - He's been coach of the year
Don Cherry - Love him or hate him he was a good coach who only played one NHL game
On the flip side here's some great players that havent been memorable in suits
Bill Gadsby - All-star defenseman had a poor coaching record
Wayne Gretzky - Sure he hasnt had a lot to work with but he's had a couple years, just poor results so far
Gerry Cheevers and Terry O'Reilly were great/very good players but no more than average coaches
There are exceptions too. Toe Blake would have made the Hall of Fame even as just a coach not just a player. But in general why is it that the greats dont usually translate their success behind the bench? Is it because it's hard ot teach players things that came so naturally to them?