Jack Harbaugh’s Coaching Keys

My dad, Jack, a long-time football coach, and I talk all the time about all kinds of football topics; recently he outlined something really critical – the seven things he considers to be key winning intangibles:

1. Execution: Technique/Speed/Physicality/Effort

Not luck, not better players, not smarter coaches; always better execution. That’s what WINS! “Ability is God-given, but production is earned.” Execution is doing the job well. If we really want to win, then execution is what we DO. Execution is practiced — over and over and over.

“Perfect practice makes perfect.”

“Execution is more important than the ‘will to win.’” Execution is the will to win.

2. Momentum: Stop Theirs and Build on Ours

Very simple, but most teams don’t prepare for it. You hear it talked about all the time AFTER a game. If it is so important, then why don’t most teams prepare for it? During a game, you will lose momentum nine to 12 times. Examples: being scored upon, your team turning the ball over, extremely bad field position, bad penalty, they make a play, etc. The key to overcoming the loss of momentum is regaining the momentum quickly and holding it for long periods of time. Let’s learn to recognize it and practice it so you can produce it when it happens.

3. Smart is as Smart Does

Smart follows smart, and dumb plays are often followed by dumber plays. Doubling down on dumb is not smart. Intelligence is about choices and decisions. Good judgment is the result of UNDERSTANDING the situation. Understanding takes away doubt. It allows you to GO FOR IT in the moment; to do what your instincts tell you, because after much study, you know what you are doing.

4. Confidence and Humility: The Right Mix Will Take You a Long Way

Success increases self-assurance, but arrogance increases complacency. That’s how the BETTER TEAM gets beat.

5. Set Your Own Standard

Never let the status of the team you’re playing affect the way you play; good or bad. Make them adjust to you. Do what we do, the way we do it. PLAY LIKE US!

6. Never Quit ‘Heart’

A famous World War I battleground message sent to headquarters by Frenchman Marshal Ferdinand Foch said: “My center is giving way, my right is in retreat, situation is excellent, I shall attack.”

7. LOVE THIS ONE…

“Watch out for the kid wearing the old and tattered shoes. He is hungry and wants to kick your ass.”

“Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind!” — Jack Harbaugh