The perception that Pete Carroll is the quintessential “player’s coach” is apparently true.
Tuesday ESPN released the results of a survey that anonymously asked 320 NFL players to choose the head coach they would prefer to play for, if given a choice. Carroll won in a romp with 22.5 percent (72) of the votes.
The structure was simple: In November and December, ESPN NFL Nation reporters asked 10 players from each team a variety of questions, the results of which will released bit-by-bit in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII.
The early feedback gives a clear indication of how opposing teams view a Seahawks organization that regularly talks about how much fun players and coaches have during practices, meetings and games.
It also speaks to Carroll’s popularity in Seattle’s locker room. Players were allowed to vote for their own coach. Of the 32 NFL head men, only 29 received votes.
The rest of the results were about what the knowledgable NFL fan would expect, save a few surprises. The top vote-getters included a mix of icy personalities and perceived “nice guys.”
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin came in second with 13.8 percent (44 votes). Broncos coach John Fox was third (25 votes), Jets coach Rex Ryan earned 23 votes and Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Patriots coach Bill Belichick tied for fourth with 22 votes.
49ers coach Jim Harbaugh finished eighth by garnering five percent of votes.
1 Comment
Pete combines adapting to his players with making them accountable. And very much a team first philosophy. But it’s my first point that gets players attention. He reaches out to them initially and they respond to that. Not only good for coaching but good for anyone in a leadership position.