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In elementary school, we're taught to be good losers, that it doesn't matter if you win or lose but how you play the game.
In the pros, the best players hate to lose. Simply hate it. And loving their coach isn't always a great thing.
Columnist Mitch Albom writes about fired Lions Coach Jim Caldwell:
You know what tipped me that Caldwell’s effectiveness was waning? Every player loved him. Even after disappointing losses, they hailed him as a great guy.
In the NFL, that’s not a good sign. It often indicates mediocrity being tolerated, and mediocre performers being grateful there aren’t consequences.
In a league where all that counts is winning, a swift sword is needed. Being liked is unimportant. Players should be put off by their demanding coaches. Lombardi? Landry? Belichick? How often did you hear raves about what great guys they were?
There is a difference between good men and good NFL coaches. Jim Caldwell is undeniably the former. But being the latter means taking a team to new heights, parting with players and schemes that don’t succeed. And despite an overall winning record (36-28), this franchise has nothing new to show for Caldwell’s four years here.
Critical games lost. Critical opportunities blown.