"System" coach vs "Process" coach

[Devo182]

They aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, they're talking about 2 different things.

"Process" just means "process-oriented". A coach that focuses on doing the right things, regardless of the outcome....good results follow good processes. Folks that just view outcomes are looking at the wrong things. This is an extremely valid view across all of life that is 100% accepted by modern manufacturing and many other industries. The opposite is, "just get the job done, I don't care how!" Or "this month's results is what matters!"

Scheme imo means you have a definitive identity and know what you want to do...and it works. Your plan isn't just gathering more talent. It is being confident in your Xs and Os and executing it. At the highest level of execution, you become nearly "plug-and-play" as Heupel is reaching. By no means does it mean you don't need the process, you 100% do. Our guys have to do the right things all offseason, midseason, and in-game. The decisions matter, not the outcomes. Make the right decisions, execute the right processes, and the results flow naturally.

As an example, the GOAT Nick Saban is both of these. Yes, he is process-oriented. But he also holds a great schematic advantage (or at least used to) with elite defenses. It wasn't just talent or following some rigid process, it was scheme and coaching.

 

[Devo182]

And the remarkable thing is that most of us ranged from angry to suspicious to indifferent when he was hired. Most of us probably thought it was another failed coaching search.... that UT had once again settled for a lesser coach.

First 10 minutes it was, meh...don't get it.

After 10 minutes of researching his stats and great recruiting success I, and many others, were ready to roll.

The main thing he had going against him was we just didn't know much about him yet. Once we did, eyes were bulging

 

[wmcovol]

It’s long been said about some coaches, “he can take his and beat yours or take yours and beat his”. Heupel appears to be one of those guys. Tennessee hasn’t had one in my lifetime (65 years) until maybe now. Bryant, SOS and maybe Saban are those kind of guys. There’s not many.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

A distinction without a difference, unless they have some novel way to define being process-oriented over and above being system-oriented (it doesn’t sound like they did). Drivel

 

[SpookyAction]

I actually agree which is why I kind got aggravated to start with.

My way of kind of rationalizing the difference is to compare "Mr Process" himself- Butch Jones to Heupel. Jones talked about working on the "fine details" of playing winning football. He talked a lot about using analytics and stats and continuous improvement ideas. All useful but NOT the "end" in and of themselves. Heupel has an end in mind. The "process" is incidental to getting to the desired end.

Whereas the "process" coach treats his process as the thing that cannot change, Heupel looks at the "system" or perfecting of it as the focus. The method or process to get there isn't sacred. The "sacred" includes the values that facilitate the quest.

I've probably thought about this a little too much but it interested me how they defined the two guys.

FWIW, if you can't coach... there's no process that's going to make you successful. Again, look at Jones.

The process that got our OLine and DLines mauled every week until we could barely field a complete 5-man O-Line or D-Line set for three seasons. Those teams were weak, and Derek Barnett probably single-handedly saved his job for two seasons running.

 

[SpookyAction]

As much as I enjoy his scheme... IMHO it isn't close to Heupel's greatest strength. I think he has outstanding leadership ability. I honestly think he could win with almost any offensive "system" in large part because he has the ability to get guys to focus on and believe on a shared vision/goal/end.

These VOLS play for Heupel with grit, determination, and precision I haven't seen since Fulmer's glory years.

 

[SpookyAction]

Agree. But my take on it is that these "process" coaches become so focused on the "process" that it becomes an end of itself.

I think this is what Dabo Swinney has become. His "unique" process is making his adaptation to the changing CFB landscape inadequate.

 

[SpookyAction]

One thing I remember clearly was Spurrier knew our defenses inside and out. He identified our weakest players and exploited their weaknesses for 60 minutes.
He picked on Teddy Gaines in the 1999 and 2000 games. The Gators mercilessly targeted him and were very successful.
In the 2001 game he was throwing at Teddy again, and Teddy stepped up in his senior game against UF. He defended well and was disruptive in coverage.

I feel like Heupel is doing the same. He has his chosen targets on their defense and throws and runs at their assignments until it pays off.

 

[chattavol420]

I always use the term strategist. Or scheme coach. Heuple is a spectacular strategist. Any coach can be a process guy. But not all coach’s are great at scheming. Great coaches are both.

 

[Chickenfarmer]

Huepel is able to mold his system around his players. Instead of players to his system. The offense changed ever so slightly last year when Joe would come in for hooker in clean up. even this year. the routes are different. Joe is able to fit the ball in tighter windows over the middle. Yes Hendon did throw it over the middle but not as much as Joe. Its like Huepel calls plays to your strengths to mask your weakness. WHICH IS WHAT GOOD COACHES DO. Im rambling. carry on.

Saban hired Lane Kiffen as his OC! Saban is four yards and a cloud of dust and break a few long runs. He had great talent on his team to air it out. Why run when you can throw? Great coaches use the system to utilize their talent in a way that they will win. Process coaches do not adapt their “system” to meet the players strengths. If the process is pound the ball up the middle, Hookers of the world will always be average QBs. If you have Barry Sanders in the backfield, why throw it 50 times per game. Process works in manufacturing. Using your talent in a system that wins games is how you become a Legendary Ball Coach!