When choosing the new football coach, ASU should follow the Diamondbacks’ example.
In 2009 and 2010 the Dbacks were plagued with horrible management decisions. From the top down it was a bad scene.
It was finally bad enough that by the middle of 2010, A.J. Hinch was fired and Kirk Gibson became the interim and later official head coach.
With Gibson in charge, the team immediately improved.
Why?
1. Gibson expected more than just excellent athleticism. The players needed to be gentlemen both on and off the field. There was no whining or showboating.
2. Gibson intensely invested himself in the team. He demanded and gave respect. He stood up for his players and his players did the same for him.
3. Gibson knew what his players were going through. He played in the majors for over 10 years and performed in clutch situations such as the 1988 World Series when he hit a walk off home run, while injured. Gibson knew how much to expect from his team and how best to get results.
After his first full season with the team, the Dbacks made it to the postseason and Gibson won the National League Manager of the Year award.
The Sun Devils need a Kirk Gibson.
Reach the reporter at dkmcinty@asu.edu
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