I am european and I live in Europe following both soccer and football.

One thing that is interesting to me is that in Europe there are so many former star players that became coaches. Some of them have been very successful coaches. Others less so. But the point is a lot become coaches. And Head Coaches nonetheless. I can list like 15-20 people without even thinking too hard.

In football, that seems to not be the case. People like Prime and DeMeco Ryans are the exceptions.

It is a two part issue 1) why are former top players not interested in being coaches 2) why are teams not offering top gigs to former players straight up

Let’s look at two current examples. Bills OC job and the Texas A&M job. Both of these jobs are highly desirable and pay well. A&M likely $10 mil +.

Why are people like Larry Fitzgerald, Rivers, Demarcus Ware, Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, Mannings, Brady, Revis not interested and not being offered these jobs straight up?

I can easily see Messi or Ronaldo coaching down the road. Many players of their status have done it.

And I am not talking about recent developments. Many of the former star players never became coaches over the past 30+ years

But it seems impossible to imagine Mahomes or Mannings becoming coaches down the road. Wondering why such a difference.

Thanks!

  • ChiDude617@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    My 2 personal theories:

    1. Money. Star players usually make a ton of money, and if they’re wise with it, they’ll never have to work again and pass their wealth to their children, and so on. Guys who know the game but where never athletically gifted enough to make it to the pros or make a name for themselves in the pros seem more likely to turn to coaching as a profession, since it offers them a chance to be involved with the sport they love while still making a good income.
    2. It’s an entirely different skillset. Leading people is not the same as performing on the field. There are plenty of talented players that aren’t team captains for a reason. Sure, they can catch a ball and run routes, but can they lead a group of people? If not, they’re not cut out for coaching.