What’s a West Coast manager/coach? Glad you asked
What defines a West Coast coach or manager?
And who most embodies that label?
If you’ve never heard the term, “West Coast coach/manager,” it’s because I just invented it. They have been in existence for a long time, but haven’t had a label.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler? I see him as a West Coast wannabe. Way too early to call. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr? He’s the current poster boy, this season notwithstanding.
I’ll give you a working definition, subject to revision, as any new concept should be. Then we’ll talk about who has earned membership in this
club.
Four elements or qualities that define a West Coaster:
Joy. The goal is to get the team to see the whole experience — games, practices, bus rides — as a gift, something to attack with childlike enthusiasm and adultlike appreciation.
Player connection. An elevated style of communication with the players (and media), and an appreciation for players as individuals, not just soldiers to be whipped into line.
Playing style. The West Coaster brings a whole new flavor of potato salad to the picnic, a new approach to the old game.
Quirkiness. A sense of humor helps, but we’re not looking for comedians. More for interesting personalities, with unique tricks. Like Phil Jackson transplanting Native American ceremonies into an NBA locker room.
One more thing: The West Coaster has to win. Otherwise, it’s just about show, and the dirty little secret is that the West Coast embodies style and substance.
By the way, there are West Coast coaches/managers all over the world, but a disproportionate number wind up here, so we claim the title. Some examples: Steve Kerr. He checks all the boxes. His flowing offense and switching defense uncaged the inner superstar in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Careful about defending his players publicly. Blaring music at practices. Emphasis on “mindfulness.” A flipflop kind of beach vibe.
Pete Carroll. Worth noting that when Kerr was prepping to take over the Warriors, his most impactful teacher was Carroll. Even if the Seahawks’ head coach annoys the hell out of you (49ers’ fans), you have to admit he’s brought something new to NFL coaching besides gumchomping.
Bill Walsh. This one is tricky, because Walsh could be an oldschool, coldblooded hardass. But his West Coast offense changed the game, and was really fun to watch, and to play. Bonus points: Dressing up like a bellhop to greet the team bus at the hotel at the 49ers’ first Super Bowl. And his apprenticeship program for minority coaches.
Tommy Lasorda. Not a tactician or innovator, but nobody ever shook up the managerial statusquo quite like this man. Not all his players loved him, but how can you not play hard for someone who gives you a hug for every home run?
Billy Martin. I ran this by my esteemed colleague Bruce Jenkins, who covered Martin with the A’s. Jenkins: “At his best, he was the most progressive, creative manager in the game. Great sense of humor, players loved being around him. Late at night after a few drinks, or if the team’s going in the tank — worst ever.”
Phil Jackson. He didn’t invent the triangle offense, but he reinvented it and sold it to a tough audience, a guy named Michael, and then to Kobe. A major influence on Kerr in terms of human connection.
Dusty Baker. Nothing super innovative about him, but Best People Skills Ever. What other skipper cheers up a slumping player by bringing him a special pregame meal from one of Dusty’s favorite joints?
Bob Melvin. Aplus for communication. He’s in the forefront of a new style of skipper, one who works in close collaboration with the GM and the analytics people without getting his pride bruised. BoMel’s mixandmatch style might not be revolutionary, but he is a master of the art.
Teri McKeever. The Cal women’s swim coach rethinks the coaching of a sport in which many athletes have to deal with boredom and overwork.
Al Attles. Especially considering the time frame, mid ’70s, when the prevailing style was mywayorthehighway. He listened to players, and had their respect. Attles threw away the rotation playbook, putting everyone but the ballboy into the mix. He laughed with his players and fought for them.
Kyle Shanahan. Somewhere along the line, he transitioned from knowitall jerk to wiseyeteasygoing leader, and the 49ers are getting the benefit of that change. Firstrate communicator with the media and, apparently, with his players. They like that he’s kind of like them, with the hip sneakers and hiphop tastes, without trying to be cool.
Gabe Kapler. Determined to bust into the future with progressive tools and techniques, like deep analytics with an infusion of heart. He definitely listens, which will go a long way. But it will be a couple of years before he can officially apply for club membership.
Some other topnotchers who might qualify, but will require more discussion/input: Roger Craig, Bruce Bochy, Tara VanDerveer, Pete Newell, John Robinson, Tony La Russa, David Shaw.
Why this stuff matters: Because anytime a team has a coaching/managing vacancy, this is the man/woman they’re looking for. These people make sports better and more fun.
“You’re welcome, America,” says the West Coast.