By HCR Staff | August 23, 2019
Here at HCR, we don’t believe in the concept of ” winning the press conference.” Generally speaking, anytime an organization announces a uniform change, a logo redesign, or intimates how it “won” a press conference, that’s a clear indication that organization has not been winning on the field.
Every NFL head coach has to deal with press conferences – a lot of them. And as much as we hate to admit it, being adept at handling press conferences can help in minimizing distractions in the locker room and elsewhere.
Here’s our current top five among NFL head coaches in handling press conferences.
1. Bill Belichick – he is head-and-shoulders beyond anyone else in this department. He always controls the press conference, instead of letting it control him. He is very adept at identifying questions that are less intelligent, and he is equally adept in giving consistent answers to the same question, no matter how that question maybe framed differently by different reporters. His best skill? Whenever he is asked a question that is outside of his jurisdiction or field of expertise, he is the first to say “I don’t know.”
2. Sean McVay – he’s earnest, he’s non-defensive, he’s cooperative, and he simply comes off as friendly. This may be a function of youth, but no matter what it is, reporters seem easily disarmed by him.
3. Pete Carroll – generally speaking, he’s a ball of energy in front of the media, and also generally is non-defensive. He comes off as forthcoming, and he’s also a fountain of positivity. All of this works in his favor.
4. Andy Reid – he’s authoritative, in command, but at the same time, comes off as the friendly Uncle. This is a terrific combination in front of the media, but reporters know also not to cross him, as he’s also quick to reveal his intelligence. He does a good job of making reporters feel they are accountable to him.
5. Anthony Lynn – he tends to use a lot of cliches, but the media appears to like him because he is quite straightforward and no-nonsense. He successfully projects a friendly enough persona, and it also helps him that the Los Angeles Chargers play second fiddle to the Rams in the same market.
