Tomorrow, when the AFC and NFC championship games are played, four men will be coaching in one of the biggest games of their lives. But they certainly won't be dressed for the occasion. Rather, they will be wearing sweatshirts, parkas, turtlenecks, polos and any other casual apparel that has his team's logo on it. They will look more like the fans in the stands than authoritative figures. That's too bad, because it wasn't always this way.
Then and now.
Grainy films reveal that Dallas coach Tom Landry and Kansas City Chiefs coach Hank Stram used to lead their teams into playoff games donning three-piece suits or a blazer and slacks. They looked serious, like they were dressed to take care of business.
Even though a spot has been reserved for him in Canton Ohio, Bill Belichick does not quite give off the same image. Each week, he looks like a vagabond in his hooded sweatshirt with a large New England Patriots logo emblazoned on the front. In fact, you start to feel sorry for him until you remind yourself that it is Bill Belichick, winner of three Super Bowls.
In the same year the NBA told its players to dress up or be fined, the NFL ordered its coaches to do the opposite. Mike Nolan, the San Francisco 49ers coach, publicly said he was planning to wear a suit and tie on the sidelines this season. It seemed like a great idea to bust out some "old-school" threads. But the NFL wasn't too keen on Nolan's idea, because Reebok, which supplies all of the clothing for the league, wasn't happy with it. Reebok doesn't make suits, dress shirts or ties, after all. They do manufacture jumpsuits, t-shirts and polos with team logos that apparently sell like hotcakes. And it's a money-making business when it comes down to it.
But the NBA seems to get along fine without having their coaches dress like slobs. Since 1981, the Association has made them wear suits or sport jackets. They look sharp, and Miami Heat coach Pat Riley seems proud of the fact he gets to wear Armani duds on the bench. The NBA, which is ultra-conscious of how it markets its product, apparently doesn't need the coaches hawking the apparel it sells in stores. Neither does Reebok, which is the exclusive supplier of team uniforms and warm-ups. Not many fans are going out of their way to copy the look of Larry Brown and Scott Skiles, after all.
So, when it comes down to it, it's obvious that the NFL is really calling the shots here. They don't want their coaches looking presentable on the sidelines. They'd rather have them act as models for the apparel the league and its clothing supplier are selling. Dan Reeves wore a suit for a number of years before switching to a polo when he was with the Falcons. Former Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice sported a tie and sweater until he began wearing a turtleneck. They were both encouraged by the NFL to make the switch as team apparel became more marketable. But by forcing the coaches to comply with a casual dress code, the NFL looks silly. And on Sunday, just like every other week, so will the coaches.
I like the way the NFL coaches and NCAA div one coaches dress because it is business casual. Slacks for most and golf shirts. Sometimes they wear lettermen jackets, and sometimes they wear rain gear.
They are outside in the elements so they should dress appropriately. What do you want an Armani suit worn in the rain or on a hot and muggy day? Oh maybe they can have an umbrella holder like P diddy had.
I like the style because it says outdoors and action related, part of the bunch, not likke the NBA with its "I'm the man" feel.
The NBA coaches look like they are pimps.
The NFL coaches look like they are in charge and part of the bunch. Low key.
By the way think execs back in the day, they didn't have to worry about emails, text messages, cell phones 24 hr feeds.
Coaches then didn't have to worry about radio helmets and 5 million dollar people
I have to disagree with this blog, we need to wear LESS suit and ties, they suck, I mean what someone wears doesn't make anyone any smarter or more sophisticated, just becuase someone wears a suit and tie doesn't make them a better person
Traveler -- I am anecdotal evidence of your theory. I have an irresistable urge to buy a Belichick sweatshirt every time I see it! Thank you for pointing out that I have been subject to subversive advertising! :)
I appreciate your support, DC_Domer. Your Ovechkin piece was truly a pleasure to read and you should be extremely proud of what you produced. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Rainer -- Sorry to see you go, man. This contest has been rough on all of us and I have no doubts that you've been as jittery on Sundays as I've been. I think any one of the final eight were (and still are) good enough to win this thing. I also give you a lot of credit for pulling off that top ten list about the World Cup, which did pretty well in the voting. It takes talent to present a non-mainstream topic to a mainstream audience and succeed.
Best of luck in the future and feel free to keep in touch... tyhildenbrandt@gmail.com
Great piece sportstraveler. I must admit that Belichick does closely resemble a "bum" when he stands there on the sidelines, due to his dress, not his coaching of course.
It does look pretty ridiculous, almost if the guys just crawled out of bed, threw on some sweats, and headed to the game. I do the same thing sometimes when I have to get something from the store or go pick up breakfast somewhere early on the weekend, but wouldn't dream of doing it to head to work.
It would be nice to see more suits, or at least shirt and ties, than fleece pullovers, turtle necks, and sweat shirts, to provide viewers, and players for that matter, more of a professional appearance to the NFL sidelines.
I cannot understand why the coaches cannot wear what they want. If he want's to wear a suit and tie, I say let them or if they'd rather wear a ratty sweatshirt, so be it. I think the NFL makes enough money that they don't need the coaches pushing the product too.
My name is Rainer Sabin. I am a 23-year-old freelance reporter who has covered professional and Division I college sports for a variety of publications and news services.
Then and now.
