On the Couch : By Dr. Richard Lustberg

An Analysis of Current Topics and Issues in Sport
August 19, 1997

Every day at the Jets’ practice facilities at Hofstra, a familiar figure marches up and down the practice field with eyes seemingly in the back of his head, barking out orders, cajoling a seasoned veteran, lambasting a lazy rookie, sauntering, pacing, pointing and generally cutting an enormously imposing figure. Bill Parcells’ credentials are more impressive than those of a four-star general’s. They include two Super Bowl rings and a third appearance in the big dance. He has a reputation for being a master psychologist and if he’s successful with the Jets, fans may make him a saint.

After so many abysmal seasons and countless angstridden moments, optimism has replaced despair in Jet land, as championship fantasies swirl within the minds of Jet fans. With all of his weighing heavily on Jet fans’ psyches, the prospect of Parcells coaching the Jets is reassuring, soothing and stabilizing. Mind you this is not only the case for the fans, but the players as well.

Given Parcells’ status in the football world, all this reverential treatment should really come as no surprise. Have you ever tried to get 53-plus oversized men to act in unison? It’s akin to getting your children to take out the garbage or make their beds, feats truly worth applauding. Given the current state of society, where emotional chaos and - at times - external disorders seem to abound, parents, educators and businessmen are all searching for solutions to the problems that plague us. Thus, we look for successful programs and people for direction. There is plenty of psychological knowledge that has been amassed over the last century that can be of help. The trouble is not many are taking advantage of it. One very successful head coach being an exception.

Be assured that Parcells’ achievements have not been accomplished through the use of smoke and mirrors. They are prime examples of applied research, practice, proven psychological interventions and plain talent. It is no wonder that politicians, corporate executives, big business and the lecture circuit pursue men like Parcells, Jimmy John son and Pat Riley for answers, as their methods and techniques are supported by both research, experience, common sense and most importantly, results.

First, Parcells comes to town with a proven track record. Research indicates that past success is the best predictor of future success. Parcells’ credibility also allows the players to more easily accept and embrace the overall philosophy. Given the Jets’ recent abysmal record this change in philosophy and attitude should not be underestimated.

In a society where many expect to achieve or be promoted in a nanosecond, Parcells and his staff spend inordinate amounts of focused time on a task that is highly correlated with outcome. Moreover, he brings a veteran core coaching staff who have also been part of a successful program for a sustained period. Given their familiarity with the desires of their boss, Parcells’ assistants are able to import to the players what Parcells expects. In all employment situations, employees whose roles are defined for them have the best chance of attaining their desired goals.

Both parenting and vocational research studies suggest that Parcells’ methods are similar to those used by both successful parents and employers. Immediate feedback, involving both consequences and positive reinforcements, are most successful when attempting to change behaviors. Witness both Parcells’ verbal and facial responses to players’ actions. Parcells is clear and consistent in his messages to his players. He sets clear boundaries and rules for them and follows through with what he says he is going to do without waffling or changing course. He is not dogmatic in that he is not afraid to make changes or take chances when his own methods have not achieved his goals. Witness the subtle and not so subtle changes in approach between his ’86 and ’91 Giants teams, the New England Patriots and his current crop of Jets. All of these skills are necessary in today’s sports or learning environment. Ask any coach, parent or teacher.

It also appears that Parcells seeks to understand or has an intuitive sense of how each player needs to be treated in order for that player to maximally achieve. Feeling understood by another individual is one of the most effective ways of creating change. Parcells’ ability to relate has not only helped him win on the field, but has also brought him loyalty and admiration from former players and coaches such as Harry Carson, Phil Simms, Phil McConkey and Carl Banks, to name a few.

Parcells makes it clear that players are going to conform to his system and demands, and if they do not, they won'’ be playing for him. The power of his message should not be underestimated as people who are too secure in their jobs are not always the most productive. And while it may not be optimal practice to apply constant pressure in the way of job security, it appears to be the way business is done in the NFL. We seem so concerned that people be happy and satisfied, yet who said some degree of fear and anxiety could not lead to productivity? We constantly hear business owners and corporation heads complain about union-run shops and various work regulations that inhibit their ability to obtain and change personnel. And hey, what about baseball? A perfect example of the tail wagging the dog.

Who can argue with success? Look how quickly Parcells is transforming the Jets. Low and behold, Keyshawn Johnson managed to keep his mouth shut. Neil O’Donnell is lecturing reporters on how he and his teammates should be and will be willing to pay the price. Adrian Murrell professes that he will run through walls for the man.

Make no mistake about it; Parcells is far from perfect. Who isn’t? He has been accused of disloyalty, of being scheming, conniving and looking out for his own interests. His dalliances with other teams - including talking with the Atlanta Falcons after the Giants won the Super Bowl in ’96 and the controversy surrounding his exit from the Patriots - have often made him look selfish. He can also be arrogant with the press but reporters love him anyway. Perhaps they too are seeking answers to some of the problems they face, or maybe they just like a good story.

Cults are popping up all around. Independent militias are arming for way against our own country and serial killers are on the loose. The New York Times recently reported on teenage mutilation. Depression, anxiety and overwhelming emotional issues grip us. Faced with these decisions and problems, it is no wonder that we look to people like Parcells, whose methods bring order out of chaos. And whether Parcells knows it or not he has employed more than a bit of old-fashioned scientific psychology. Here’s to the researchers who spend years of their lives paving the way.