Poor Communicators Among American Sports Coaches

by EPR Staff · Published 2024-11-15 · Updated 2024-08-20

Evaluating poor communicators among American sports coaches can be subjective and varies based on personal opinions and specific situations. However, some coaches are often cited for their ineffective communication or leadership issues.

Here are ten coaches who have faced criticism for their communication skills:

Bobby Petrino – Criticized for his lack of transparency and poor handling of his departure from the Atlanta Falcons and his issues at Arkansas.
Mike Shanahan – Known for being somewhat aloof and having communication issues, particularly with the Washington Football Team (formerly Redskins).
Jeff Fisher – Faced criticism for his inability to adapt and communicate effectively, especially in his later years with the Rams.
Lane Kiffin – His erratic behavior and controversial decisions have affected his reputation as a communicator, notably during his time with the Raiders and Tennessee Volunteers.
Matt Millen – As president of the Detroit Lions, Millen’s communication and decision-making were heavily criticized, contributing to the team’s struggles.
Josh McDaniels – His time as head coach of the Denver Broncos was marked by issues with player relationships and communication, and he faced criticism for his brief and troubled tenure.
Rich Kotite – Known for his unsuccessful stints with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles, Kotite struggled with team communication and performance.
Randy Edsall – His tenure at Maryland was marked by poor communication with players and staff, leading to a less-than-stellar performance.
Steve Spurrier – While a successful college coach, Spurrier’s transition to the NFL with the Washington Football Team was marked by communication issues and a disconnect with players.
Mike Ditka – Although he led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl, Ditka was sometimes criticized for his abrasive communication style and inability to adapt to changing times.