Ayers' dismissal in Philly part of disturbing trend in coaching ranks

On The Sidelines

Winning and losing.

That's what defines success in sports.

And, when it comes to coaching, it's not about what you have done — it's about "what have you done for me lately?"

That principle has made some sports — especially the NBA — a joke in recent years.

Look at the numbers — 14 of the 15 teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference have hired a new coach since the end of last season. With the Philadelphia 76ers' firing of coach Randy Ayers Tuesday morning, six Eastern Conference teams have made coaching changes since the season started.

However, not all of the six coaching changes this season have been "what have you done for me lately?" reasons. Jim O'Brien resigned as the Boston Celtics' coach, citing a difference in philosophy with management. The Orlando Magic, the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks all canned their head coaches because of bad records — the other two situations are a different story.

The New Jersey Nets fired Byron Scott Jan. 27, despite an above-.500 record (22-20). Before he was shown the exit, Scott's fate seemed almost sealed, even though he had led the Nets to consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

For almost a year, rumors circulated East Rutherford, N.J., that Scott and star player Jason Kidd did not get along. Both denied the claims publicly, but it seems ironic that New Jersey is 8-0 entering Wednesday's game since Scott was fired.

Ayers' dismissal in Philadelphia is even more troubling. In a loss to New Jersey Sunday, Ayers benched Glenn Robinson for his lack of effort in the game. Robinson, who has been a cancer to every team he has played for in the NBA, criticized Ayers.

Robinson's insubordination should have led to a disciplinary action. Instead, Ayers was the one who was sent packing less than half a season into his first year as head coach.

Only a week earlier, 76ers star Allen Iverson criticized his teammates, calling them out at a press conference for their lack of effort this season.

So, if the team's top player pointed the finger at his teammates, why did the blame fall back onto Ayers?

Stephen A. Smith, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, said the Ayers incident was a disturbing trend in the league. In his column Tuesday, Smith blasted some black players as the reason for why black coaches aren't getting the chances some white coaches are given.

Smith states that black athletes "march like soldiers in boot camp to the tune of those blessed with wealth, stability, power and, almost always, a different hue."

Yet, when that coach is of the same race, "that same black athlete … leans toward indifference before regressing to defiance …"

Smith adds that because white coaches make more money, they are less likely to go anywhere, whereas a black coach, who is making less money, would be forced out. More money equals more power, which, in turn, means more job security. In the 76ers' case, Robinson's contract through next season will pay him $22.8 million, while Ayers only had a three-year, $4.5 million deal.

For years, I have wondered why the coach always takes the fall for a team's poor performance, or why one player can determine the fate of a coach — whether it's a star player, such as Kidd, or a bad apple, such as Robinson.

Obviously, it's easier to can the coach than to replace the entire team. But, I think it's unfair not to give a coach proper time to succeed. Owners and general managers are too worried the short-term success — hence the short leashes on coaches.

JMU has been criticized for having too long a leash on some of its coaches, such as Sherman Dillard or Mickey Matthews. I, too, sometimes have criticized their lack of success. But, the more I think about it, the more I am thankful the school's administration gives them the benefit of the doubt and a chance to right the ship, instead of kicking them to the curb after a few losing seasons.

Drew Wilson is a senior SMAD major who knows success takes time and thinks patience pays off in the end.