Loyalty becomes a challenge when things aren't going well

Several years ago, a friend sent me a copy of a book titled "The Football Coaching Bible."  The book's first chapter was written by Grant Teaff, the legendary football coach who spent 20 seasons at Baylor.

Coach Teaff's chapter was called "Responsibilities of a Coach."

He began by outlining a number of "essentials" for all coaches, including be yourself, but be willing to change; be compassionate; be accountable; be self-disciplined; be a role model; communicate; be an encourager; and be honest.

He also dedicated a section to "specific responsibilities for assistant coaches."  Among the responsibilities, his first requirement was to "Be Loyal."

Here is an excerpt from that particular section:

There is a great difference between being loyal and pretending to be loyal.  Loyalty comes from character within and being committed to serving the institution, the head coach, and the system in the capacity in which you were hired.

If you can't be loyal to an institution, a system, or a head coach, you should quietly look for a place where you can exhibit the required loyalty.

Loyalty is not a problem when you're 10-1 or win the championship.  Loyalty becomes a challenge when things are not going well and negativism abounds.   The assistant coach must guard against acts of disloyalty.