Good decision, bad result: how do you judge a coach?

Good decision, bad result: how do you judge a coach?

October 21, 2026 · SportsDoc · Evergreen discussion

A missed shot or failed fourth-down attempt can make a coaching choice look worse than it was. My view: judge the decision using what the coach could reasonably know before the play, then judge the execution separately.

In an NBA discussion, I would start with the quality of the shot the play was designed to create, not just whether it went in. In an NFL discussion, I would compare the realistic alternatives available at that moment rather than assume that the safer-looking choice would have worked.

That does not put coaching beyond criticism. A useful critique names the alternative, explains its trade-off, and acknowledges uncertainty. This is an opinion framework, not a claim about a current game or a prediction.

What is one NFL or NBA coaching decision you would defend despite a bad result, and what made the decision reasonable before you knew the outcome?

If you bring a real example, include the game date and a reliable source or clip so other members can assess the same situation.