I know everyone is high on KOC right now after the last couple weeks. His on-field coaching is great (not-perfect), and it’s what most of us focus on. But IMO, KOC’s value to the team goes way beyond the Xs and Os. Play calling, time management, and challenges are important, but long term success is much more dependent on the teams culture rather than in the moment decisions.

The best coaches are good because of the culture they instill in their team. It’s a difficult thing to describe, and even more difficult to actually control or influence. But the best coaches do it. It’s also why the Lions are having significant success; MCDC has the entire team fully bought in since the beginning of last season.

It was clear last season that the culture of the team was different. Players said it was one of the most fun teams to be a part of, and by all accounts this year is just more of the same. The resiliency of this team, bouncing back from a 0-3 start and dealing with injury after key injury, can only be attributed to the culture. Players like Powell and Jackson stepping up, Hockenson pushing through rib injuries, Dobbs obviously, the OLs performance despite injuries, the young CBs stepping up this season, don’t all happen by chance.

Part of it is also the leaders within the team. Playing ability aside, Bynum, Phillips, Hicks, Cousins, JJ, KJ, Dobbs, Hall, Smith (and more but I’m only fan so off the top of my head) are all players of the same mindset. They’re great people first, putting the team first over themselves, and great players second. I don’t think we have any divas on the team, which seems rare these days.

Sorry for the rambling, I’m just excited about the direction of this team. But I feel like this stuff tends to get glossed over and I feel like it’s the most important reason this team is special.