Who has Stick-ability anymore?

by Jason Robertson

A lot of people ask me my opinion about all of these coaches who leave their programs for another one down the road. This year we have seen the likes of Rich Rodriguez and Bobby Petrino. Of course, this hits a nerve in me because of the way Nick $aban lied to LSU and it’s fans and bolted for Miami without even properly coaching LSU’s last game in 2004. Then he lied to Miami and the whole sports nation and bolts for Alabama. More recently, it has been reported how Bobby Petrino dissed the Atlanta Falcons in the middle of the night in the middle of the season. But, then, when “Rich Rod” left West Virginia I could not help but think again of $aban. Sure, Michigan has a great past but West Virginia has a great future!

Grant Wahl said in SI magazine this week, “The best players shuffle through college so fast these days that the coaches become the symbols of stability, and of the game itself.” I agree. I wish there were more men who were willing to build a tradition and leave a legacy than try to chase one.

Where are the coaches today who see the virtue of longevity and understand the meaning of honor and honesty? Where are the coaches who love the athletes more than their own fat bank accounts? $aban didn’t leave LSU for money. If so, he would not have left Miami for Alabama. No, he left because he does not have what it takes to be faithful to something bigger than himself. I know many pastors like that who have about a dozen different churches on their resumes — and they will leave the church they are currently at if they think they could personally gain from the move — whether because of money, prestige, or just a plain lack of stick-ability.

Where are such men today who will stay through the thick and the thin? Who will be determined to make the most of where they are and dedicate themselves to something bigger than themselves? Who are the football coaches who will say “NO” when Michigan calls or when the Orlando Magics call? Who are pastors that will be determined to give at least 10 years of their life to every church they are privileged to pastor?

Who are the next Joe Paterno’s and Bobby Bowden’s and John Wooden’s and John MacArthur’s? Will it be Billy Donovan or Les Miles? Will it be you?

By the way, I encourage all pastors to get a copy of Sports Illustrated (Dec. 31-Jan 7 issue with Belichick in the Santa suit on the cover) and read the story entitled “Billy Donovan’s Florida-NBA Flip-flop” on pages 60-61. I think this link gives you the online version. It is very inspiring, especially if you have ever been tempted to leave the job you have for one that looks better “on paper.”