NFL head coaches traditionally are a paranoid bunch and the increased popularity of social media has taken that paranoia to a new level. Take Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who recently told Sports With Coleman that he has NO
INTEREST in “embracing social media” whether it be Facebook or Twitter. It’s understandable from one perspective – why would an ultra secretive coach want his business out there for everyone to consume? After all, he may post or tweet something that may give him a competitive disadvantage, or more likely, something that may reveal too much about himself.
NFL coaches would rather monitor their players tweets rather than post their own. Harbaugh even asked about “the value” in Facebook. He couldn’t grasp how many followers there are (But if it can bring down a Middle East dictatorship, it’s not all that bad!). Perhaps it all boils down to generations — and in the end, secrecy.
However, what coaches, including Harbaugh, may not understand is that it is a unique way to connect with their fan-base and CONTROL the message entirely, as opposed to having to answer a pointed question such as “Why can’t Joe Flacco get along with Cam Cameron?” Instead, He could provide his own spin in a simple sentence, or brief tweet. But Harbaugh’s stance seems like a sign of the times, and typical of a profession that guards its data like the CIA. Sometimes, it can be downright comical.
