Three Reasons Why NFL Coaches Love the 4th of July
Americans love celebrating their independence, but maybe no group of people love the 4th of July more than NFL coaches. It’s their last chance to enjoy some down time before the season starts.
Few other groups of individuals in the country appreciate the Fourth of July more than NFL coaches. That’s because it’s their last chance to unwind before the grind that is the NFL season. Here are three reasons why NFL coaches love the Fourth of July.
Related Story: The best first-round picks in NFL Draft history
1. Some Much Needed R&R: Coaches in the NFL work 60 hours a week during the off season and 80-plus hours a week during the season. Coaching in the NFL is a lucrative business but it is also a stressful business. The hours and the stress take their toll on coaches. Just like us, they need some time away from work. The last two weeks of June and the first two weeks of July are reserved for rest and relaxation. Coaches spend time with their families, go on vacation and recharge their batteries before the season. The Fourth of July is one of the last time coaches have to be around their wives and children.
2. Family Time: As I mentioned, the Fourth of July is one of the last times that football coaches can spend with their families before they have to report to training camp. Coaching in the NFL can take its toll on a family. Coaches spends days, weeks and even months away from their families. As a result, coaches miss a lot of important family events and holidays. That’s why it is important that coaches take advantage of this down time and spend it with their families. The more time they spend with their wives and kids, the better.
3. Wipe the Slate Clean Mentally: Coaches need to recharge their batteries and wipe the slate clean mentally prior to the start of the season. I don’t care what level you coach at, you are always thinking football. Whether it’s reflecting on last season or looking ahead to the upcoming season, you are always thinking about the game. Getting away from the game and clearing your mind is important. That’s why Bill Belichick loves spending time on his boat. It gives him a chance to refocus and decompress. Coaching is stressful enough as it. Spending quality time with family and focusing on things other than football allows coaches to clear their mind and focus on other things.
More Coaching: 5 NFL head coaches who need to call plays
Coaching is a hard business regardless the sport. Taking advantage of time with family and friends is important. The Fourth of July allows coaches to get away from the game and focus on their personnel lives. That’s important. A happy wife and a happy family makes it easier to get away when the time comes.