Coaching in Utah: Substance Counts

Watching Ute basketball coach Jim Boylen during a timeout, Wednesday night against UNLV, reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend earlier this season.

It was back when nobody knew the Utes would be good. They had already lost to Idaho State and Southwest Baptist. My friend said he liked Boylen OK, but the fiery, high-energy shtick was starting to wear thin.

Now, with the Utes close to a surprise conference championship, everybody loves him. His style is perfect.

That happens when you’re winning.

In a small way, the reverse occurred with Bronco Mendenhall. The BYU football coach’s approach – honor, religion, legacy, etc. — looked really good while the Cougars were 6-0, not so good when they lost their final two, including one to Utah. More critics of his style appeared.

That’s not saying either Boylen or Mendenhall is doing it wrong. In fact, considering where they are and how they’re doing, I think they’re both fine. People loved Ray Giacoletti’s personality when he was at Utah. He was pleasant and polite. A fine man, as far as I could tell.

But fans hated his teams, other than the one he inherited with Andrew Bogut.

All of this is probably good news. It says that substance still tops style.

Win enough games and people would be happy having a statue for a coach.