In continuing our look at Coach Fuente’s presentation held as part the Nike Coach of the Year (COY) Clinics, let’s finish with what he says about the personal/personnel side of the game. Click here for part 1.

Justin Fuente on the Role of the Head Coach

Fuente says the head coach’s job is to “ask questions, probe and find out, evaluate, and make sure we are doing things the right way.” The coordinators handle the game planning, while Fuente focuses on making sure the team is “emotionally, physically, and mentally ready to play.”

Fuente’s clear that he stays out of the play-calling business, even though it’s tough: “That is a hard thing to do. It is like a missing piece in your day.” (That said, on Wednesdays he seems to like being able to leave the practice center thinking about dinner instead of third down plays.) Now, I’m sure he has some input over the headset during games and checking in during the week, but I’m betting it’s a light touch unless things are going completely haywire. He’s more interested in making sure his playmakers are getting the ball. “You should not go in at halftime, and your best player has no catches,” he said.

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