Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/9/2009

Question
Recently, a college football coach was fired because he went for an employment interview with a professional team.
I thought that in coaching the way to get ahead in one's career is to move on to other more lucrative positions.
The athletic departments surely understand this, or should.
Am I missing something? Is it really considered a breach of ethics to actively look for another job in sports while still employed? Or is it more acceptable to resign first before trying to move on?

Answer
Frank, hello!

I've been reading about this case.  

First of all, I'm a strong believer in listening to both sides of a story.  BC's Jagodzinski was fired for applying for the New York Jets job, but he had 3 years remaining on his Boston College contract.  I read where he had a different view on how to run the program and the program was not reaching the peak where the school wanted.  So, it was unethical for him to apply for another job.  His contract would likely state that.  It is also clear that the school and Jag did not get along so it was a personality conflict underneath the storm.

I see both sides.  If I was running a program and the coach was doing that, with he and I already at odds, I would tell him to take a hike. It clearly is not in the best interest of the players to have that kind of internal strife.

If I was the coach and wanted to improve my quality, I might go interview for a job.  But, I shouldn't complain if the old employer fires me for that interview.  The Head Coach of Boston College needs to be out doing the job he's paid to do, which is during this month of recruiting new Eagle players.  

Jag should have requested permission to interview with the Jets.  The Jets should have requested permission to allow him to interview.  

I coach a men's baseball team in Savannah.  We've won our League championship for 3 of the past 4 years.  We have worked hard to have the reputation of being the team with the best character. I've watched some coaches trying to recruit players that our team has recruited.  But, we have 5 of the top players out of the other 200 players that are wanting to play for our team.  So, I'm an angry camper that others would be unethical and Tamper with our team, but we continue to be classy.  When players approach me about joining the team, my concrete answer is that they need to talk to their coach and to the League's directors.  If they give permission, I will talk to them.  

So, yes.  It is likely a Breach of Ethics and a Breach of Contract.

It all boils down to both sides having opinions and exercising their rights to those opinions.  Everybody's Right and Everybody's Wrong, from the 1960's song!  Another bottom line is that Coach Jag may be wrong but no matter, he is getting paid a lot of money from somebody this year so he really isn't worried what I think about his actions!

Have a great day!


Thom Brooks




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