Inmates Running the Asylums ...

In light of yesterday's firing of Jeff Bzdelik, let's all acknowledge once and for all that being an NBA coach is no picnic. Sure, it's a lucrative job that is coveted by many ... but why? How many other jobs involve managing a group of employees who make much more money than you do? How many other jobs involve trying to motivate a group of employees who know that if the team does not succeed that it will be you - not them - that will pay with his job. Plus, good luck trying to motivate a group of people whose success is more or less a product of pulling a winning ticket in the genetic lottery pool. The only things that give an NBA coach a fighting chance these days is having one or more of the following:

a great NBA playing career - ideally not too long ago and preferably with at least one championship ring

a big fat contract as evidence that management actually might support the coach through tough times

the unqualified support of his best player ... and last but not least

a large physical presence. Remember, the average NBA player today is 6'7" and 225 pounds.

For all these reasons, coaching in the NBA is much tougher than being a manager in the big leagues or a head coach in the NFL. Ever wonder why coaches such as Jeff Bzdelik, Jeff Van Gundy, Stan Van Gundy and Lawrence Frank look so worn out all the time? Because they are! It's amazing that they've gotten as far as they have in this profession, but - regardless of what they accomplish - they'll still never be more than one extended losing streak away from having to wonder about their job security.