New York Giants first-year head coach Brian Daboll admits he’s got a lot of catching up to do with his new team. He’s the type of guy who is a hands-on manager, especially when it comes to player relationships.
“I probably haven’t hit everybody, to be honest with you,” Daboll told reporters at the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday. “I’ve talked to a few people just to introduce myself. Again, there’s a long time to learn football and things like that and we’ll get to that. Even this first week, one of the things I talked to the coaches about was let’s get to know these players. We haven’t really been around them. Let’s ask them about their families, what they like. It’s important to get to know one another.
“You’re going to be in a competitive situation and you’re going to face a lot of tough times in this league and you can lean on people when you have relationships with them, because you’re building trust because there’s going to be tough times. I’ve said it a million times and I’ve gone through them in my career I’d say quite a bit where I’ve lost or had some really good times. You’re sharing them with the guys that you’re in the building with each day and you’re working hard to achieve a goal and fighting through some things that don’t go your way. I think that’s what brings people closer together.”
Daboll is all about the human side of NFL life. He realizes that he’s dealing with young men who are in unique situations and could use guidance along with the regimentation they receive.
“When things come out, I try to stay on top of it,” Daboll said. “Look, I have kids that are 22 and 21 years old and I’m sure you all have kids that are whatever ages. They’re people first. You can say whatever you want. You can say, ‘Hey, people are just writing stuff or reporting stuff.’ I think it’s important to show a little empathy, too, to the guys in the situations that they’re in.
“I know it’s a tough business, but I think it’s a people business, too. I think the more upfront and the more transparent you can be and even when things are being said, which look, at this time of year there’s a million things being said. Some are probably true. Some are probably not true. I understand that. I like being transparent with these guys and letting them know where I stand and if I do hear something that comes across the wave, I’ll say yeah, ‘this isn’t the case’ or ‘just hang tight.’ I think showing empathy goes a long way. Probably something 15, 10 years ago I wasn’t good at either.”
A fresh approach. Let’s see if it works.
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