A Rare Breed

For a head coach of a professional or college team the bottom line is always the same – it’s all about winning. But it’s the road traveled that makes the man. A coach needs to put a game plan together, teach his players how to perform and find a way to inspire them. It is the motivational aspect of the job that often gives a coach his opportunity to show his individuality. Take Mike Tice, the first-year head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings endured a miserable 2001 season, one that started coming apart at the seams at the conclusion of the previous season when they were blown out by the Giants in the NFC Championship game. Tragedy visited the team at the start of training camp in 2001. Korey Stringer died after suffering a heat stroke and the team was never able to recover. As the season progressed, the Vikings degenerated into an underachieving group who spent their