Preparing for the Media

Successful football coaches are prepared for every detail when it comes to preparing for each football game but when dealing with their local press representatives, many could/might consider changes in their media relations’ efforts. By understanding how media members cover their teams and especially their deadlines, coaches can create a better working relationship with their press representatives with some minor adjustments to their game preparation. As a retired Air Force public affairs supervisor and now a high school sports writer and radio color analyst, I have been amazed at how most coaches don’t get the most basic of media relations concepts. Having counseled admirals and generals on how to respond to the media, I find a similarity between then and some coaches when talking to the media. Like coaches, senior military flag officers don’t often appreciate the media’s help