Who's the more effective communicator? Ditka? Or Lovie? Vote today!
The case for Ditka
In 1985-1986, Mike Ditka's in-your-face communication style spurred the Bears to a Super Bowl championship. The team itself adopted many of the Da Coach's personality traits, "struttin' their stuff" while piling large point spreads on their often hapless opposition. Jim McMahon, the Bears' punky QB, often was on the receiving end of Ditka's fury when he did not perform up to expectations.
Ditka's entertaining, no-holds-barred style won the affection of Chicagoans, who pride themselves on their toughness and work ethic. Ditka has parlayed his brand into millions of dollars of endorsements. He still doesn't shy away from controversy and, despite his often outspoken views, still remains one of Chicago's most popular celebrities. Critics say that Ditka's antics were more of a hindrance than a help, and that his incredibly talented team won despite his style.
The case for Lovie
Can you imagine Ditka coaching Rex Grossman this year? Current Bears coach Lovie Smith has used a much different approach than Ditka, patiently staying with his young quarterback despite a few abysmal performances from the "bad" Rex. However, the "good" Rex has proved he can put the Bears in the winner's circle, and Lovie's patience has given him the necessary experience to potentially win it all for the Bears.
Lovie and Colts' coach Tony Dungy will be the first African- Americans to coach teams in the Super Bowl. An outstanding role model, Lovie always handles himself with dignity and grace. However, he doesn't have the larger-than-life persona or the potential for "going over the edge" at the slightest provocation that Da Coach had. Arguably, a successful Super Bowl coach needs to keep his team more on edge to achieve the top prize.
Smith received 16 votes to Ditka's 5. There were 19 comments altogether:
Pro-Ditka comments (4):
Ditka is the Almighty Godking of Coaches!
You know exactly where coach Ditka stands. Clear and to the point.
The message is crystal clear with Da Coach. Plus, I must vote for Iron Mike: He's The Coach, after all...
Straight forward. No question about what he wants or needs. Loyal but wants the best out of everyone and for everyone. The catch is that his personality worked well with the personalities on his team. The same can be said for Lovie and the current Bears. Each was/is a perfect match for the players and the era.
Pro-Lovie comments (15):
I appreciate Lovie's stoic style. All season long, he showed grace when winning and poise when his quarterback threw the game away. While Chicago will never lose its affinity for "Deed-Kah's" larger-than-life persona, Lovie has ushered in a winning soft-spoken style and respect for the game.
In today's game, dictatorial coaches like Ditka can't handle the egos that the players bring to the table. Lovie seems to be able to get the best from his guys, while balancing those super sized egos. I always tend to agree with Ditka in his commentaries, but this style is better suited to the press box in this era, not the sidelines. Plus, as a devoted Rams fan, I love Lovie and hope he does real well!
Lovie's name is similar to Louie! Lovie is calm, cool and collected.
Da coach is da friggin repoooblican!
Articulate, reasonable, passionate without allowing emotions to overrule and demean
He treats his players like the adults they are and inspires them rather than intimidating them. But I love both coaches!
Lovie is a much classier guy, and while he's a strong person, his personality isn't too strong. Go Bears!
It has to be Lovie, if only to avoid another decade of apologizing for Chicago!
Lovie is a class guy - he respects his players and the game...and he treats his team with support and those moments of affection when they needs. NOW - I have not been in the locker room to hear the half-time coaching talk...but with the winning season and continued effort the Bears put forth, I would guess that Lovie maintains that same respect at all time.
Ditka was a hot head. I don't like that style of management.
One gets tired of wiping the saliva off of one's face. Give me an even keel every time. Ask Phillips and Ryan of '85 coordinator fame. Ditka lost them and the edge simultaneously. Not for nothin' did Papa hire Buddy first and make him a condition of employment for Da Coach.
Lovie Smith, as a devoted teacher of the game, proved that his team can win under his stewartship. Fashioned after a professional manager, the coach in preseason laid down a master plan that could lead to a championship! However, this forecast could only be realized if each player dedicated himself to the discipline, the focus and the "never-say-die" attitude required of winning teams. Week in and week out he developed game plans that his "monsters of the midway" executed brilliantly. Next Sunday his well drilled cadre will put together 60 minutes of sensational play that will represent their best performance of the season's 14 victories... all under the LS flag! [One of the cheering throng: Jack O'Hara]
It mirrors my style, and that has worked well in both my career and sports.
He's not as bombastic as Ditka and treats his players with more respect. I also like the way he sticks by his players in the tough times. Altho I must admit, it's not as much fun watching the Bears games without Mike imploding on the sidelines.
You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.