The best coaches always take lessons from guys that they've played or coached under. Luckily, for Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, one of those guys is NFL coaching legend Mike Ditka.
Before games, and even controversially after touchdowns, Panthers players can be seen dancing and keeping things loose and fun, and they carry that some outlook to their social media accounts. According to Rivera, that's been one of their keys to their successful 11-0 start.
Rivera told ESPN he picked up the approach from Ditka while he played linebacker for him with the bears from the mid-80's to early 90's.
"It's something I kind of picked up from being around Coach Ditka. He let us have our personality shine."
"Riverboat Ron" doesn't want his guys to feel constrained, or to feel like they have to fit into a preconceived box as a member of the Panthers organization. He embraces their differences and personalities, and in turn, guys want to lay it on the line for him and his staff.
Rivera told ESPN that he understands that approach more now in his than in his fifth season leading a team more than he did in his first few seasons as a head coach.
"There's a great saying: Respect your opponent, but believe in yourself. If you start worrying too much about that side of things and doing things completely the right way, you lose that little edge."
Everyone is different, but as you try to create a culture with your team this offseason, it would be wise to consider Rivera's advice.
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