The relationship between coaches and athletes is always fascinating. The best coaches take teams and individuals to new levels and maximize their potential. But some coaches exploit or even abuse their athletes. Others simply make the wrong decision and cost their charges at key points.
Today, we’ll look at 35 times that coaches failed their athletes. There are plenty of bad choices and awful people on this list. Many of these coaches remain active and rehabilitated their images. Others never recovered and won’t work in sports again. Check out the list via Bleacher Report.
35. Urban Meyer
Meyer had a successful record as a college coach but it comes with an asterisk. He is one of the most polarizing figures in football because of his player treatment. Meyer helped the Florida Gators achieve glory but his players behaved appallingly away from the field (via Sports Illustrated).
Controversy also followed him to the Ohio Buckeyes. He left that job with a cloud over his head after a spousal abuse scandal. Then he went to the NFL with the Jaguars. He failed his athletes because he treated them like children and stunted Trevor Lawrence’s development. He also allegedly kicked his kicker and skipped a team flight after a loss only to get caught dancing with a woman who was not his wife. A disastrous tenure in the NFL that has been called the worst professional coaching stint in football history.