Coach McCaffery: Meet with Tom Brands

The University of Iowa has supposedly agreed to terms with Siena's Fran McCaffery to become the Hawkeyes' next men's basketball coach.

McCaffery, a hire that caught many by surprise, probably has a resume full of success, however, I wouldn't recognize him if I saw him behind me in a Hy-Vee checkout lane buying Milk, Captain Crunch and a 6-pack of Killians Red. If I had one bit of advice for him it would be this: Visit the Iowa Wrestling Office and become friends with Tom Brands and his staff.

No matter what McCaffery's accomplished, Brands can teach him a thing or two, excluding how to conquer the Carver-Hawkeye Arena steps with a buddy on your back after a full workout.

One, Iowans don't care for beating around the bush. Speak directly, bluntly and if ANYONE (I mean athletes, coaches, media, fans, etc) aren't meeting your expectations then let them know. It doesn't need to be publicly but demand the best and you'll likely get the best in return. That directness will likely endear yourself with the fans, too.

Two, share the loyalty and sweat from hard work that you want from your athletes. When your athletes see that loyalty and respect for hard work mirrored by the leaders of the program, then you'll get them to achieve beyond what they even thought was possible.

Three, identify the different buttons to push to motivate each athlete in the ENTIRE program. All athletes are motivated in different ways. Being able to figure it out and carry it out can be a tough task, but it's essential to be a champion. No one does it better than Brands and staff.

Finally, make sure to coin a couple phrases or one-liners. Entertain fans and media with a couple of comments per speaking engagement or press conference. Just to let you know, talking about players "pooping their pants" on the big stage belongs to Brands.

Of course, so do the last three Big Ten and NCAA Championships. So welcome Coach McCaffery. The wrestling office is outside the Dan Gable Wrestling Complex on the second floor of Carver-Hawkeye Arena.