Washington Football Team: Parallels between Ron Rivera and Ted Lasso

Culture > Wins and Losses

In the show, Ted Lasso is an eternal optimist whose primary focus is on building up his players rather than focusing on wins and losses. When he is interviewed by reporter Trent Krimm for a profile piece, he elaborates on what he considers success in coaching:

"For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field. And it ain’t always easy, Trent, but neither is growing up without someone believing in you."

Now, that’s an honorable ideal to stand for, but not one fans always agree with, if it comes at the cost of wins on the field.

Coach Rivera has talked about building the team culture more than anything else and has preached discipline and accountability, which are values he was raised with growing up in a military family.

Now, Rivera did not say wins and losses aren’t important, but in his introductory press conference, he talked about his responsibility as a coach and talked about the importance of player development:

"My responsibility is to get the most out of the players. To work with them, teach them, mentor them. If I have to do it one by one, I most certainly will do it. I’ve done it in the past and I’ll do it again. I’ll do what I can to help these young men become not just the players we want, but the men in the community we need."