is critical for the program, and partly--partly--the problem BYU clearly has with its football team. I was careful to mention that I'm merely using Kalani as an example of a widespread problem in coaching. Perhaps you missed that. I'd have used someone else--there are plentiful examples--but I'm most familiar with how Kalani deals with the media.

I try not to levy criticism without knowledge, and I don't think I've done that here. You're welcome to search my posts and see if I have EVER criticized Kalani (or any other coach) for on-field decisions or recruiting or game management (although there...).

But when we're talking about how to communicate, I'm the expert. Kalani is a very approachable guy and communicates with the media all the time. But he's not as good at it as he could be, and that is hurting BYU's team and its relationship with the fans. It also hurts with recruiting as a side effect. He's not abnormally bad. In fact, I'd say he's better than average, but only because the average is so low.

Pope, by contrast, is very good with the media and much more forthcoming, actually, than most coaches in any sport. It helps him and it helps the team and it helps the fanbase. I'm grateful for Pope, and I think we all should be.