Colts Owner Faces Criticism for Sideline Presence
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has come under fire for her decision to patrol the sidelines equipped with a headset and clipboard, seemingly monitoring team discussions.
On Monday, during a conversation with Front Office Sports’ Bridget Condon, she explained that her primary intention for being on the sidelines is to learn more about the game. “I like to say on a good day I have like a fifth grade reading level understanding of the game and just the basic concepts of what we’re trying to do, depending on the week and our opponent and the situation,” she shared.
She further elaborated, “But I think, then, it just helps to understand and to ask questions because I think one of the things, in my opinion, like being a good leader is about listening, really to understand. And the best teams do that.”
One of her most outspoken critics, podcaster Bill Simmons, voiced his belief that Irsay-Gordon would face significantly harsher criticism if she were a man. “I’m not going to tiptoe around this anymore, right? I think the owner on the sidelines taking notes is just nuts. … If a male owner were doing this, we would be ridiculing this guy till the cows came home,” he stated.
He raises an interesting point. Jerry Jones, known for his sometimes controversial approach as an owner, has never been seen donning a headset and directly overseeing his coaches in such a manner. Although he has occasionally stood on the sidelines, it’s typically been during the final moments of games and never to take notes.
Irsay-Gordon’s aspiration to gain knowledge about football is certainly commendable. More owners could benefit from a deeper understanding of the game. But that leads to an important question: how does one best achieve that?
Does she really need to be on the sideline to learn about football or her coaching staff? Many NFL coaching teams operate from booths during games, far removed from the field. Vic Fangio, for instance, manages his defenses from an elevated position. Does that mean he lacks control?
Irsay-Gordon could obtain the same insights from the coach’s box above, where her presence would likely be less intrusive. It might even be easier to discuss strategies with coaches in a less crowded and distracting environment.
The discussion surrounding her sideline presence often hinges on the fact that, as the owner, she has the right to be there. However, just because one can do something doesn’t mean it’s the best choice.
No employee wants their boss hovering over them while they work, and coaches are no exception, even if they maintain a public front. Effective leaders understand their business and its practices but should also allow their teams the space to perform without feeling overshadowed. This is where Irsay-Gordon may need to reflect and adjust.
