It’s early September, and America’s favorite pastime – pro football – is back, in all its athletic and financial glory.
This past weekend featured a full slate of National Football League league games, involving teams valued in the billions of dollars playing in front of packed stadiums, and with the highest TV ratings in its history. The exciting first weekend was highlighted by Aaron Rodgers’ return, Jim Harbaugh’s new role, Tom Brady’s debut, and Dak Prescott’s payday.
And all this was, of course, choreographed on the field by the head coach; essentially performing the role of chief operating officer of the team, responsible for developing strategy, implementing adjustments, and directing the performance of the 48 players chosen as active on game day, as well as that of a coaching staff.
On this first weekend, across the league, these critically important leaders were attired not in three-piece suits, not in custom tailored “business professional” outfits; not even in “business” or “smart” casual wear, but rather in league-mandated hoodies.
You got it (and you probably noticed it). Hoodies. Not designer-fashioned, but plain old, leaf-raking, snow-shoveling, backyard-grilling hoodies.
Who cares, you say? It’s not the clothes that makes the coach, it’s rather his skill, and his ability to get the most out of his players. As the great Al Davis once said, “Just win, baby.” Case in point – Bears coach Matt Eberflus masterfully directed a comeback win over the Titans wearing his navy blue hoodie. His attire wasn’t questioned in the post-game press conference.
But when you’re the leader of a highly profitable business, the value of which is concentrated in the development of the talent of its workforce, is it really that simple? Does formality matter? Do “return to the office” trends make “dressing like an adult” more relevant? Will attire as a symbol of leadership have an impact on Millennials and Gen-Xers? In today’s environment, they’re not irrelevant questions.
As most fans know, the NFL is extremely particular about the attire of its coaches and its players. Consistent with its many lucrative endorsement arrangements, the league requires its coaches to wear league-endorsed athletic gear on the sideline. And that’s understandable, given the promotion opportunities it provides.
But it’s fair to question whether dressing-down to hoodie level crosses the invisible line of professionalism. It’s relevant to wonder whether it violates unwritten rules of formality and authority we like to associate with our leaders, whether they be in sports, business, or politics. It’s understandable to worry whether it blurs the necessary distinction between management and employee.
The columnist Peggy Noonan has written forcefully on how the relaxation of once-accepted standards – including those of attire – can ultimately impact respect for positions of leadership, and for institutions. To Noonan, “dressing like an adult” demonstrates not only a mature acceptance of the role of leadership, but also both the inner discipline, and the inner modesty, of leadership that may be attractive to employees. It also demonstrates respect for the business and its purposes.
An awareness of risks that may arise when standards of conduct are allowed to erode is something to which leadership of all stripes should be sensitive.
The NFL’s never going to pull back from its commitment to marketing clothing and related attire. After all, 21 million viewers per weekend is a pretty big customer base. But it might be wise to consider exceptions for what’s acceptable attire for its coaches. Maybe not the full Hank Stram vest and jacket, or the Tom Landry fedora-but perhaps at least the famous Mike Ditka sleeveless “Bears” sweater and tie.
There would always be – in football and more broadly – a lifetime “Bill Belichick” exception, as is only proper.
So, as the season progresses, and the cameras pan to the sidelines, keep a closer eye on what the coaches are wearing. And think not just whether you want to order that same hoodie or ballcap.
Think more broadly about what Peggy Noonan meant about setting an example for employees on “how to behave, how to be.” Think also about the important connection between leaders wanting to be respected, and doing what is necessary to be respectable.
Full disclosure: I am the proud owner of an official NFL bright orange Chicago Bears hoodie. It looks great, but I do not wear it to work. At least not regularly.