Tom Brady: Leader, Player and Now Coach and Scout?

The offseason is in full swing. Some players attended OTAs, some are working out on their own and with others. But as the off-season gets rolling up more insight into Tom Brady’s involvement leaks out. For instance, light has recently been shed on his involvement with the draft. Coupling that with reports of his coaching of players, does Brady have a future as a coach?

 

Brady’s Previous Thoughts On Coaching

Buffalonews.com reported on October 26^th, 2016 via a conference call with Bills writers that Tom Brady had no future in coaching. This is what he had to say:

“Coaching wouldn’t be for me,” “No, certainly not. I like playing. I wouldn’t be a good coach. I don’t have the patience to be a coach.”

He then reiterated it in 2019. The New England Patriots Twitter account (@Patriots) posted post practices interviews on August 15th. At the 4:27 mark, Brady answers a question on coaching in the future. His response:

“Oh hell no. I’m never coaching.”

It seems almost certain that he will not be on the sideline wearing a headset and holding a play chart. But these answers came during his time in New England. Where it was the “Patriot Way”. Furthermore, a Place where Bill Belichick reigns supreme. According to his former players, he is never to be questioned and it is his way or the highway. In other words, there is a dictatorship in New England. Could his perception of his future change? Bruce Arians had this to say about his time in New England vs now:

“I allow him to be himself. Like, New England didn’t allow him to coach. I allow him to coach. I just sit back sometimes and watch.” Via masslive.com January 18th, 2021.

A New Setting

What was already known is that Tom Brady is a great teammate. A leader in all regards. But since his departure from New England, more news on his love for coaching keeps coming. He has a passion to mentor young players. In April 2020 he Brady wrote in the Players’ Tribune about leaving New England and coming to Tampa. Part of what he wrote stands out and lends itself to coaching.

He wrote, “Doing whatever I can to help younger players evolve as people and players matters a lot to me.”

This mentality is only being verified each time a Buccaneers player or coach talks about him. Arians has spoken to this before as well. During last year’s Super Bowl run Arians was interviewed during The Dan Patrick Show on January 12th, 2021. Subsequently, he had the following to say:

“He’s another coach.” and “he’s coaching non-stop.”

Also, and most recently, on “The Rich Eisen Show” as reported by joebucsfan.com Brady was absolutely involved in the draft process and included in many of its aspects. This included the plans to draft a quarterback and even Brady doing some assessments on wide receiver prospects.

Moving Forward In 2021

With the team gearing up for the new season it looks as though Brady will be integral in leading, coaching, and planning for the team’s upcoming season. There is no doubt about his passion for the game. Subsequently, here in Tampa, new nuances to his capacity to influence and lead this team keep evolving and growing. Jenna Laine reported Arians said, “He may be doing a lot of coaching,”. Now, this may have to do more with protecting Brady’s knee. But, given the current environment and recent comments about Brady, it would likely be true no matter his physical condition.

Final Thought

During Brady’s time on the Patriots, it is likely that there was some distaste that groomed Brady’s disliking of the idea of being a coach. Undoubtedly, the staff in Tampa is far different and Brady has more participation throughout many of the processes. From coaching to thoughts on players he is having input. No matter how big or small that maybe it feeds his competitive spirit.

After Brady is done playing, he may find himself missing the game. After all, he has an obsession with the competition, the gamesmanship, and the chess matches. Brady’s drive is unmeasurable. Maybe, there will be a lingering thought that he could be a champion in a different capacity. He seems to relish the aspects of coaching right now. Perhaps his previous complete denial of ever coaching turns and he seriously contemplates the idea.

The question about coaching will come again. We’ll have to wait and see if there is a little hesitation the next time he answers.

In conclusion, I believe Brady will likely never put on the polo shirt, don a headset, and be seen controlling a team from the sidelines. Much like the speculation of Peyton Manning becoming a coach after he announced his playing days were over, but it never came to fruition. Neither will this.

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