Inside The Mind of a Coach After a Loss
Every coach deals with defeat differently.
In a world where performance is constantly evaluated and discussed - a single loss triggers a cascade of thoughts that can be as complex as the game itself.
Not all losses are created equal. A heartbreaking one-point loss at the National Championships feels different than a mid-season stumble in a professional campaign.
Turnaround time matters too. Bouncing back in less than 24-hours during a tournament or on a double-header road trip, versus having a full week to regroup, requires two very different mental resets.
As coaches, we’re wired to process outcomes through very specific lenses. Here’s how I navigate a loss - and some strategies I use to respond.
Channelling the Emotion
Right after a loss, the dominant emotion I typically feel is anger. Not the kind that explodes in the locker room – unless the moment calls for it - but more an internal frustration.
For those who know me well, it’s no surprise – I hate losing. Not just because I’m competitive, but because winning has become a byproduct of preparation, discipline and commitment – when we’ve done the work, I believe we should win every time we step on the floor.
That belief isn’t rooted in arrogance. It comes from confidence in the process—how we train, how we scout, how we prepare. I take pride in being a coach whose team will never be outworked in those areas.
With time and experience, I’ve learned how to manage that initial emotional spike more effectively.
One of the most grounding things I do is step away from the game briefly and spend time with my family. Just a few minutes with Rachael and our kids brings me back to a joyful reality. Basketball matters, but it’s not everything.
I’ll also connect with coaching peers I trust - people who understand the game and aren’t afraid to offer honest feedback. These conversations help me reflect on the varying layers and push me to think more critically about my own decisions made in real time.
Post-game dialogue with our senior players is also something else I value. They’re processing the loss too and hearing their immediate reactions – both emotionally and tactically, often gives me a more complete perspective before diving into film and adjustments.
Where Did It Go Wrong?
The post-game review begins almost immediately, helping me transition from emotion to analysis. Whether it’s a win or a loss, I usually rewatch the game that same night - not to relive the outcome, but to better understand it.
In most losses, there’s usually contributing factors that stands out - defensive lapses, rebounding discrepancy, an overall lack of execution. Sometimes it’s as simple as a cold shooting night. But every detail matters and the film doesn’t lie.
That said, it’s easy as a coach to drown in the footage, over-analysing every possession.
My rule - keep film reviews simple, applicable and consistent. Players don’t see the game like coaches do, and they don’t need to. The goal is to provide clarity, not overwhelm. Less is often more.
Turning the Page
Once the film is absorbed by the players - whether individually or as a group, it’s back on-court.
Practice becomes the space to correct, reset and rebuild. By this point, that initial anger has faded. In its place is renewed positive energy and determination. This is where the coaching lives. We get back to the technical and tactical work - through instruction, drills and reinforcing the effort standards required to compete at a high level. This is the part of the process I find most fulfilling.
Every coach has their own way of dealing with a loss. This is mine and through it, I’ve learned not to lose sight of what success actually looks like.
It’s not just about the wins and the banners. It’s about growth, resilience and consistency—day after day.
