One lesson being reinforced this season in Italy:
Most game-management decisions are made long before kickoff.

Not because the situation is predictable.

Because pressure reveals preparation.

Before each game, we spend time aligning as a staff on:
– how we want to handle 4th downs, time management, PATs
– aggressiveness thresholds
– communication responsibilities
– when context should override the recommendation

The biggest benefit hasn’t been better recommendations.
It’s been better alignment.

When pressure arrives, the staff isn’t debating philosophy. We’re executing a plan.

Whether you use analytics, instinct, or some combination of both, I’ve found the same principle applies:

The best game-management decisions are often the ones you’ve already discussed before kickoff.

As you prepare for the upcoming season, one question may be worth asking: 

What game-management decisions can your staff align on now, before the season starts?

Happy to share what we’re learning if it’s helpful.