Today’s media environment is characterized by snap judgments regarding whether a coach has “won” or “lost” their introductory press conference even before a game is played. This verdict serves as an early analysis of their potential success or failure in connecting with the local media and fanbase.
The contrast in responses was evident on Monday during two NFL press conferences. Aaron Glenn wowed reporters with his straightforward demeanor, effectively “winning” his session. Meanwhile, new Jaguars head coach Liam Cohen “lost” his press conference by awkwardly exclaiming “Duuuuuuval” and appearing more suited for a comedy sketch than a coaching role. However, in reality, winning or losing press conferences is often just sensationalism that feeds content-driven media. Remember Nick Sirianni? He infamously bombed his introductory press conference with the Philadelphia Eagles, yet now he’s leading his team to a second Super Bowl.
This brings us to several coaches who “won” their press conferences but then struggled in the actual game context:
Hue Jackson – Cleveland Browns
New Browns coach Hue Jackson won the press conference.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 14, 2016
Hue Jackson has convincingly won the press conference! SUPER BOWL!
— Kevin Kleps (@KevinKleps) January 14, 2016
Hue Jackson’s time with the Cleveland Browns is a prime example of how winning a press conference means little; despite starting off well, his record stood at 3-36 against actual NFL competition.
Thomas Brown – Chicago Bears
Thomas Brown won the press conference. #DaBears
— Jeff Agrest #🟦 (@JeffAgrest) December 2, 2024
Brown, stepping in as interim coach, managed a 1-4 record despite a promising press conference performance.
Alex Meruelo – Arizona Coyotes
I know the term “winning the press conference” is sometimes overused… #Coyotes #OurPack https://t.co/hO4IwW0T3m
— Dave Zorn (@davezorn72) August 1, 2019
Meruelo’s acquisition of the Arizona Coyotes led to turmoil within the organization, culminating in a takeover by the NHL. At least fans have a memorable press conference to remember.
Kirk Cousins – Atlanta Falcons
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I’ll give Kirk Cousins credit…He comes across as a humble guy and most definitely won the press conference just now #RiseUp
— Jon M Chuckery (@jmch316) March 14, 2024
However, following that success, Cousins was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., and his once-coveted contract has turned into a burdensome liability for the franchise.
Russell Wilson – Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson definitely won the press conference @KDKA
— Rich Walsh KDKA (@RichieWalsh) March 15, 2024
Though the Steelers did reach the NFL playoffs in 2024, it wasn’t due to exceptional quarterbacking. Wilson and Fields split snaps, with Wilson finishing just ahead in QBR, ranking 22nd in the league.
Jerod Mayo – New England Patriots
So I think Jerod Mayo “won” the press conference, right?
— Kleaver Sports (@KleaverSports) January 17, 2024
Jerod Mayo won the press conference… but winning a press conference is different than winning football games…
— alan miller (@alanm33) January 17, 2024
Mayo’s tenure ended swiftly after just one season, a clear indication that press conference victories don’t translate into on-field success.
Kalen DeBoer – Alabama Football
Mark Edwards’ opinion: New Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer won the press conference Saturday… | Click the pic to read the storyhttps://t.co/KwOqosFHPK
— Mark Edwards (@MarkSportsStar) January 14, 2024
Replacing Nick Saban at Alabama was a tough task, and although he made a favorable first impression, the Tide’s performance did not reach 10 wins for the first time since Saban took over in 2007.
Aaron Rodgers – New York Jets
Have to say, love this answer from Rodgers…He’s won the press conference, just needs to go out and do a lot of winning where it matters #Jets pic.twitter.com/8Y2v8Zd8wR
— Andrew Steele (@andrewsteeled) April 26, 2023
Rodgers’ time in New York has been marred by injuries and controversies, with his struggles largely overshadowing a series of losses.
Vic Fangio – Denver Broncos
Vic won the press conference. Time to get to work. #Broncos pic.twitter.com/VZuKxCE8qX
— Brian Kelley (@BKelleyBU) January 10, 2019
Fangio managed three years with the Broncos without a winning record before his departure in 2021, illustrating yet again that press conference success does not guarantee future victories.
Jeremy Pruitt – Tennessee Volunteers
HE WON THE PRESS CONFERENCE. JUST GO AHEAD AND GIVE THEM THE TITLE THEN. https://t.co/OBQztD5Raf
— Charles Loring (@Charles_Loring) July 19, 2018
Pruitt’s tenure at Tennessee is notable not only for a subpar record of 16-19 but also for receiving a six-year show cause penalty from the NCAA due to recruiting violations. His press conference triumph stands in stark contrast to his actual coaching legacy.
Jim McElwain – Florida Gators
Jim McElwain is 1-0 at Florida. In a mild upset, he won the press conference.
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) December 6, 2014
Despite initial success, McElwain’s tenure collapsed midway through his third season.
James Franklin – Penn State
James Franklin is 1-0 at Penn State. He won the press conference 49-0.
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) January 11, 2014
While Franklin excelled in his introductory remarks, he struggled significantly against top-tier teams afterward.
Kevin Warren – Big Ten Conference
We’ll say it: Kevin Warren “won the press conference.” pic.twitter.com/AdbgnWERk4
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) June 4, 2019
Warren’s controversial handling of the conference and the pandemic led to significant criticism, raising questions about his success despite early enthusiasm.
