Mack, who managed the Philadelphia Athletics for 50 years, captured nine American League pennants and five world championships. Similarly, Paterno, who died last month, was head football coach at Penn State for 46 years, long enough to become the winningest coach in Division I history, with 409 victories, including five undefeated seasons, three Big Ten titles, and two national championships.
Both coaches' longevity was due to a flexible approach. They learned to adjust their styles to the realities of their sport.
Mack started managing in the "dead ball" era at the turn of the 19th century, when games were won on pitching and an "inside-the-park" offense that manufactured runs on base hits, bunts, and the hit-and-run. By the 1920s, with the introduction of the "lively ball," that strategy had run its course. Mack had to rebuild his team with power hitters as the home run became the decisive factor in winning games.
Paterno also had to make adjustments. When he first took the helm of the Nittany Lions in 1966, Penn State won games with blitzing linebackers and a stifling defense. The offense was dominated by the rush. As Division I became more competitive, Paterno went to a more balanced offensive attack, using the run to set up the pass.
Reid has not been that flexible. While his preparation is impeccable, he has difficulty adjusting during the game when his plan isn't working. He's wedded to the pass, when the NFL demands a more balanced offense. Reid also continues to draft undersized linebackers.
It's not that Reid hasn't been successful; his teams have captured six division titles and an NFC championship. But unless he learns to be more flexible with play-calling on both ends of the ball, and to make wiser draft picks, he'll never win a Super Bowl.
