Changing Coaches

CHANGING COACHES always creates a tricky situation, especially in midseason. But in 1989, newly appointed University of Michigan basketball coach Steve Fisher took his team all the way.

Former Wolverines coach Bill Frieder accepted a post at Arizona State on the eve of the NCAA tournament, and Michigan athletic director Bo Schembechler banished him from the playoffs. Schembechler then appointed Fisher, Frieder’s assistant, to head the program during March Madness.

But the move affected the team very little. Michigan rolled through the NCAA tournament, averaging over 90 points per game before reaching the Final Four. Following an 83–81 decision over Illinois, the Wolverines faced the Seton Hall Pirates for the championship.

The Pirates trailed 51–39 midway through the second half but streaked to a 71–71 tie at the end of regulation on the strength of John Morton’s 20 second-half points.

In the overtime period, Seton Hall led 79–76 with 1:17 remaining, but Terry Mills connected on a turnaround jumper 20 seconds later to bring Michigan to within one.

Working the shot clock down, Morton missed a short jumper with 11 seconds left, and Michigan’s Rumeal Robinson blazed down the court with the ball. Seton Hall’s Gerald Greene fouled, and Robinson hit two free throws with three seconds showing on the clock. The Wolverines won 80–79 to earn their first national basketball crown.

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POINT Steve Fisher proved he could lead the team when it counted. But Bill Frieder still deserves a lot of credit. Good coaches develop well-prepared, highly motivated players who know what to do whether the coach is there or not. Great coaches also mentor assistants who can take their place without the team suffering.

The same should be true of Christian leaders. They should develop well-prepared, highly motivated believers who know how to minister and witness whether the leader is there or not. Great Christian leaders train and mentor assistants to take their place.

The story of Moses helping Joshua take over as leader of the Israelites is a perfect example of what God wants to happen in spiritual leadership.

GOAL! Observe midseason changes in basketball coaches and baseball managers. How did each team perform after the change? Praise God for Christian leaders who prepare others to take their place.