The U.S. loses (perhaps) its best coach to the UK

[dl]

Dan Pfaff will be a coach for Great Britain after this season.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 612610.ece

It's a real shame to lose someone like Coach Pfaff. The US has the best developmental system in the world (NCAA), but after college, athletes usually have to keep running with their college coaches or the few post-collegiate programs out there (OTC, McMillan Elite, etc).

There are a few top level professional coaches (John Smith, Bobby Kersee, John Cook, etc), but they are supported mostly by the shoe companies or charge athletes a fee.

Pfaff was at the USOC Training Center in Chula Vista after the program in Isleton/Stockton lost its funding, but it seems to me like we need a program run by USATF (in conjunction with the USOC) to hire coaches like Pfaff and have post-collegiate athletes (especially those not earning enough to pay a coach a fair wage) come and train under them.

[gh]

Two stories on front page in last couple of days about Pfaff and also poaching of top Canadian coaches.

[dl]

Two stories on front page in last couple of days about Pfaff and also poaching of top Canadian coaches.

Yes, but not much discussion! USATF is making a bid deal about winning more medals in London, but we can't even hang on to one of our best coaches!

[Brian]

Two stories on front page in last couple of days about Pfaff and also poaching of top Canadian coaches.

Yes, but not much discussion! USATF is making a bid deal about winning more medals in London, but we can't even hang on to one of our best coaches!

Might be hard to match funds. The entire UK treasury is probably being used to ensure a home country success.

[AthleticsInBritain]

Two stories on front page in last couple of days about Pfaff and also poaching of top Canadian coaches.

Yes, but not much discussion! USATF is making a bid deal about winning more medals in London, but we can't even hang on to one of our best coaches!

Might be hard to match funds. The entire UK treasury is probably being used to ensure a home country success.

Not quite - just some of the proceeds of the state lottery. And a fair bit of private sponsorship. Track & Field actually had a couple of mill cut due to a below-expectations performance in Beijing. But you're right - a lot of money is being spent on a lot of sports, not just T&F.And probably just as important, purpose built facilities with probably one of the best medical/physio back ups in the world.

[jkjoregon]

On the other hand Mark Rowland is the new coach of the OTC Elite Eugene branch. 8-)

[Double R Bar]

Money doesn't "talk", it screams.

[marknhj]

We must be learning from our football teams....

[26mi235]

Money doesn't "talk", it screams.

No, Money doesn't "talk", it persuades. Look at the other new coach in Oregon, Schumacher (who has already had some not inconsiderable success, sweeping the 5000 with his three athletes, and getting his one 10,000 guy on the team).

[Speedfirst]

Coaches and athletes come and go, the beat goes on.

[knite]

Well, they are willing to pay top dollar for a good coach in lieu of the London Games, nothing the USATF can do about that. If he see's opportunity in the UK, then by all means he should. I would do the same.

[cladthin]

It's pretty bad that the USOTC or at least USATF could not pay Pfaff enough to make him stay. Anyone here know who was paying DP?

[knite]

I don't think the USATF really could stop this move. Its the same as any other top talent. If you see an open opportunity on the job market that is willing to pay you, you go and pursue it.

[Speedfirst]

Also if you are in a place/position you truly love being in, you make sacrifices, monetarily, family, etc.

If the decision is based upon dollars, well when another scenario arises, off you go. IMO, if it's just about coaching and coaching just anyone, then you'll move on.

[cladthin]

I don't think the USATF really could stop this move. Its the same as any other top talent. If you see an open opportunity on the job market that is willing to pay you, you go and pursue it.

Sure they could have stopped this move. They could have offered more $ (if that's what his decision really came down to, ultimately.)