by Mark Burridge

In 2001, Bill Belicheck won the NFL Championship as the head coach of the New England Patriots. He did it basically by taking a hot streak, adding a prodigy(Tom Brady), and of course using his amazing coaching skills to go from a last place pitiful team to champions.

A lot has been made about how Belicheck is so successful, is it because he promotes such a team spirit, or because he never lets anyone talk to the media. No, Belicheck just decided that every pro-athlete should know how much of a privilage their job really is. He has made it clear that no one has a safe job, and if they want to win with him, they better respect his rules.

Since 2001, the Patriots have won 2 more super bowls and lost it another time, so obviously Belicheck knows what he is doing. Since than, the Patriots have had some of the most controversial players sign onto our team. Not only Randy Moss, but also Corey Dillon and Rodney Harrison. These players who have been known for their big mouths have all suddenly shut up and enjoyed great careers on the Patriots. Belicheck looked like he was on to something and who better to imitate him than the other coaches of his area.

In 2004 and 2007, the Boston Red Sox won World Series titles. Terry Francona was the coach of the Sox through both titles, and although he hasn't always been the best coach, he gets results. So what has he done that makes his teams winners. Well, the Red Sox are known for having a great clubhouse, everyone loves everyone. There was only one problem, and it cam out last year. Francona, who was brought in initially basically to please Curt Schilling, had a problem with Manny Ramirez. Showing the obvious likeness to Belicheck he had acquired, Francona had Manny shipped to LA with the help of GM Theo Epstein. In return, in a three team deal, the Red Sox got notorius good guy Jason Bay. SInce than Manny has gotten caught with steroids, and Bay has the second most RBIs in the Majors. The Red Sox undertsand that they have to get along to stay on the team.

In 2007, the Celtics won the NBA finals behind the adequete coaching of Doc RIvers. It's not that there is anything bad about Doc's coaching, it's just that it is not Belicheck good. However, Doc did get the memo when it came to how to treat your players. Even though he has been known for his massive amount of coaching technical fouls and the team led the league in technicals at some points during the season, they have a great chemistry. This obvious aggressiveness is not towards each other, but towards the opponent. They brought in Stephon Marbury this year, known as a jerk, and he was a valuable contributor. Kevin Garnett who has a big mouth reputation has been all smiles on the Celtics.

Sadly, the Bruins can't ever seem to do anything right when they get to the playoffs, but perhaps they are next to learn the way of Belicheck.

The proof that Bill Belicheck's style of coaching affects the teams around him is staggering. When he retires and goes down as one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, maybe the other Boston coaches will send him the thankyou letters he deserves.