Confirmed: Dennis Mitchell Out As US Relays Coach!!

Just because a job is posted doesn't automatically mean Mitchell is out. It could just be their policy to post the position annually and allow the current person holding the position to reapply.

In keeping with the tradition, maybe they can pick up Marion Jones for the position?

So our "benevolent dictator" found the need for two threads on this?

Great. Maybe a USA team can actually get the stick around the track for once now.

This guy needs his head in a clamp for his contribution over the last 2 years.

We are going to hire Japan's relay coach. He will make America great again.

Thank you Jesus!

I doubt he's out because of his doping or even his incompetence. Probably he has taken bribes without sharing with his superiors.

Job Qualification: USA Track and Field expects applicants to show a creative aptitude and understanding for getting disqualified from relays in a variety of ways. Dropping the baton is just one way. USA Track and Field is looking for more creativity in this endeavor.

Creative funding idea: U.S. relays sponsored by K-Y.

or Jiffy Lube

LetsRun.com wrote:

Earlier today, Track and Field News realized that USATF was advertising for a national relays coach. We contacted USATF and they've confirmed they are looking for a new coach. “USATF’s National Relay Coach position goes through the end of each Olympic year and then reopens,” Jill Geer wrote in an email to LetsRun.com. “Per that normal cycle, the position is open.”

http://www.letsrun.com/news/2017/01/dennis-mitchell-no-longer-usatfs-head-relay-coach/

Let's hope the US doesn't continue to botch the 4 x 100 or we won't know whom to blame. ;)

Its never really been about the head coach no matter who it is.

Its about our structure for pulling a team together and obligations post selection for relay practices. Team is put together after championships trials. Process gives limited time to practice as a team. Individuals prioritize individual events and practice towards those events vs relay.

Practices that are done are with pool athletes that didn't qualify in individual events.

How can we improve? Look at Chinese and Japanese teams, they select months in advance and are required to practice as a team. Their results with slower athletes show how it can work to be medalists.

one option- Maybe our top three are given an ultimatum make practice or your not on the relay team.

We take places 4-8 as the team. Top three are alternates.

Where were you guys back in March? USATF announced then that Mitchell would be out after Rio.

http://www.runblogrun.com/2016/04/dennis-mitchell-is-still-the-usatf-relay-coach-from-eme-news-with-comments.html

Ayahuasca bicycle wrote:

Creative funding idea: U.S. relays sponsored by K-Y.

I think DropBox would be a great sponsor, too.

Hire a good high school coach...there are plenty of them who have coached literally 100's of 4 X 1's and have never blown a stick pass....never dropped the baton, never run out of the zone....and spend minimal practice time. It is not rocket science!!

He was obviously a TERRIBLE relay coach. We never got the stick around. It was embarrassing.

His drug record is the main problem not his team's performance which is due to runners not knowing their profession.

His appointment showed there is no difference between America and Russia when it comes to drugs. Different set up same number of dopers

I think the main problem is with the athletes themselves, not Mitchell.

USA women have no issue passing the baton.

I have been hearing that the athletes did not respect him due to his association with the KKK.