The Husky Haul
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3 Reasons Washington Huskies WBB Hiring Coach Jody Wynn Means Melancholy

By Bret Stuter

Mar 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Washington Huskies forward Chantel Osahor (0) and guard Kelsey Plum (10) celebrate against the Stanford Cardinal in the finals of the Lexington regional of the women's NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Washington defeated Stanford 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Washington Huskies forward Chantel Osahor (0) and guard Kelsey Plum (10) celebrate against the Stanford Cardinal in the finals of the Lexington regional of the women's NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Washington defeated Stanford 85-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies fans greet players on arrival prior to the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies fans greet players on arrival prior to the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason One: Jody Wynn Employing Husband Derek As Assistant Coach

Head Coach Jody Wynn employed husband Derek as her assistant coach at Long Beach State University. That same arrangement is happening at the University of Washington.  But before I proceed, I want to clarify why this is concerning to me.

I am no fan of nepotism.  Never was, never will be.  And I have valid reasons for my objections.  A coaching staff must allow for players to speak candidly in that “getting to know one another” phase of familiarity.  Part of that process is the trust factor.  While most interactions between player and coach stay on the positive side, there is the frustration of disciplined training and practices that will provoke emotions.

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    • Coach, I Need to Talk

    In that scenario, a player typically speaks to other players, then to the assistant coach, then to the head coach.  However, the combination of wife and husband or husband and wife on the same coaching staff thwarts that opportunity for the assistant coach to intervene.   How does a player go to either Jody Wynn or Derek Wynn to express concerns about the other knowing they live under the same roof at the end of the day?

    Similarly, as long as a working relationship and personal relationships remain positive, everything is fine.  Ultimately, some relationships reach low points.  What safeguards can the University of Washington set in place to limit the awkwardness of a family feud?

    Can it work?  Certainly.

    But this family structure simply adds one more risk to the equation. The fallout may never be measured, as players may simply elect not to discuss concerns.  In the end, this is something that can be anticipated.  But all parties felt confident enough to waive it through.  I do not share that confidence.

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