Joe Ehrmann would ask the players what the coaches' job was. They would respond _____.

• A. To win games
• B. To love us
• C. To discipline
• D. To teach technique

Answer: (B)

Coaching is fundamentally about building relationships and caring for players. When Ehrmann talks about what coaches should do, he emphasizes love as the foundation—showing genuine care, respect, and investment in a player’s growth as a person. That kind of care creates safety and trust, which makes athletes more willing to take risks, admit mistakes, accept feedback, and stay committed even when things get tough. From that secure base, discipline can be meaningful and learning can happen in a healthy way, and teaching technique becomes more effective because players trust the coach and feel valued.

Winning games and teaching technique are important aspects of coaching, but they depend on the relational environment love creates. If players don’t feel loved, they’re less likely to respond to discipline or instruction in a constructive way. So the statement that best captures Ehrmann’s view is that coaches’ job is to love us.