When the coach also has the authority to sign the paychecks, theoretically his players should heed his every word.
Denver Nuggets general manager Bernie Bickerstaff will test that theory after being named Monday as the team's third coach this season and the fifth in as many years. He replaces interim coach Gene Littles, who took over Jan. 15. after Dan Issel abruptly resigned.Bickerstaff, who said he plans to instill a winning attitude in his players and improve the defense, also was named team president - putting him in charge of Denver's basketball-related operations.
Asked during a news conference if he thinks his dual role as coach and president will influence his players, Bickerstaff said, "That gives a little leverage."
Nuggets captain Bryant Stith agreed.
"That's the man who signs the checks. If you can't play for him, who are you going to play for?" Stith said. "Bernie is just a commander, a man you've looked up to so much as an authority figure. It's amazing what a move of this magnitude can mean."
Bickerstaff, who said he has agreed to a "long-term commitment" with the Nuggets, succeeds Tim Leiweke as president.
Leiweke will oversee team owner COMSAT Video Enterprises' plans for a $132 million, 19,000-seat sports arena and entertainment complex in Denver. Leiweke also will be responsible for promoting COMSAT's interests in an NHL franchise.
Bickerstaff coached the Seattle SuperSonics for five years, making three playoff appearances and accumulating more than 200 victories before taking the Denver front office job in 1990.
Bickerstaff said he didn't expect to be a coach again this soon. But when Issel stepped down last month, he realized he might be on the bench as early as next season - and he mentioned that to Littles.
"I talked with Gene about that possibility as soon as he came in," Bickerstaff said. "But I did not consider taking over then."
COMSAT president Charlie Lyons said Bickerstaff was not forced into taking the job, and the two had talked about making the change this summer. Lyons later decided it would be best to move forward now.
"His experience as a head coach was so compelling. To see that resource in front of me, it only made sense to make the move," Lyons said. "My philosophy is if you've made the decision, you might as well get on with it."
Since Issel's departure, the Nuggets have lost 13 of 16. Now 21-29, Denver is fourth in the NBA's Midwest Division and ninth in the Western Conference.
Issel abruptly resigned after 21/2 seasons because he said he had grown unhappy with his job and never wanted to coach again. He is expected to remain with the Nuggets in a still-unnamed capacity.
Bickerstaff said Littles will continue to play an integral role in coaching the Nuggets.