One of the stories that has raised some interest this week has been the notion that Trent Baalke is coaching players on the field. Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt mentioned that he is on the practice field frequently, and will point out corrections in technique. This led to defensive coordinator Eric Mangini addressing the topic, and now head coach Jim Tomsula providing his own two cents.
Tomsula specifically spoke to the notion of Baalke running drills, but did not mention anything about technique specifically. At this point, I don't imagine hearing a lot more about this. Well, if Baalke joins Jed York at the end of season press conference, maybe he can address the topic then. Well, that or someone could ask him in the press box this Sunday before the Lions game.
Here is a transcript of Tomsula's comments about the topic:
We've written a fair amount of stories this week about general manager Trent Baalke's coaching during practice. As the head coach, is that something that he's done in the past?
"I've never seen Trent run a drill. He's never run a drill. Trent's, just like I think all general managers, is at the practice. When he's in town he goes out to practice. Personnel guys go out to practice. I mean, we're all in this together. When [vice president of Communications Bob Lange] Bobby was briefing me on that, there's nothing there to be made of anything. You guys see him out there."
I know DB Jimmie Ward and S Jaquiski Ward just talked about Trent coaching them.
"Well, I mean I don't know what he's, ‘Defend the ball' or ‘Great play.' You know what I mean?"
I don't know. That's why I'm asking it.
"No. It's we're all invested here and I don't see anything to that at all."