Bill Murray, Steve Kerr, and Pete Carroll Bond Over Similarities Between Acting and Coaching
Bill Murray, who turns 70 in September, sat down with Steve Kerr and Pete Carroll from the Flying Coach podcast. The legendary comedian, who got his start on Saturday Night Live in 1977, had a thing or two to say about his long-lasting acting career. The coaches related to how Murray has perfected his craft, realizing their approach to professional coaching is very similar.
The ‘Flying Coach’ podcast
The Flying Coach podcast began in April 2020 by Steve Kerr and Pete Carroll to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts. Kerr has been the head coach of NBA’s Golden State Warriors since 2014. Carroll is the head coach and executive vice president of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
Carroll has more than 35 years of coaching experience, reports Sports Illustrated. And the 68-year-old is the oldest NFL head coach in the league. The popular podcast features the experienced coaches sharing stories, talking about leading their teams, and discussing some of the biggest influences on their careers.
Murray gives his advice on dealing with athletes
The Flying Coach hosts asked Murray how coaches can better handle their players. The Ghostbusters alum said he liked the idea of coaches being able to make their players do things at a certain moment. Murray feels that finding ways to exploit the weaknesses of another team enables a player to use his talent to take advantage of a situation.
The legendary Caddyshack alum went on to explain that he compares it to working with other actors in a scene:
“The enemy of excellence is tension. Being relaxed is really the most comfortable place to work from so, I try to get myself as comfortable as I can. I basically try to quiet myself down and bring my center of attention down lower in my body.”
Kerr questioned if Murray seeks out a certain director to get that mind-body connection. He compared it to an athlete seeking the right coach, to be in a conducive atmosphere best for the player. Murray reflected that a player doesn’t need a coach to teach him how to play. He needs someone to provide insight and offer advice on trying things differently.
Murray understands that everyone is looking for quality. He says, “I can make something that’s good and, the director may say how about you try this. To me, it’s never good to say no.” Murray doesn’t want to deny anyone’s right to an idea and is willing to keep trying to make it perfect. He says that if there is a fun scene to do, he can do it all day long.
The ‘Flying Coach’ team agree with Murray’s philosophy on teamwork
The Groundhog Day actor wanted to know if Kerr and Carroll feel the same when they are running a play or when they see one of their players make a great shot. Murray supposes that they aren’t in a rush to get it over with. That is how he compares the feeling of doing a scene with a great actress. It’s hard work, but he is having so much fun that it becomes a pleasure.
The Flying Coach duo concurs that teamwork happens when everyone is doing their job and are relaxed. They told Murray that it’s what they are after when coaching. Kerr said, “We’re looking for that space where you’re seeking this vibe of joy and excellence. When you feel it, it’s incredible. It’s magic.”
Carroll agreed, stating, “There’s nothing more fun than when you’re making the right connection, and everybody is firing on all cylinders, and you’re having fun, and you can’t wait to go show what you got, and you know that the people around you are helping you. You’re not worrying about nothing, just balling and playing. That’s when it’s at its best for sure.”
Kerr concluded saying, “My favorite quote ever is from Russell Westbrook, who said ‘I have been blessed with a gift of not giving a f*ck.” He acknowledged this, saying, “It doesn’t work if you literally don’t care but if you can play as if you’re just free and loose and having fun, that’s what we’re all looking for.”
