Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
Whether you believe the coaches or not, the handshake seen around the world last year is on their mind. Jim Schwartz denied it in a post game conference last weekend. Jim Harbaugh has remained mum on the topic. But both coaches are secretly wondering if they have to shake the hand of the other after what happened last year.
Don’t remember what happened? Harbaugh was a little bit too happy for Schwartz’s liking when the Detroit Lions fell to the San Francisco 49ers last October. According to Schwartz, Harbough gripped his hand too tight. Hmmm. Didn’t know that was possible.
So Schwartz had a snit and ran Harbaugh down in to the endzone where they exchanged a few more words. In order to prevent another mishap from happening with the hands this year, here are some alternatives to shaking.
The fist bump. It would still require using their hands, but they would just give each other a bit of knuckle after the game. It would eliminate the risk of a too tight grip. As long as one of them didn’t throw their knuckles out their too hard.
A high five. This would require a little hand/eye coordination. If you look at the elbow of the person you intend to connect with, you shouldn’t miss (or so I’m told). This could be dangerous though and end up with one of them getting a slap on the forehead. This would most likely lead to all kinds of bench brawling, accident as though it was.
The, uhum, butt slap. Coaches do it to players all the time. Why can’t a coach do it to another coach? As long as one didn’t slap too hard, then it could keep them out of trouble.
The back rub. Coaches will come up and say something close to the ear of the other in order to be heard over the crowd. As long as Harbaugh and Schwartz kept their Mike Tyson in check and didn’t try for a bite, they could lean in, talk as the back was held and then leave.
The chest bump. This is my favorite option. Imagine two coaches coming across the field, gaining some speed and running to do the chest bump against each other. The loser would have to be a really good sport though. And hopefully not get knocked down or all kinds of accusations could start again.
Or they could just choose to ignore each other. But that’s doubtful. Both coaches will probably meet in the middle of the field and shake hands as everyone else pays attention to how it is done.
How would you like to see the coaches greet each other at the end of the game?
