Troy Aikman has been a popular conversation piece these last few weeks, mostly because it’s public knowledge that he’s in the final year of his broadcasting contract with ESPN and has had no negotiations with the four-letter network about an extension. Meanwhile, his long-time broadcast partner, Joe Buck, recently signed a six-year extension, keeping him around until 2032.
On Week 6 Monday Night Football, the focus was back on Aikman’s analysis as the San Francisco 49ers picked up a 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders. It wasn’t anything that would get the Hall of Fame quarterback in trouble, but it sure has generated quite a bit of discussion.
Troy Aikman’s Take on Analytics Splits Opinion Down the Middle
Analytics have become a huge part of sports, including the NFL. But don’t tell that to Aikman, who clearly doesn’t think highly of the trend.
Case in point, during the “Monday Night Football” broadcast, Aikman said, “I think analytics is a good way to lose your job as a head coach.”
That may be true, but it could also be a great way to improve a coach’s win-loss record if they can master their situational awareness.
Not everyone agreed with Aikman’s assessment of analytics.
One commenter simply said, “This is why he doesn’t have an extension.”
Another piggybacked off that take, “Says the commenter about to lose his job.”
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Yet, others agreed. One commenter said, “He ain’t wrong.”
Another defended Aikman for being willing to share his opinion, even if it is unpopular with some. “He’s free to have his own opinion, it is literally his job to give it. Weird how defensive people are about analytics.”
Another urged Aikman to “keep speaking your mind.”
However, one commenter suggested the opposite of what Aikman said is true.
“Actually it’s usually the opposite. Most of the time analytics give coaches cover with their numbers-obsessed owner overlords. Going with your gut exposes you.”
However, another argument was made that it’s not actually relying on analytics that gets anyone fired; it’s simply the act of losing games rather than winning them.
“Nobody gets fired for going for it. They get fired for losing, and the list of coaches who punted their way into unemployment on fourth and short is a lot longer than the list of analytics casualties.”
Ultimately, this feels like one of those battles that will lead to a split opinion. Can analytics help make more informed decisions? Absolutely. But blindly following them can also get a coach in trouble.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.