They can't do it all the time obviously but they need to do it. It doesn't have to be media stuff... I'm actually not a fan of that style. There are ways to do it though. The two guys you mentioned - Lue and Malone are good at this. Malone will get on his guys and isn't shy about it. Lue will bench his guys and also isn't afraid to pull a guy out of the rotation because they need something different. He isn't afraid to "lose" a guy.
He keeps talking about the players holding each other accountable.... cool but he could also say "it's on me to hold the guys accountable". Or something to the effect of "if guys can't stay focused and execute we need to give other guys opportunities to do so". Can't keep saying guys didn't play hard and didn't stay focused... we will do it later... nothing to see here.
Its the same with the refs. There is a balance between arguing and constant whining. There are times when I feel like Quin needs to lose his **** on the refs... Players might be more willing to move on to the next play if they know the coach has their back. They might also feed into that bad energy so its a two edged sword I guess.
I just feel like its time for the tough love. We've had enough Ted Lasso... its time for Led Tasso.
I am totally not a media guy. I understand why fans clamor for this stuff. Watching games can cause emotions and you want them to validated, that's part of being a fan. But I don't really care what he says to the media. If I had to guess, the best thing a coach can say to the media is nothing bomb after nothing bomb. That's how I take these things. I don't love the idea of a coach using media to try and manipulate his players. If my manager did that to me at my job, I would think they are a legitimate psychopath and a horrible communicator. I just can't imagine being a player and having a coach who is unable to get his point across in person and has to do it by playing some kind of media song and dance.
And like I said, it's not like Quin doesn't do this anyways. In the last interview he praised Conley for spilling his guts and also "called out" Whiteside for not being able to manage his emotions. He acknowledged that we're missing our two best players, but also said that should have zero impact on how we should compete. What else do you want him to do, call out Bogey for shooting like **** because he has a broken finger. IDK all that stuff....There are ups and downs during the season and this covid wave + injuries on top of that was always going to be a tough spot. I don't think you really keep the team together by saying they played like **** while completely overmatched. Quin is also one of those coaches who will be critical when the Win's are coming through. Just my perspective, but I think having a coach who is more even keeled than the average fan is probably a good thing.
I also hate complaining to refs of all kinds. I get it, you think a call went the wrong way. You want the coach to go berserk because it will validate your feelings. And maybe there's a positive human element to having your player's back. But I think the Jazz complain wayyyy to much already and it is a persistent problem. The best thing Quin can do here IMO is go back to the no complain rule. Focus on the things you can control. Would be easier to watch the games for me personally because I cannot stand whiners.