teams motivated by coaching alone? I think it's a combination of players and coaches. I think we generally expect too much from student athletes, and should do our best to have realistic expectations.
I look at Andy Reid and Bill Belichick as prime examples. Did Andy Reid suddenly become a better coach when he was fired from the eagles and went to the chiefs? Did Bill Belichick look like a genius because he has Tom Brady?
Jim McMahon had a fire and passion for the game. Steve Young, Robbie Boscoe, Ty Detmer, Max Hall, Steve Sarkisian, Brandon Doman, Zach Wilson, etc. were all self-motivated and didn't need a coach to instill that in them.
But there are plenty of players who hit their ceiling at getting a scholarship and earning a degree, which is great for them if that meets their goals.