But that's what Hanratty did.
"Jack has shown from the start that he is really invested in this," said USA U20 Head Coach Katie Dowty. "We are all taking the long view in this program."
The Eagle coaching and pathway leadership, added Dowty, "understand the potential of this age group and are very invested in seeing they reach their full potential."
And that's what he did. He supported the tour in a manager role and just assistant where he could. What that also did was allow Hanratty to observe the coaches and players in action without worrying about the wins and losses.
And you'll see he hasn't stopped there. The USA Falcons will be playing Life University on Monday and then go on to Brazil for two matches. And listed among the coaching staff is ... Jack Hanratty. Coaching the backs and transition play under Oralndo Pulou, Hanratty is still on the job.
Clearly he is wanting to see the up-and-comers and different aspects of the USA program up close.
"The USA head job is a hard job," said Dowty. "So to also have the bandwidth and energy to come and support our tour is great. Jack's so clearly all-in and willing to go above and beyond. It's not just a job to him, he is so invested in the challenge."
Dowty added that his presence, plus that of senior national team staff—athletic trainers, analysts—had a massive impact on the players. They got the same film and analysis that the senior Eagles get. They felt the respect and how the programs and the coaches are aligned.
"It's an exciting time," enthused Dowty.
