Dave,
I see your point here - we only see what the carriers show us, absolutely. But would you agree with the idea that the play on the field reflects the emotional state of the team to a degree? You can tell when a team's just plain beat down or flat in their play - and I don't think you need to watch them on the practice field or in team meetings to know when a coach is motivating them or not.
And, I also agree that seniors and upperclassmen have to step up and take charge, but only to a degree. Again, would you agree or disagree with this: the head coach has the greatest impact on the team's emotional state as a whole of any single person?
It would be unreasonable to blame Callahan for the emotional flatness - but even if he's not the cause, I think it's his job to be the cure.
IRISH!