Wow this thread kinda highlights why I don't post here much any more.
I was my team's driver for two years in 2005 and 2006 during which time we didn't have a set coach (they just rotated mentors and students) so it was left to the drivers to handle those responsibilities too, including hearing every complaint/ suggestion from every member of team after every match.
I returned to our Drive Team in 2008 to Coach. One of the main things I wanted to do was try to shield my Drivers from inevitable barrage of "Monday morning quarterbacking" I had to deal with. I wanted them focusing on what they need to be doing not stressing over what happened. I collect all the relevant feedback and tell them what they need to hear. Every member of our Drive Team participates in match prep, I may lead them early in the season but as time goes on I try to easy the students into leading the discussions.
I believe one of the most important things a Coach has to bring to the field is calm steady voice, are there student that can do this? yes absolutely
I've seen match where student Coaches handled themselves and their Drive Team calmly and professionally, I've had the great pleasure of coaching also side them as well as legendary coaches like Ken Patton and Paul Copioli.
On the other hand I've seen matches where both mentor and student coaches have gotten panicky and touched the controls.
Its what works for your team, but Coaches need to tell the Drivers what they need to hear not what they want to hear.