The Coaches Podcast: Sports Biographies, Leadership, & Strategy

Epizode

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  Curt Cignetti - Please Explain. (1/2) 30.07.2026 32min

  In this 2-part series on Curt Cignetti we'll attempt to deconstruct the man in order to help explain the wild success we're seeing him have at Indiana. Spoiler alert: it's a 56 year overnight success story. We'll learn about the foundations his Dad set, the market conditions in college football that are helping him, but mostly, we'll just learn that this man has been at it for a while and is just really, really good.00:00 Intro04:19 Point 1 - Compounding - Frank Cignetti Sr.08:17 Point 2 - Compounding - Cignetti & Buffett 12:12 Point 2b - Compounding - Steph Curry14:48 Point 2c - Compounding - Curt's Staff18:15 Point 3 - Money, Market Conditions, & Mark Cuban27:18 Point 4 - Unexpected Promoter31:12 ConclusionArticles Used/Referenced: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6852835/2025/12/03/indiana-football-coach-curt-cignetti-big-ten-championship/https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sporting-scene/how-a-sixtysomething-coach-from-a-so-so-school-turned-indiana-into-world-beatershttps://www.nbcsports.com/college-football/news/indianas-secret-sauce-its-much-more-than-curt-cignetti#https://www.catholicbusinessjournal.com/voices/columns/thomas-m-loarie/the-cignetti-effect-why-the-long-game-wins-in-a-world-of-instant-gratification/https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/the-new-sheriff-of-college-football-has-a-message-for/502151https://www.mattmayberryonline.com/5-leadership-lessons-from-indianas-national-championship/https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2026/1/18/football-cignettis-maximum-impact-approach-hit-them-right-between-the-eyeshttps://www.idsnews.com/article/2026/01/iu-football-curt-cignetti-champion-football-indianahttps://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2026/01/19/curt-cignetti-dad-frank-cignetti-sr-indiana-football-iup/88235421007/Books Referenced:Intelligent Fanatics Project - Sean Iddings and Ian Casselhttps://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Fanatics-Project-Sustainable-Businesses/dp/0997576502/ref=sr_1_1Amp It Up - Frank Slootmanhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=amp+it+up+frank+slootmanShot Read by Steph Curry:https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Shot-Ready/dp/B0F2VZQVFF/ref=sr_1_1
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  Dick Bennett 3 - Journaling | Inner Conflicts | Quality Basketball 16.07.2026 19min

  In our final episode on Dick Bennett we're going to hear about his awesome journaling habit, some of the personal struggles that he has that season, and more on his beautiful views of quality basketball. Thanks for listening.00:00 Intro03:17 Quality Basketball | The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of It's Parts 06:49 Journaling / Introspection12:56 Dick's Inner Conflict16:45 Conclusion to the 1996-97 Season - "Everything Leads To Something"Show Notes:Upside Down Leadership - Travis Wycoffhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVSZ1DKB?lv=shuf&hvlocphy=9021340A Season With Coach Dick Bennett - Eric Ferrishttps://www.amazon.com/Season-Coach-Dick-Bennett/dp/1879483483 X, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok: the_coaches_pode: thecoachespodcast@icloud.com
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  Dick Bennett 2 - Bennett Ball. (Based on "A Season with Coach Dick Bennett") 02.07.2026 23min

  Part 2 on Dick Bennett is much more basketball centric. We'll talk more about that 1996-97 Wisconsin Badgers team, and the "sea of sameness" problem Bennett has with them. We'll also cover the awesome story / parable of walk-on David Burkemper, Bennett's brilliant takes on "playing not to lose", and the important concept of addition by subtraction . Thanks for listening.00:00 Intro02:07  1 996-97 Season | A Sea Of Sameness06:05 Parable of David Burkemper13:19 Addition By Subtraction14:23 Underrated - "Playing Not To Lose"19:30 The Gospel of D22:58 ConclusionA Season With Coach Dick Bennett by Eric Ferris:https://www.amazon.com/Season-Coach-Dick-Bennett/dp/1879483483Pack Line Defense Overview:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xicOzvbB6A&t=21sthecoachespodcast@icloud.com
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  Dick Bennett 1 - Everything Leads To Something. (Based on "A Season with Coach Dick Bennett") 18.06.2026 18min

  Today we launch a 3 part series on Dick Bennett. Underrated. Brilliant. Flawed. Earnest. Faithful. There are many layers to the man that we will study based on a very unique source text - A Season with Coach Dick Bennett by Eric Ferris, which chronicles exclusively the 1996-1997 Wisconsin Badgers basketball season. It features highlights, and lowlights, and we'll zoom out from there. I hope you enjoy.00:00 Everything Leads To Something05:00 Early Life. 05:28 Early Life - Dad08:44 Early Life - Conclusion / Mom09:47 Faith & Family14:15 Dick's "Why" - Quality Basketball17:39 ConclusionBooks Mentioned:A Season with Coach Dick Bennett by Eric Ferris: https://www.amazon.com/Season-Coach-Dick-Bennett/dp/1879483483Actor's Life, A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer: https://www.amazon.com/Actors-Life-Survival-Guide/dp/1944648224 Contact Me:X, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok: the_coaches_podEmail: thecoachespodcast@icloud.com
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  Earl Weaver 2 - Mob Bosses, Video Games, & Umpire Fights. (Based on the book "The Last Manager") 04.06.2026 23min

  The stories keep rolling in part 2 on Earl Weaver. You'll hear more about Earl as a player, his famous clashes with umpires, the hard to believe stories about his mob boss uncle, and the flagship baseball video game Earl helped create. I hope you enjoy!00:00 EW2 - Mob Bosses, Video Games, & Umpires (Based on the book "The Last Manager")01:05  Deep Insecurity From Not Making It As A Player 08:09 Earl Vs. Umpires11:41 Mob Boss Uncle - Uncle "Bud"16:04 Video Game - Earl Weaver Baseball - Precursor to Madden18:58 Hard Drinking22:47 ConclusionMental Game Podcast With Dan Hurley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP_DyHH35-kThe Last Manager: How Earl Weaver Tricked, Tormented, and Reinvented Baseball https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668030926 Bill Haller "HOT MIC" Argument: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrhmUGRaOwY
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  Earl Weaver 1 - Crazy Like A Fox. (Based on the book "The Last Manager") 21.05.2026 28min

  You're going to love learning about Earl Weaver in this episode. His life is as entertaining as it is legendary. We use John W. Miller's The Last Manager: How Earl Weaver Tricked, Tormented, and Reinvented Baseball as our source text. It's an incredibly well done book. I add some commentary and insights as well. I hope you enjoy!00:00 Intro03:38 Then Vs. Now - Star Manager to Corporate Manager08:04 Then vs. Now - Relationships Still Key10:17 Visionary & Innovator10:42 Visionary - The Shortstop Position & Cal Ripken Jr.12:16 Visionary - The Radar Gun15:12 Visionary - "Money Ball" Before Money Ball17:39 Coaching Takeaways - Weaver on Strategy Book 19:35 Coaching Takeaways - Emotional Intelligence23:45 Coaching Takeaways - Intensity25:17 Coaching Takeaways - Genius of a Madman - Conversation with Steve Stone28:12 ConclusionThe Last Manager: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Manager-Tormented-Reinvented-Baseball/dp/1668030926Weaver on Stategy:https://www.amazon.com/Weaver-Strategy-Classic-Managing-Baseball/dp/1574884247The Coaches Podcast Social Media:X: the_coaches_podInstagram: the_coaches_podTikTok: the_coaches_podEmail: thecoachespodcast@icloud.com
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  Joe Maddon 3 - Man Vs. Machines. (Based on "The Book of Joe") 07.05.2026 36min

  In our final episode on Joe Maddon, we explore the age old debate of man vs. machines...baseball analytics vs. gut instinct. We also dive into the magical moments of the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Game 7, with some amazing words from Theo Epstein regarding that rain delay and the Jason Heyward led team meeting that transpired.00:00 Intro - Man Vs. Machines01:24 Analytics vs. Instintc - Man Vs. Machines 14:45 Analytics vs. Instinct - Game 7 2016 WS - Pitching Decisions24:04 Series Conclusion: Rain Delay - Let The Lead Bulls RunJoe Maddon's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joe-Trying-Suck-Baseball/dp/1538751798/The Coaches Podcast Social Media:X: the_coaches_podInstagram: the_coaches_podTikTok: the_coaches_podEmail: thecoachespodcast@icloud.com
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  Joe Maddon 2 - DON'T MESS With Greatness. (Based on "The Book of Joe") 23.04.2026 24min

  Shohei Ohtani. Jake Arrieta. These guys were unlocked by Maddon's belief that you shouldn't mess with greatness. For Shohei, it was to stop coddling him. Give him more, not less. Quit monitoring him so closely, and let him go be an athlete. For Arrieta, it was to let him pitch cross-body. Let him pitch complete games. Let him be himself. There is so much wisdom from Joe Maddon in this episode today. I hope you enjoy.00:00 Intro01:25 Don't Mess With Greatness - Shohei Ohtani09:34 Don't Mess With Greatness - Complete Games12:29 Don't Mess With Greatness - Jake Arrieta17:33 Relationships & Trust23:45 ConclusionJoe's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joe-Trying-Suck-Baseball/dp/1538751798The Coaches Podcast Social Media:X: the_coaches_podInstagram: the_coaches_podTikTok: the_coaches_podEmail: thecoachespodcast@icloud.com
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  Joe Maddon 1 - Origins & Maddonisms. (Based on "The Book of Joe") 09.04.2026 35min

  Joe Maddon, the philosopher king. There are many layers to this man. In part 1 of this 3 part deep dive we look at his Pennsylvania origins, early coaching influences, and some of this famous and entertaining "Maddonisms". I hope you enjoy. Podcast also available on Apple, Spotify, etc.00:00 PART I - ORIGINS & MADDONISMS03:29 Early Life - Hazleton, Family, Coaches09:06 Early Life - Coaching Influences12:20 Early Life - Coaches - Bob Clear13:50 Early Life - Coaches - Gene Mauch 17:57 Early Life - Conclusion18:40 Coaching - Original Thinker20:57 Coaching - Intellectual Honesty23:39 Maddonism - Process is Fearless28:13 Maddonism - "Try Not To Suck"30:38  Maddonism - "Aim High"33:49 Maddonism - Never Let The Pressure Exceed The Pleasure35:22 ConclusionBook:The Book of Joe:The Coaches Podcast Social Media:X: the_coaches_podInstagram: the_coaches_podTikTok: the_coaches_podEmail: thecoachespodcast@icloud.com
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  Jay Wright 2 - USFL, UNLV, Hofstra, Team Chaplains, & More! (Based on the book "Attitude") 26.03.2026 32min

  There were too made good takeaways on Jay Wright's book Attitude not to do a follow up episode. In this episode we dive into more on Jay's pre-Villanova stops such as Hofstra and UNLV. We also cover the great role of the Team Chaplain at Villanova. Thanks for listening.00:00 Intro01:17 Early Coaching Stops 14:22 UNLV, Hofstra, & Dream Job at Nova21:45 Team Chaplains - Fr. Lazor & Fr. Rob31:42 Conclusion
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  Jay Wright 1 - Perspective. (Based on the book "Attitude") 12.03.2026 40min

  Today we dive into the great Jay Wright. I appreciated Jay from afar, but after studying him, I'm an even bigger fan now. You'll love learning about Jay's childlike appreciation for Philadelphia and Big East basketball, the awesome traditions of Villanova Basketball, Daniel Ochefu's inspiring leadership in the 2016 National Championship game, and so much more. Thanks for listening.00:00 Intro03:48 Early Life - Love For Philly, The Big 5, & The Big East09:21 His Dad, The Larks, & A Key Lesson Learned14:24 Early Coaching Stops - Summary16:56 What Makes Jay Great - Elite Perspective 29:11 Jay's Coaching - Things I Took Away40:09 ConclusionJay's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Attitude-audiobook/dp/B01ND18A2RFinal Minutes of the Villanova/UNC 2016 National Championship Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTThyQPoXxY
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  Dan Hurley - Human. (Based on the book "Never Stop") 24.02.2026 1h 38min

  Things get personal for Dan, and for me, in this episode. I think you'll love what you learn about Dan Hurley. There is so much more than meets the eye, and he's doing work that transcends basketball as it relates to what he's doing for anxiety / depression / mental health awareness. But beyond that there's a ton of great basketball content and history in this podcast that I think you'll love. Thanks for listening.00:00 Danny Hurley: Human.04:30 Early Life - Dad / Jersey City20:31 Early Life - Brother Bobby (Bob Jr.) 24:57 Anxiety & Depression37:26 Dan's Anxiety & Bobby Coming Up Clutch43:12 Sister Catherine - Manna from the Heavens52:21 Young Dan Shows Guts At Seton Hall Press Conference54:04 Impetus to Coach & Return to Seton Hall56:18 Coach Blaney - Postive Coach59:50 Evolving as a Man & Coach at Uconn01:04:58 Uconn - Dan's Early Seasons01:13:51 Coaching - Becoming a Better Offensive Coach01:16:04 The New Way: Alex Karaban01:20:27 Using Your Resources - HD Intelligence (Analytics)01:23:48 Family - Andrea Hurley01:31:42 Family - Andrew Hurley01:33:36 Conclusion - "And One"His excellent new book: Never Stop: Life, Leadership, and What It Takes to Be Great https://www.amazon.com/Never-Stop-Leadership-Takes-Great/dp/1668095742/-1
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  C. Vivian Stringer - Depth of Character. (Based on the book "Standing Tall") 24.02.2026 38min

  Today on the The Coaches Podcast we chronicle C. Vivian Stringer, best known for her career as an elite NCAA women's basketball coach at Cheney State, Iowa, and Rutgers. But there are so many more enriching elements to her as a human. Basketball fans and fans of incredible humans alike will enjoy this podcast. Thanks as always for listening.00:00 Intro 03:39 Parents & Early Life04:48 Early Life - Dad - Charles "Buddy" Stoner07:50 Early Life - Dad - Standing Tall10:01 Early Life - Mom 13:53 Early Life - Edenborn Sundays 15:18 Marriage to Bill "Willie" Stringer18:52 Coaching - Tone Setters20:42 Coaching - Scheduled Fearlessly 22:05 Coaching - "Defense is Team Personified" 22:57 Coaching - Discipline & High Standards24:58 Coaching - Culture Saves The Day26:39 Coaching - Point Guard Poetry27:27 Coaching - Co-Coaching With John Chaney 28:13 Coaching - Teacher & Life Long Learner30:04 Coaching - Perseverance / Don Imus Comments33:36 Close - Vivian Stringer CharacterHer Book / Memoir Standing Tall : https://a.co/d/05KIUVtS
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  Dean Smith - Goodness. (Based on the book "The Carolina Way") 23.02.2026 58min

  Come along today as we study "The Dean of College Basketball", Dean Smith. The man is pure goodness.One of the things Dean was most "about" was his belief in the equal treatment of all mankind. That's one of the great lessons we’ll learn from him today. Along the way we’ll hear some great UNC Basketball stories and player perspectives, as well as gain some great life advice and coaching tips from the "Dean of College Basketball" himself, Dean Smith.00:00 Intro01:35 Early Life 06:14 Coaching - Preparation - Loves Practice15:34 Coaching - PART Method Teaching 17:11 Positive Coaching 27:12 Whole Person36:41 Goodness - Highly Consciencous & Equal Treatment 47:27 Coach Smith On Losing54:22 ConclusionDean's Book/Source Text: The Carolina Way: Leadership Lessons from a Life in Coaching (2005)By Dean Smith, Gerald D. Bell, and John Kilgo.https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Way-Leadership-Lessons-Coaching/dp/0143034642/Dean's Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Coachs-Life-Years-College-Basketball/dp/0375758801
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  Nick Saban - Dominate. (Based on his book "How Good Do You Want To Be?") 20.02.2026 39min

  Nick Saban might just be the most "about it" human you'll ever learned about, and his outrageous success comes as no surprise after learning more about him. In today's episode of The Coaches Podcast, we're going to peel back the layers of this 7 time National Champ, and find out what makes him, and his success, tick. Spend 40 minutes and became more elite yourself just by proximity to a little bit of knowledge on Coach Saban. He's that good.00:00 Intro02:05 Early Life07:53 Early Life - High School Coaches09:39 Early Life - Kent State / Don James13:18 Coaching - Dominate19:06 Coaching - Patience23:36 Coaching - Organizational Skills - Elite26:10 Coaching - Organization Skills - Recruiting28:14 Coaching - Organizational Skills - Practices29:20 Coaching - Eliminate The Clutter30:41 Coaching - Positive or Negative Coaching?34:49 Coaching - Avoid Tiger Cages36:41 Movies - Eve of LSU National Championship Game 38:39 ConclusionNick's Book / Source Text: How Good Do You Want to Be?: A Champion's Tips on How to Lead and Succeed at Work and in Life (2007) By: Nick Saban and Brian Curtis https://www.amazon.com/How-Good-You-Want-Champions/dp/0345500849/Book on Charlie Munger - Poor Charlie's Almanac
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  Lou Holtz - Commitment + Belief = MAGIC (Based on the book "Wins, Losses, and Lessons") 19.02.2026 52min

  Today on The Coaches Podcast we dive into the one and only Lou Holtz. I just learned recently that Lou has gone into hospice. First off, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to Lou and his family. It makes me even more grateful to be spending time relishing this incredible man's life, and the lessons he left us.Lou Holtz did incredible things with the hand he was dealt. In this episode he's going to show us how to punch above our weight class and create a life of meaning and service. We'll hear some great stories from his time at Notre Dame, NC State, South Carolina, the NY Jets, and more. Thanks for listening.00:00 Intro01:53 Upbringing & Early Life08:13 Early LIfe - Coaches11:39 Coaching - Total Belief & Commitment 13:01 Coaching - Resiliency20:09 Coaching - High Standards23:14 Coaching - High Standards / Ohio State24:53 Coaching - High Standards / Notre Dame28:51 Coaching - Hard Work & Persistence31:35 Iron Integrity & Values40:47 Mistakes & Failure41:52 Mistakes & Failure - Ohio State to William & Mary Transition44:48 Mistakes & Failure - NY Jets49:13 Conclusion - 1987 Cotton Bowl Loss - Chris Zorich Moment Show Note Links:Book: https://www.amazon.com/Wins-Losses-Lessons-Autobiography-published/dp/B00292K40I