What makes a great coach–athletic director relationship—and why do so many fail? In this episode, Sam and TJ break down the conversations that should happen before a hire is ever made, from defining what “winning” actually means to uncovering a coach’s true vision and identity. They dig into the hidden cost of misalignment, the importance of support and accountability, and why getting the right fit matters more than just “winning the interview.” You’ll also hear practical questions every AD should ask—and every coach should be ready to answer. If you lead, hire, or aspire to build a strong program culture, this episode will challenge how you think about alignment, leadership, and long-term success.

Show Notes:

• Why the ad–coach relationship matters 
•  The power of asking “can you win here?” 
•  Define what “winning” means 
•  Alignment vs. misalignment 
•  Shared vision and expectations 
•  Key questions for ads to ask 
•  Defining team/program identity 
•  Fit over just getting the job 
•  Cost of bad hires 
•  Support and accountability 
•  Developing coaches over time 
•  Leading coaches is complex

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