Mark Harlan is impacting college sports at an elite level. As the athletics director at Utah, he has also served in the Football Oversight Committee and has been in the room during CFP deliberations. To say he ‘gets it’ is a true understatement.

Often times, college sports are seen as a business and I get it, it is HUGE business.

But more often than not, the ones who are leading athletic departments and serving the sports and athletes we love began on that career path because they too, loved ball.

Mark Harlan is exactly that. Growing up in Southern California, he fell in love with college football at the Coliseum and his path to Utah has been one full of mentorship, perspective, and necessary leadership.

We sat down during Big-12 Media Days and discussed his origin story, the state of the game, the decision to name Morgan Scalley the head coach in waiting & some advice for Y-Option as we get rolling. 

I think all fans of sport will enjoy our conversation, presented by our founding partner 76.

Todays podcast was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Jessica Altman.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.y-option.com/subscribe