On this episode of the Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Gottfried sits down with longtime friend and UCLA Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Cori Close. They discuss Cori’s journey from assistant coach to building one of the nation’s premier programs, her coaching philosophy shaped by mentors like Coach John Wooden, and the importance of character, growth, and purpose in leadership. The conversation also delves into the evolving landscape of women’s basketball, the challenges and opportunities brought by NIL and the transfer portal, and how Cori stays grounded in her values while striving for excellence on and off the court.

In this episode of the Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Gottfried sits down with Chris Hetherington, an 11-year NFL veteran and current CEO of Fathead. Chris shares his unconventional journey from a small town in Connecticut to the Ivy League at Yale, and ultimately to a successful career in the NFL as an undrafted player. He opens up about the importance of grit, leadership, overcoming setbacks, and the lessons learned from playing with legendary teammates and coaches. Chris also discusses his transition from pro sports to business and his vision for revitalizing the iconic Fathead brand.

In this episode of The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Gottfried sits down with Angela Gargano, a former college gymnast, American Ninja Warrior, fitness coach, and keynote speaker. Angela reveals how she accidentally found herself competing on American Ninja Warrior and describes the thrill of embracing the sport and community. She opens up about her devastating ACL injury on the show, the identity crisis that followed, and her powerful journey through recovery, resilience, and mental transformation. Angela shares tactical mindset shifts, the “What If It All Goes Right?” framework, and stories of finding purpose through adversity, all with a passionate focus on empowering others to overcome their own obstacles.

In this episode of The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Gottfried sits down with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable career. Steinberg shares how he got started in the industry, what it takes to build trust and represent top athletes, and the core values that have guided him for decades. They discuss the competitiveness of recruiting, Steinberg’s experiences with NFL draft nights, memorable players like Patrick Mahomes, and the evolving landscape of NIL and college sports. Steinberg also reflects on resilience, personal setbacks, and the importance of making a positive impact on others.

In this episode of The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Gottfried sits down with renowned sports media personality Colin Cowherd for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about Cowherd’s journey from small-town beginnings to national stardom. Colin shares insights on his work ethic, the evolution of sports media, building trustworthy relationships with sources, and the challenges of delivering strong opinions in the public eye. The discussion also touches on Super Bowl analysis, the current state of the NBA, NIL and transfer portal issues in college sports, and reflections on resilience and personal growth. This interview offers an insider’s look at the world of sports media and beyond.

In this episode of the The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Gottfried sits down with the legendary Sonny Vaccaro. Known for his monumental impact on basketball, Vaccaro shares stories of his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in the sports industry. He discusses his role in signing Michael Jordan to Nike, the founding of the Dapper Dan Roundball Classic, and his influence on young basketball stars like Kobe Bryant. Vaccaro also reflects on personal challenges, his work with Adidas, and the landmark Ed O’Bannon case that transformed college athletics. This episode is a testament to Vaccaro’s enduring legacy.

In this episode of The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Gottfried reunites with his long-time friend and rival, Rick Stansbury. Both delve into their storied past, reminiscing about the fierce basketball rivalry between Alabama and Mississippi State, two programs they led with passion and tenacity. Through anecdotes and laughter, they explore memorable games, recruitment battles, and the evolution of college basketball. Their mutual respect, grounded in years of competition, shines throughout the conversation, highlighting how they pushed each other to excel. This episode offers a captivating look at friendship, rivalry, and the dynamics of college basketball coaching.

In this episode of The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, coach Mark Gottfried interviews Antoine Pettway, head coach at Kennesaw State and former Alabama standout. They reminisce about Alabama's basketball achievements, including reaching the Final Four and Pettway's journey from unranked walk-on to key team player. Pettway shares how his upbringing instilled a strong work ethic, contributing to his successful career. They discuss pivotal games, highlighting Pettway's determination and crucial plays. As a coach, Pettway focuses on fostering long-term relationships with players and maintaining a supportive team culture. The episode underscores the importance of mentorship, gratitude, and the impact of hard work and dedication.

In this episode of The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Mark Gottfried welcomes Mackenzie Brooks, a sports betting analyst from CBS. They dive into Mackenzie’s unique journey from Philadelphia to the University of Georgia, her transition into the sports betting industry, and the dynamics of analyzing and predicting sports outcomes. The discussion covers the intricacies of being a sports analyst, dealing with betting pressures, and the evolving presence of legal betting in sports. Mackenzie shares insights on college basketball’s March Madness, under-the-radar teams, and the impact of coaching and player dynamics on betting lines.

In this episode of The Coach Mark Gottfried Show, Coach Mark Gottfried hosts Toby Bailey, a former UCLA basketball star and national champion. They delve into Toby's phenomenal freshman year, highlighting his standout national championship performance and impressive career. Toby shares insights on playing alongside legendary players, his unique family influence, and the camaraderie forged with past UCLA legends. They discuss the evolution of college sports, touching on NIL changes and the importance of grit. Toby reflects on transitioning to an agent role and thriving in finance, underscoring the lasting impact of his UCLA experience and guidance from pivotal mentors.