From doing laundry and cutting film to strategizing alongside one of the most dynamic head coaches in college basketball, Coach Jake Whitehead has mastered the art of turning humble beginnings into high-level success.

In this episode of SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next, we dive deep into Jake’s rise from a homeschooled kid in Illinois to an assistant coach under Coach Yo at Ole Miss Women’s Basketball, one of the most exciting programs in the country. His journey is raw, unconventional, and proof that passion plus patience always wins.

Jake didn’t have the traditional road into basketball. He wasn’t a high school star or a college athlete — he started as a manager at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), doing the behind-the-scenes work no one else wanted. Laundry. Gear. Film breakdown.

“It wasn’t glamorous, but I knew this was my way in,” he says.

Guided by mentors who saw his hunger, Jake leaned into video coordination, learning the analytics, patterns, and tendencies that define elite basketball. His eye for detail and relentless drive opened the door that would eventually lead him to the sidelines in Oxford.

Before he ever drew up plays, Jake was building scouting reports. His experience as a video coordinator gave him an edge few coaches have.

“You watch enough film and you start seeing the game differently,” he explains.

That skill became his superpower. Now as an assistant coach, Jake uses analytics and film study to help Ole Miss outthink and outplay the competition — from breaking down opposing offenses to identifying hidden edges that win games.

Working under Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin — affectionately known as Coach Yo — has been transformative. Her energy and fearless leadership have made Ole Miss one of the toughest programs in the SEC.

“She’s fearless,” Jake says. “Her leadership makes it easy to recruit and win here. My job is to make her life easier and help this team achieve greatness.”

Together, they’ve built a culture defined by discipline, joy, and relentless competitiveness — a mix that’s propelled the Rebels toward consistent national relevance and their sights firmly set on a Final Four run.

For Jake, success isn’t just about strategy — it’s about people.

“You’ve got to meet people where they’re at,” he says.

Whether it’s mentoring players, recruiting future stars, or connecting with families, his approach is rooted in understanding and empathy. He’s not just coaching basketball — he’s shaping young women to win in life.

When he’s not in the film room, Jake keeps it country. His playlists feature Eric Church, Morgan Wallen, and Travis Tritt, while “Jesus Walks” by Kanye West serves as his personal anthem of faith and perseverance.

And if you’re ever in Oxford? Find him at Old Coop Wings, where lemon pepper and garlic parmesan are the go-tos. 🍗

“Good food and film — that’s a perfect day,” he laughs.

Coach Whitehead isn’t content just being part of the story — he wants to help write the next great chapter in Ole Miss basketball.

“We’re trying to go to a Final Four. That’s the goal. I told Coach Yo that’s what I came here for.”

With his combination of film expertise, recruiting savvy, and relentless energy, there’s no doubt Jake’s rise is only beginning.

Coach Jake Whitehead’s story proves that the road less traveled can lead straight to greatness.

What part of his journey inspired you most?
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🏀 The Path Less Traveled🎥 Film Don’t Lie: The Power of Analytics💪 Learning Under Coach Yo: Culture and Confidence💡 Lessons Beyond the Sidelines🎶 Off the Clock with Coach Whitehead🔥 The Vision Ahead💬 Join the Conversation