Episode 166: Coach Me Up with Jimmy Dykes

In this episode of Linch with Leader, Mike welcomes back former college basketball coach and current ESPN & SEC basketball analyst, Jimmy Dykes. In this episode, Coach Dykes offers up his assessment of what makes a truly great coach, how a coach can structure his life with balance for the long haul, and how Biblical principles all come into play every day in the life of a coach.

Jimmy Dykes first joined ESPN at the start of the 1995-96 men’s college basketball season as a game and studio analyst and is now in his 22nd season with the company, after serving as the women’s head basketball coach at the University of Arkansas from 2014-2017. He led the Razorbacks to one NCAA tournament appearance and finished with an overall record of 43-49.

Prior to his career with ESPN, Dykes played three years at the University of Arkansas, playing for the legendary coach Eddie Sutton. After his playing career ended, he went on to be a graduate assistant for Coach Sutton. Dykes’ coaching career includes assistant coaching stints from Sacramento State, Appalachian State, Arkansas-Little Rock, and Oklahoma State. He then spent three years as an NBA scout prior to joining ESPN in the mid-90s. He is the author of the challenging book, The Film Doesn’t Lie which is certain to provoke readers to take an honest, in-depth look at their own life and to live with genuine passion and bold determination. Dykes is also a highly sought after motivational speaker for companies, organizations, sports teams, and faith-based groups across the country, challenging audiences to a higher level of accountability and tenacious faith.

Coach Dykes and his family still make their home in Arkansas.