
The Daily Coach
Founded in 2019 by Michael Lombardi, a three-time Super Bowl-winning NFL executive and UNC Football’s General Manager, and George Raveling, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, The Daily Coach was born from a fundamental belief: the most important person we will ever lead is ourselves, and that everyone deserves to have a great coach.
The Daily Coach stands as the singular newsletter and community of its kind globally, seamlessly intertwining impactful stories, strategies, and inspiration from both the arenas of sports and business to empower leaders at every level.
Latest episodes

Feb 18, 2025 • 10min
Building Greatness: What Champions, Coaches & Leaders Understand
In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we explore the power of honoring the past, bouncing back from setbacks, and knowing when to lead—or when to let go.First, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla embraces legacy, demonstrating how respecting history strengthens culture and lays the foundation for success.Next, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt shares a game-changing mindset: "Learn the lesson, leave the event." Meanwhile, Dodgers star Freddie Freeman exemplifies resilience and integrity, proving that true grit leads to lasting triumphs.Finally, former Virginia coach Tony Bennett delivers a leadership masterclass, stepping down with wisdom and reminding us that leadership isn’t a possession—it’s a privilege. His decision prompts us to ask: Are we truly "all in"?This episode challenges us to rethink culture, resilience, and the legacy we’re building.Not yet subscribed to The Daily Coach newsletter? Join thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach every day—for free. Sign up today at https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe.Remember: The most important person you will ever lead is yourself. Keep growing. Keep learning. And most importantly, keep showing up.

Feb 11, 2025 • 12min
The Questions, Grit & Curiosity That Shape Great Leaders
In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we explore the power of curiosity, resilience, and Stoicismthrough timeless stories and high-performance strategies.First, we break down The Godfather’s pivotal "What If" moment, revealing how Michael Corleone’s shift in thinking demonstrates the power of creative problem-solving. Next, we examine The Shawshank Redemption’s unlikely rise from box office failure to cultural phenomenon—highlighting the importance of patience, persistence, and trusting the process.We then turn to the wisdom of bestselling author and philosopher Ryan Holiday, unpacking 12 Stoic questions that can transform your leadership and life. Finally, we analyze Steve Ballmer’s relentless pursuit of excellence—from selling brownie mix to leading Microsoft and reshaping the LA Clippers with 14 guiding principles.Whether you're leading a team or navigating personal growth, this episode challenges you to rethink strategy, grit, and the meaning of life.Not a subscriber to The Daily Coach newsletter yet? Join the thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coachnewsletter each day for free. Sign up today at https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe.Remember: The most important person you will ever lead is yourself. Keep growing. Keep learning. And most importantly, keep showing up.

Feb 4, 2025 • 14min
Built to Last: On Patience , Process & Performance
In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we explore patience, resilience, and leadership through the lens of sports and high performance.
First, we examine Nick Saban’s transformation from urgency to presence, inspired by the question: Are we too impatient to be intelligent? Next, we unpack the New York Mets’ 2024 season turnaround, highlighting the importance of trusting long-term strategies.
We then turn to UConn’s basketball star Paige Bueckers, who silenced critics by staying true to her work ethic, and finally, we analyze the New York Jets’ struggles—not as a hiring issue, but as a failure in building a strong operating system.
Whether leading a team or navigating personal growth, this episode challenges you to rethink speed, strategy, and success.
Not a subscriber to The Daily Coach newsletter yet? Join the thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coach newsletter each day for free. Sign up today at https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe.
Remember: The most important person you will ever lead is yourself. Keep growing. Keep learning. And most importantly, keep showing up.

Jan 28, 2025 • 11min
Defying Limits: Greatness, Culture & the Interdisciplinary Edge
In this episode of The Daily Coach newsletter in audio form, we delve into the remarkable journeys of leaders who dared to defy convention and embrace innovation.
First, meet Grace Hopper, the trailblazing Rear Admiral who didn’t just dismantle clocks—she shattered conventions and redefined computer science with her visionary ideas. Discover the dangers of clinging to “the way we’ve always done it” and the transformative power of embracing change to fuel innovation.
Next, learn from legendary coach Nick Saban on his relentless pursuit of greatness and Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla on leveraging interdisciplinary approaches. Both Saban's and Mazzulla's stories offer powerful lessons for leaders at every level.
Finally, delve into the four essential pillars that define a winning organizational culture. Understand how alignment, responsibility, and truth-telling lay the foundation for excellence and sustained high performance.
Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or navigating your own growth, this episode will challenge you to question norms, push boundaries, and rethink what’s possible.
Not a subscriber to The Daily Coach newsletter yet? Join the thousands of leaders who receive The Daily Coachnewsletter each day for free. Sign up today at https://www.thedaily.coach/subscribe.
Remember: The most important person you will ever lead is yourself. Keep growing. Keep learning. And most importantly, keep showing up.

Jan 22, 2025 • 1min
Introducing The Daily Coach in Audio
Welcome to the audio edition of The Daily Coach newsletter! We're excited to bring you a new way to experience The Daily Coach. This beta launch introduces a fresh, on-the-go format for the stories, strategies, and inspiration you've come to love and rely on.
Each week, we'll release a new episode—less than 15 minutes in length—in which we'll read four newsletters previously published by The Daily Coach. For longtime readers of The Daily Coach, we bet you'll enjoy rediscovering some of our favorite lessons. For new readers, this audio version will be a great complement to The Daily Coach newsletter, giving you a double dose each week.
Whether you're powering through your morning commute, crushing a gym session, or winding down after a long day, we're here to fuel your leadership and personal growth journey. If you don't already receive The Daily Coach newsletter directly in your inbox, subscribe for free at thedaily.coach/subscribe.
Remember: The most important person you will ever lead is yourself. Keep growing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep showing up.