As an AD, my job is to bring in and retain coaches who can build, develop, and win. At the same time, good coaches want to be in environments where they have a real opportunity to succeed.
If a school’s vision does not prioritize winning or fails to provide the tools, support, and structure needed for success, it will struggle to attract and retain high level coaches. Talented coaches are intentional about where they invest their time and energy.
Winning is not about cutting corners or doing it at all costs. It is about alignment. When you have strong coaches, the right resources, and a clear commitment to success, those pieces work together. When everyone is not aligned, the culture is poisoned. That alignment is what builds a sustainable, competitive program.
Transactional vs. Transformational Coaching…
Dan Hurley shared a story about asking Geno Auriemma for advice after a rough start last season. Geno didn’t mince words:
“Listen, if the only gratification and the only part of coaching that excites you is winning the national championship, then you’ve lost your way, buddy! Where’s the joy in the things that you’ve always been about as a coach before you went on the championship run, like relationships with your players, like helping people get better, like making your team the best it can be. Be a coach, man. This is when you really need to be a leader. This team isn’t as good as last year’s, so what the hell are you going to do about it? Are you going home? Are you going to let this thing unravel?”
That’s the tension every coach feels:
Transactional vs. Transformational.
Transactional coaching is outcome-obsessed. It’s about the wins, the losses, the trophies. The problem? When results don’t come, your purpose crumbles with them.
Transformational coaching is different. It’s about people. It’s about growth. It’s about building something that lasts, whether the scoreboard agrees with you or not.
And this is why mentorship matters so much in coaching.
Left on our own, it’s easy to drift into a transactional mode without even realizing it.
A trusted mentor can pull us back to center and remind us why we started coaching in the first place.
To build relationships.
To develop players as people.
To make teams the best they can be.
Wins matter. But they’re not the why.
The why is impact.
The why is growth.
The why is leaving your players better than you found them.
The process is the prize. Stay grounded. Stay on the path.
Always remember your why.
By Richard Davenport - The Recruiting Guy - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and wholehogsports
FAYETTEVILLE — On Wednesdays we feature an in-state prospect who could be flying under the radar of college coaches. This week's prospect is Prairie Grove’s Kellen Cash.
Class: 2027
Size: 6-4, 185 pounds
Position: Guard
Stats: As a junior, 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, shot 39% from beyond the three-point line, averaged 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists as a sophomore
Notable: All State, Conference Defensive Player of the Year, 2025 Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Newcomer of the Year
Prairie Grove coach Mike Simmons:
“Usually guarded the other teams best player whether point guard or post. Scored his 1000th point midway through season. One of the better shooters in the state. Really good kid and player. Never takes a day off and loves to compete. We have had DI and DII coaches come to games and practices. Schools want to get him on campus and follow him in AAU this summer.”
@ArRecruitingGuy@BeauMiller10@pgschools
https://t.co/huGc9cW4rj
Adversity is guaranteed.
How do you regulate your emotions when it happens?
Your ability to “get out of the bucket” quickly ultimately determines your success.
This is a great tool to use with athletes.
Stephen Gonzalez 🔥