[The Athletic] 我们采访了百余位体育界人士，选出了他们最敬佩的40位领袖

[TheAthletic]

By The Athletic Peak staff | The Athletic, 2026-01-15 09:59:02

本文是The Athletic旗下关注体育运动心理层面的专栏“Peak”系列文章之一。点击此处订阅“Peak”的资讯邮件。

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我们发起这份榜单的目标很简单：我们邀请了众多北美体育界人士，请他们评选出在2025年他们最敬佩的五位领袖。

我们选择了“最敬佩的”这个说法，因为它刻意保持了一定的模糊性。你不必认识某个人才能敬佩他们。你敬佩一位领袖的原因也可能多种多样：他们的沟通方式、他们应对逆境或聚光灯的方式，当然，还有他们的成功。

这正是领导力的伟大之处：它是主观的。对一个人有效的方法，可能对另一个人并不适用。

我们将评判标准完全交由每位参与者自行决定。我们也没有规定不能投票给你共事过或效力过的人。唯一的限制是，这些领袖必须是在2025年仍然活跃的教练、球员或高管（例如，尼克·萨班 (Nick Saban) 就不符合条件）。

我们对116位参与者中的大多数人进行了调查，时间是在10月和11月——完成这样一个项目需要很长时间——我们猜测，这可能与新英格兰爱国者队的迈克·弗拉贝尔 (Mike Vrabel) 和印第安纳大学 Hoosiers 队的柯特·西涅蒂 (Curt Cignetti) 等教练排名较低有关（也很可能解释了为何最近被拉斯维加斯突袭者队解雇的皮特·卡罗尔 (Pete Carroll) 依然获得了选票。信不信由你，卡罗尔并不是我们榜单上唯一一位被解雇的教练）。

不过话说回来，这份榜单的初衷从来就不是为了反映那些在2025年取得最佳成绩的人。成绩固然重要，但我们不希望它成为唯一的衡量标准。

最终，我们的评选团成员构成刻意追求了多样性——尽管几乎全部来自北美——其中包括来自大学和职业级别的名人堂教练，以及来自各级大学和职业体育的助理教练；现役和退役的职业球员、领导力专家和高管。

为了让您有个直观感受：我们的调查对象包括名人堂成员（比尔·考尔 (Bill Cowher)、塔拉·范德维尔 (Tara VanDerveer)、丽贝卡·洛博 (Rebecca Lobo)）、一位海斯曼奖得主（安德烈·韦尔 (Andre Ware)）、一位MLB MVP（戴尔·墨菲 (Dale Murphy)）和一位NFL MVP（马特·瑞安 (Matt Ryan)）；现任总经理（J.J.·皮科洛 (J.J. Picollo)、莫妮卡·莱特·罗杰斯 (Monica Wright Rogers)、尼克·乌伦 (Nick U’Ren)）、主教练（卡拉尼·西塔克 (Kalani Sitake)、林赛·戈特利布 (Lindsay Gottlieb)、劳拉·哈珀 (Laura Harper)、阿迪亚·巴恩斯 (Adia Barnes)）以及一位同时也是海斯曼奖得主的主教练（埃迪·乔治 (Eddie George)）；一位球队总裁（雷文·杰米森 (Raven Jemison)）、全国冠军（玛菲特·麦格劳 (Muffet McGraw)、卡罗琳·佩克 (Carolyn Peck)、玛格丽特·青笹 (Margueritte Aozasa)）、世界大赛冠军（乔·马登 (Joe Maddon)、特拉维斯·石川 (Travis Ishikawa)）、超级碗冠军（理查德·谢尔曼 (Richard Sherman)、K.J.·莱特 (K.J. Wright)、克里夫·艾弗里尔 (Cliff Avril)）、NBA总冠军（肖恩·利文斯顿 (Shaun Livingston)、杰森·特里 (Jason Terry)、布鲁斯·鲍文 (Bruce Bowen)）、WNBA和NBA双料冠军（迈克尔·库珀 (Michael Cooper)）、世界杯冠军（乔伊·福西特 (Joy Fawcett)）、一位美国女足国家队队长（克里斯蒂·皮尔斯·兰波恩 (Christie Pearce Rampone)）以及奥运金牌得主（乔丹·奇尔斯 (Jordan Chiles) 和凯特·奥斯特曼 (Cat Osterman)）。

我们希望这能成为一个年度榜单。但就目前而言，以下是2025年体育界最受敬佩的40位领袖：

1. 史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr)，金州勇士队教练

现年60岁的科尔在执教之前就拥有辉煌的篮球生涯，他曾作为芝加哥公牛队的替补后卫，与迈克尔·乔丹 (Michael Jordan) 一同赢得三次总冠军，之后又在圣安东尼奥为格雷格·波波维奇 (Gregg Popovich) 效力时再添两冠。然而，在领导力方面，正是他指导勇士王朝的经历使他成为职业体育界最受尊敬的教练之一。

科尔曾提到他生命中众多对他有影响力的领袖人物，从他的父亲、已故的马尔科姆·科尔 (Malcolm Kerr)——他于1984年担任贝鲁特美国大学校长期间遇刺身亡——到波波维奇、菲尔·杰克逊 (Phil Jackson)、皮特·卡罗尔以及前利物浦主教练尤尔根·克洛普 (Jürgen Klopp) 等教练。他的风格融合了所有这些人的特点，吸引了跨体育项目的教练以及领导力专家和高管的关注。

成就： 科尔执教的球队赢得了四次NBA总冠军，并另外两次闯入NBA总决赛。当然，他或许执教了本世纪以来NBA最具天赋的阵容之一，包括巅峰时期的斯蒂芬·库里 (Steph Curry) 和凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant)，但我们的投票者注意到他能够以同理心进行沟通、管理一支由超级巨星组成的队伍，并在职业篮球的日常喧嚣中保持稳定的风范。

投票者评价：

塔拉·范德维尔，前斯坦福大学女篮教练： “在职业体育中，你会交易球员，但我认为他对球员个人是忠诚的，同时他也忠于球队，因为他必须做出艰难的决定，而这些决定都是为了让球队变得更好。”

戴尔·墨菲，前MLB MVP： “当事情充满挑战时，伟大的领袖不会与球员疏远。当事情进展不顺时，他不会推卸责任；而当事情进展顺利时，他会把赞誉推给别人——他会转移赞美。”

格雷戈里·沙利文 (Gregory Sullivan)，密苏里大学教授： “最好的教练能在支持与要求之间取得平衡，而科尔就处在这个绝佳的平衡点上：高支持度，高挑战性。”

2. 道恩·斯特利 (Dawn Staley)，南卡罗来纳大学女篮教练

斯特利是WNBA的开拓者之一，六次入选全明星，成为她那个时代顶尖的场上指挥官之一。在南卡罗来纳大学执教的18个赛季里，她证明了自己是体育界最优秀的文化建设者之一，将Gamecocks队（南卡罗来纳大学校队名）打造成了一支豪强。

成就： 作为教练，她赢得了三次NCAA冠军，并七次闯入最终四强——包括自2021年以来连续五次。在此过程中，她成为了女子体育的倡导者和篮球界备受尊敬的声音。

投票者评价：

苏·恩奎斯特 (Sue Enquist)，前UCLA垒球教练： “她教你如何远离喧嚣，享受乐趣并成长。她是一个说真话的人。”

埃迪·乔治，鲍灵格林州立大学橄榄球队教练： “她的影响力远不止于胜负和冠军。她塑造人，设定标准，并且让她待过的每个项目都比她来时更好。道恩的影响力超越了体育；各个领域最优秀的领袖都会向她寻求智慧、观点和指导。”

斯库尼·佩恩 (Scoonie Penn)，前NBA助理教练： “球员们总是那样谈论她，她们对她表现出的爱，她们回到学校的方式，以及她为她们挺身而出的方式。这真的很有力量。”

3. 斯蒂芬·库里 (Steph Curry)，金州勇士队后卫

库里被广泛认为是NBA历史上最伟大的射手，他以其独特的打法帮助篮球运动实现了革命性的变革，并激励了新一代球员专注于远距离投射。他还帮助建立了一种新时代的超级巨星领袖模式：稳健、协作且充满喜悦。

成就： 库里随金州勇士队四次夺得NBA总冠军，两次荣膺MVP，其中包括2016年历史首次全票当选MVP。他还在2024年巴黎奥运会上赢得了一枚金牌。他的整个NBA生涯都在勇士队度过。

投票者评价：

杰森·特里，犹他爵士队助理教练： “我欣赏他的风度、性情以及他为人处世的方式。”

约翰尼·陶尔 (Johnny Tauer)，圣托马斯大学男篮教练： “我们球队的两大信条是内在动力和竞争乐趣。他将这些特质体现到了我从未在任何其他职业运动员身上见过的水平。”

玛格丽特·青笹，德克萨斯大学女足教练： “我自己的执教哲学很大一部分是‘让你的优势成为你的优势’。他将自己的专长磨练到了极致，以至于它真正改变了整整一代人打球和欣赏篮球这项运动的方式。他并不总是寻求聚光灯，但总能找到方法，用他的表现和他的平台去激励周围的人。”

71岁的康涅狄格大学教练吉诺·奥列马在2025年成为赢得NCAA一级联赛篮球冠军的最年长教练。(卢克·黑尔斯 / Getty Images)

4. 吉诺·奥列马 (Geno Auriemma)，康涅狄格大学女篮教练

奥列马已成为女子篮球的代名词，他是一位沟通直接、精于激励的大师，并建立了或许是这项运动中最伟大的王朝。他还证明了自己极强的韧性；他于1995年与明星球员丽贝卡·洛博一起赢得了他的第一个NCAA冠军，30年后，他又在佩奇·贝克尔斯 (Paige Bueckers) 的带领下赢得了他的第12个冠军。

成就： 奥列马赢得了12次NCAA冠军，24次闯入最终四强，并保持着NCAA一级联赛（男子或女子）大学篮球历史胜场数最多的纪录。他还九次被美联社评为年度最佳教练。

投票者评价：

塔米卡·威廉姆斯-杰特 (Tamika Williams-Jeter)，代顿大学女篮教练： “教练是一位赢家，一个注重细节的爱好者，也是一个‘魔鬼’。他从不停止学习如何了解自己以及如何激励身边的人。”

约翰·库克 (John Cook)，前内布拉斯加大学排球教练： “他是我整个执教生涯中的榜样和研究对象。我认为伟大的领袖必须能够适应并随时代调整，尤其是在过去几年的大学体育中。他坚守自己的信念，但也学会了适应。”

查德·布朗 (Chad Brown)，前NFL线卫： “很多领袖会回避那些令人不快的对话。他不会。他相信成长就存在于那些时刻，他的球员最终也因此变得更好。不过，真正让他与众不同的是，他一直在进化。他执教过不同的时代、不同的风格、不同的个性，他在不失自我的前提下做出了调整。这很难做到。大多数领袖要么拒绝改变，要么在尝试改变中迷失了自我。”

5. 安迪·里德 (Andy Reid)，堪萨斯城酋长队教练

当里德在2013年初成为酋长队的主教练时，他已经在费城老鹰队担任主教练的漫长时期里取得了成功。在堪萨斯城，他与四分卫帕特里克·马霍姆斯 (Patrick Mahomes) 共同建立了一个王朝，并连续10个赛季闯入季后赛，从而奠定了自己作为NFL史上最伟大教练之一的地位。

他以注重细节的球员型教练和教学大师著称，他的成功基于一个简单的信条：“不去评判。”

成就： 里德随酋长队赢得了三次超级碗，并带领他的球队六次闯入超级碗，其中一次是在费城。他的职业生涯胜场数位列历史第四，仅次于唐·舒拉 (Don Shula)、乔治·哈拉斯 (George Halas) 和比尔·贝利切克 (Bill Belichick)。

投票者评价：

迈克·布雷 (Mike Brey)，亚特兰大老鹰队助理教练： “他那稳定如一的情绪和毫无自我的表现。”

乔治·卡尔 (George Karl)，前NBA主教练： “我喜欢他处理问题的方式，也喜欢他处理成功的方式。他激励他的球员，也对他们要求严格。关于他，我最后要说一点，这是我很少对别人说的：他让我想起了（前北卡罗来纳大学男篮教练）迪恩·史密斯 (Dean Smith)。”

6. 萨姆·普雷斯蒂 (Sam Presti)，俄克拉荷马城雷霆队总经理

普雷斯蒂证明了自己是NBA最善于构建球队的建筑师之一，他先是用凯文·杜兰特和拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook) 打造了一支争冠球队，然后最终推倒重建，并在2025年用谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)、杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 和切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren) 打造了一支冠军队伍。

成就： 普雷斯蒂作为总经理赢得了一次NBA总冠军，并作为圣安东尼奥马刺队的助理总经理赢得了另外三次。他一直被认为是一位精通数据分析的高管，同时也是一位博览群书的人，他强调球员品格、球队文化以及一个简单的理念：着眼宏大，着手细微。

投票者评价：

杰夫·波尔泽 (Jeff Polzer)，哈佛大学教授： “从外部观察来看，萨姆似乎总是在学习，包括从体育界以外的地方学习，而且我认为他鼓励组织内的每个人都这样做。他们总是在寻找新的、创新的方式来变得更好，无论是个人还是集体。当你把这些因素结合在一起时，就造就了一位伟大的领袖。”

肖恩·利文斯顿，前NBA球员： “萨姆在智商和情商之间取得了平衡，并将其透明地展示给他的球员。职业体育有时会让人感觉非常商业化，它会榨干球员从小到大对比赛的热爱。我合作过的最好的领袖都能够在做出艰难决定的同时，将球员当作人而不是商品来对待。萨姆体现了这些特质。”

7. 艾玛·海耶斯 (Emma Hayes)，美国女足国家队教练

海耶斯被认为是女子足球界最具影响力的人物之一，她以在切尔西女足长期且成功的执教生涯而闻名，在那里她推行了诸如“过去的成功无法引领我们走向未来”这样的信条。

成就： 在切尔西，她带领俱乐部赢得了七次女足超级联赛冠军和五次足总杯冠军。2023年，她被任命为美国女足国家队主教练。她于2024年5月开始任期，并带领球队在2024年巴黎奥运会上夺得金牌。

投票者评价：

布拉扬·佩尼亚 (Brayan Peña)，前MLB捕手： “我敬佩她所代表的一切。她现在与美国女足国家队所做的一切令人难以置信。在最高水平上领导美国队也是我的梦想。作为一个从古巴来到美国并有机会在这里建立生活和事业的人，我感同身受那种责任感和自豪感。就像她一样，我也想在这里创造历史。”

乔伊·福西特，前美国女足国家队后卫： “我钦佩她愿意尝试新事物的精神。她不担心别人怎么想。她似乎也乐于学习和倾听他人的意见。”

8. 丹·坎贝尔 (Dan Campbell)，底特律雄狮队教练

坎贝尔在体育界完成了一项最令人印象深刻的壮举：他将底特律雄狮队变成了一支NFL的劲旅。

他的球队在2025年有所退步——在进攻和防守协调员离队后错过了季后赛——但我们的投票者被他那原始而充满激情的风格所吸引，这种风格体现在一些体育界最纯粹的更衣室演讲和一份令人难忘的咖啡订单中。

成就： 在他的就职新闻发布会上，他著名地宣称他的球队将“咬碎对手的膝盖骨”。在2021年首个赛季取得3胜13负1平的战绩后，他帮助雄狮队转型为一支胜利之师，包括在2023年和2024年连续两年赢得国联北区冠军。当然，他的领导风格不仅仅是虚张声势和加油鼓劲的演讲，还包括了高度的情商和极致的真实。

投票者评价：

亚历克斯·阿维拉 (Alex Avila)，前MLB捕手： “我认为他与众不同的几点是：他有能力和感觉知道何时该踢你屁股，何时该拍你后背，以及他谈论球员的方式。他的许多球员都说愿意为他‘赴汤蹈火’，这很有趣，因为我对我以前的名人堂经理吉姆·利兰 (Jim Leyland) 也会说同样的话。”

乔·马登，前MLB经理： “他似乎对每个人都直言不讳，即使是在比赛期间场边的采访中也是如此。这正是从他第一次新闻发布会开始就引起共鸣的地方。这家伙没有过滤器，因为他不需要。他只需要划开血管，让血液倾泻而出：*这就是我的想法。这就是我的信念。*而这对他很管用。”

阿贾·威尔逊在2025年带领拉斯维加斯王牌队夺得冠军。(克里斯蒂安·彼得森 / Getty Images)

9. 阿贾·威尔逊 (A’ja Wilson)，拉斯维加斯王牌队前锋

威尔逊是拉斯维加斯王牌队的超级巨星中锋，也是WNBA历史上最具统治力的球员之一，以她的力量、高篮球智商以及在攻防两端控制比赛的能力而闻名。

成就： 她赢得了四次WNBA最有价值球员奖和三次WNBA总冠军，包括2025年的冠军。威尔逊也成长为联盟中最知名的球员和最受尊敬的领袖之一，她会把队友拉到一边进行一对一的交谈，并在拉斯维加斯主教练贝基·哈蒙 (Becky Hammon) 所谓的“尴尬时刻”中承担起责任。

投票者评价：

K.J.·莱特，旧金山49人队助理教练： “我只是很欣赏她的言行举止。她很有趣，并且传播着正能量。”

乔丹·奇尔斯，奥运金牌得主： “她自信、真实，并且每一天都为她的团队和她的人民挺身而出。她的伟大是显而易见的，但她提醒我，真正的领导力在于内心、坚持不懈，以及永不为了让别人舒服而收敛自己的光芒。”

10. 迈克·汤姆林 (Mike Tomlin)，前匹兹堡钢人队教练

在匹兹堡的19个赛季里，汤姆林从未有过一个输球的赛季，并成为NFL中长盛不衰和文化建设的典范。在此期间，他常引用一些“汤姆林语录”，比如：“标准就是标准。” 钢人队本赛季再次进入季后赛，但在惨败给休斯顿德州人队后，汤姆林宣布辞职。

成就： 汤姆林首次创造历史是在赢得第43届超级碗时，当时36岁的他成为史上最年轻的超级碗冠军主教练。他在2010赛季后带领钢人队再次闯入超级碗。在他执教的19个赛季中，他13次进入季后赛，尽管他输掉了最后七场季后赛。

投票者评价：

林赛·戈特利布，南加州大学女篮教练： “我听他的新闻发布会是为了学习。不一定是关于橄榄球战术，而是作为一名主教练，你如何站出来承担责任，传递清晰的信息，并作为一个始终如一的人。”

恩达姆孔·苏 (Ndamukong Suh)，前NFL防守截锋： “他与众不同之处在于，他是终极的球员型教练。从我个人与他的互动以及我从联盟中其他球员那里听到的，他所赢得的尊重是无与伦比的。”

11. 汤姆·伊佐 (Tom Izzo)，密歇根州立大学男篮教练

成就： 伊佐在密歇根州立大学的任期始于1995年。在此后的几十年里，他带领该项目八次闯入最终四强并赢得一次NCAA冠军，同时成为坚韧和长盛不衰的典范。

投票者评价：

斯蒂芬妮·诺曼 (Stephanie Norman)，亚利桑那州立大学女篮助理教练： “我钦佩他老派的思维方式。他是一个有原则的人。时间是我唯一信任的过滤器，我痴迷于那些能在这个行业里长久待下去的人。长盛不衰才是最牛的资本。……他保持真实，他的球员和球队也反映了他的价值观。”

伊齐·罗德里格斯 (Izzy Rodriguez)，堪萨斯城潮流队后卫： “他创造了一个让球员和个人都能成长和学习的环境，并且他对每个人都要求最高的标准。”

阿曼达·伯克利 (Amanda Berkley)，芝加哥洛约拉大学排球教练： “他的卓越竞争力和长盛不衰。”

12. 杰伦·赫茨 (Jalen Hurts)，费城老鹰队四分卫

成就： 作为卫冕超级碗冠军的四分卫，赫茨仍然不总是被认为是他位置上最好的球员之一。然而，在带领老鹰队两次闯入超级碗后，我们的投票者认可了他坚忍而稳健的领导力。

投票者评价：

奥利维亚·斯莫利加 (Olivia Smoliga)，奥运游泳选手： “他非常冷静，面对他所经历的一切，换做别人可能早就崩溃了。他只是展现出他是多么稳健和专注自我，我真的非常钦佩这一点。”

13. 皮特·卡罗尔 (Pete Carroll)，前拉斯维加斯突袭者队教练

成就： 在南加州大学和西雅图海鹰队的成功执教生涯中，卡罗尔赢得了冠军，同时成为一种新型教练的典范——一个痴迷于文化建设的快乐斗士。但这并未在他执教突袭者队时奏效。在拉斯维加斯执教一个赛季后，他被解雇了。

投票者评价：

贾斯汀·苏亚 (Justin Su’a)，“表现咨询集团”创始人： “我有机会参加了皮特·卡罗尔在南加州大学马歇尔商学院开设的课程‘人生就是一场比赛’的最后一堂课。看着他与学生们交流，并将领导力转化为远超体育范畴的课程，这非常有力量。在听了那么多球员和教练形容他是一个他们愿意为之赴汤蹈火的领袖后，我明白了原因。他仅仅是存在，就能创造信念。”

14. 布拉德·史蒂文斯 (Brad Stevens)，波士顿凯尔特人队篮球运营总裁

成就： 曾几何时，史蒂文斯带领巴特勒大学在NCAA锦标赛中两次上演灰姑娘式的黑马奇迹。如今，他被认为是体育界最深思熟虑、最具创新精神和最成功的高管之一。

投票者评价：

尼克·乌伦，菲尼克斯水星队总经理： “我从未见过有谁不喜欢与布拉德互动或共事。他能在这个行业里长久地取得成功，这说明了他的真诚、他的道德、他的专业精神和他的善良。我非常敬佩一个能够取得如此成就，同时还能在这么长的时间里保持着如此高的尊重和钦佩的人。”

15. 帕特里克·马霍姆斯 (Patrick Mahomes)，堪萨斯城酋长队四分卫

成就： 在担任首发四分卫的八个赛季里，马霍姆斯赢得了三次总冠军和两次MVP，同时他也是一位以充满喜悦的活力打球的超级巨星。

投票者评价：

德里克·约翰逊 (Derrick Johnson)，前NFL线卫： “他以沉着和自信处理四分卫位置的能力是无与伦比的。”

除了执教迈阿密热火队，埃里克·斯波尔斯特拉也是美国国家队的主教练。(伊萨克·巴尔迪松 / NBAE via Getty Images)

16. 埃里克·斯波尔斯特拉 (Erik Spoelstra)，迈阿密热火队教练

成就： 斯波尔斯特拉从高管帕特·莱利 (Pat Riley) 手中接过了“热火文化”的火炬，并成为NBA最受推崇的教练之一。他的球队赢得了两次NBA总冠军，并六次闯入总决赛。自2008年起执教热火队的斯波尔斯特拉，现在是美国四大体育联盟中任期最长的现役教练。

投票者评价：

乔丹·菲 (Jordan Fee)，佛罗里达大西洋大学男篮助理教练： “在我与斯波尔斯特拉教练的几次互动中，我钦佩他的真诚和谦逊。他显然已经超越了自我，并且对持续学习有着巨大的渴望。他的稳定性和关怀精神是顶级的。”

17. 娜菲萨·科利尔 (Napheesa Collier)，明尼苏达山猫队前锋

成就： 科利尔不仅是WNBA最优秀的球员之一，也是康涅狄格大学的前NCAA冠军，她还成长为一位完美的职业典范，担任WNBA球员工会副主席。

投票者评价：

安德里亚·休迪 (Andrea Hudy)，康涅狄格大学体育表现总监： “娜菲萨·科利尔在各个方面都体现了效率。没有多余的动作，也没有多余的话语。只有始终如一的卓越和专业。她总是全力以赴，待人友善，并以一种安静的冷酷进行竞争，这让她的影响力毋庸置疑。”

18. 恩内卡·奥格威米克 (Nneka Ogwumike)，西雅图风暴队前锋

成就： 作为2012年WNBA选秀的状元，奥格威米克在2016年随洛杉矶火花队赢得总冠军，并担任WNBA球员工会主席，在联盟及其球员经历转型时期发挥了领导作用。

投票者评价：

詹妮弗·勒纳博士 (Dr. Jennifer Lerner)，哈佛大学教授： “我感觉她展示了持续的精英表现，同时保持着低调和不张扬。她还展示了持续的劳工领袖技能和长远的制度性思维。”

19. 西德尼·克罗斯比 (Sidney Crosby)，匹兹堡企鹅队中锋

成就： 作为他那一代最伟大的NHL球员，克罗斯比是三届斯坦利杯冠军，以其一贯的谦逊和传奇般的职业精神而闻名。

投票者评价：

迈克尔·格维斯博士 (Dr. Michael Gervais)，表现心理学家： “西德尼是一个思想、言语和行动完全统一的人。在领导力方面，能在这三方面完全统一的人拥有一种不可思议的力量。他们是能够改变文化的人。”

20. 马库斯·弗里曼 (Marcus Freeman)，圣母大学橄榄球队教练

成就： 年仅39岁的弗里曼在圣母大学担任主教练的战绩为43胜12负，已成长为大学橄榄球界富有魅力的新面孔之一。

投票者评价：

玛菲特·麦格劳，前圣母大学女篮教练： “他把球员放在首位，专注于培养完整的人，而不仅仅是运动员。通过清晰地阐述他的愿景并每天践行，他建立了一种球员们信服并渴望参与其中的冠军文化。”

21. 阿隆·贾奇 (Aaron Judge)，纽约扬基队外野手

成就： 在打击区上拥有绝对统治力、身材魁梧的贾奇赢得了三座美联MVP奖项，同时成为自德里克·基特 (Derek Jeter) 以来首位被任命为扬基队队长的球员。

投票者评价：

特蕾西·福克斯 (Tracey Fuchs)，西北大学曲棍球教练： “我认为他具备一个伟大领袖的所有特质。他谦逊，并且似乎赢得了队友的尊重。他无私，团队至上，这样的人正是你愿意追随的。”

22. 肖恩·麦克维 (Sean McVay)，洛杉矶公羊队教练

成就： 很难相信麦克维还不到40岁。他已带领公羊队两次闯入超级碗，包括一次夺冠，同时在整个NFL建立了一个由他门徒组成的教练体系。

投票者评价：

德兰德·麦卡洛 (Deland McCullough)，NFL助理教练： “他是自己领域的专家。他会充满激情地分享他的愿景和知识。这家伙是个赢家。”

蔡斯·丹尼尔 (Chase Daniel)，前NFL四分卫： “他总是在不断改变。他不安于现状。他总是在尝试重塑自己，重塑他的球队。我就是觉得这是一种非常酷的方式。”

贝基·哈蒙作为拉斯维加斯王牌队的主教练赢得了三次总冠军。(伊恩·莫尔 / Getty Images)

23. 贝基·哈蒙 (Becky Hammon)，拉斯维加斯王牌队教练

成就： 无论是在球场上还是在场边，哈蒙都是一位开拓者。她曾长期担任圣安东尼奥马刺队的助理教练——是首位全职的NBA女助教。她于2022年成为王牌队主教练，并已赢得三次WNBA总冠军。

投票者评价：

布格·麦克法兰 (Booger McFarland)，前NFL防守截锋： “我关注那些选择走少有人走的路的人。对她来说，直接去WNBA当助理教练，然后循序渐进会更容易。我总是敬佩那些选择少有人走的路的人，因为a)他们知道这会很艰难；b)他们接受了那个挑战；c)他们明白，如果并且当他们战胜那个挑战时，成就感会更强。”

丽贝卡·洛博，前WNBA球员： “1999年，我是纽约自由人队的一名老将。那个赛季，贝基·哈蒙从一个未被选中的新秀成长为在WNBA总决赛中赢得宝贵上场时间的人。她的坚韧、决心和领导力当时就已向我充分展示，并一直延续至今。她打破了玻璃天花板，成为第一位在NBA执教的女性，要求获得NBA级别的薪水才来WNBA，然后在执教的头四年里带领拉斯维加斯王牌队夺得三次总冠军。她的方法无所畏惧，对人坦诚。我敬佩她的成功以及实现它所需要的坚韧。”

24. 勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James)，洛杉矶湖人队前锋

成就： 詹姆斯已稳居NBA“历史最佳”的讨论之列，41岁的他仍在继续前行。他的领导力遗产之一是：他通过坚持、创新和辛勤工作，教会了一代球员如何照顾自己的身体。

投票者评价：

威尔·康罗伊 (Will Conroy)，南加州大学男篮助理教练： “他的领导力与大多数人对领导力的传统认知不同。我认为勒布朗是一个长期处于偶像地位的人。勒布朗没有滥用这种名人身份。他极其努力地工作。他从不回避批评者。他也没有忘记培养他的社区。”

25. 谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)，俄克拉荷马城雷霆队后卫

成就： 作为卫冕NBA最有价值球员，SGA（谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大姓名缩写）上赛季带领雷霆队夺得了他们的首个NBA总冠军。如果用一个词来形容他的领导风格，那可能是“沉着”。

投票者评价：

贝基·伯利 (Becky Burleigh)，前佛罗里达大学足球教练： “在一个许多超级巨星都与主教练对立的时代，他似乎与（教练）马克·戴格诺特 (Mark Daigneault) 极其合拍。”

26. 约翰·哈勃 (John Harbaugh)，前巴尔的摩乌鸦队教练

成就： 他在乌鸦队的任期已经结束。然而，哈勃通过赢得比赛和奉行服务型领导风格，成为NFL中最受尊敬的教练之一。他的一句名言很贴切：“我们直面所有问题，但从不针对任何人。” 在乌鸦队本赛季未能进入季后赛后，哈勃被解雇了。

投票者评价：

迈克·迪贝内代托 (Mike DiBenedetto)，爱荷华森林狼队（G联赛）助理教练： “长盛不衰和持续成功非常难做到，而且他要管理如此庞大的团队，他没有得到应有的赞誉。能做到这么久，必须得到重视。”

R.C.布福德自1994年以来一直在圣安东尼奥马刺队工作。(纳撒尼尔·S·巴特勒 / NBAE via Getty Images)

27. R.C.布福德 (R.C. Buford)，圣安东尼奥马刺队CEO

成就： 格雷格·波波维奇已经退休，但马刺王朝的前台设计师依然在位。布福德可以说是NBA历史上最伟大的高管之一，他领导的组织赢得了五次NBA总冠军，并成为跨体育领域团队文化的典范。

投票者评价：

露丝·戈蒂安博士 (Dr. Ruth Gotian)，领导力专家： “R.C.布福德是少数几位能在潜力完全形成之前就看到它，然后创造条件让它腾飞的领袖之一。他是领袖中的领袖。他不仅奖励高绩效；他建立了一种追求、支持和分享卓越的文化。在他的世界里，高绩效不是个人行为，而是一种组织追求、一种精神和一种存在方式。”

28. 乔·马祖拉 (Joe Mazzulla)，波士顿凯尔特人队教练

成就： 2022年临危受命，马祖拉证明了自己是体育界准备最充分、最勤奋的主教练之一。他带领凯尔特人队在2024年夺得了NBA总冠军。

投票者评价：

布莱恩·霍耶 (Brian Hoyer)，前NFL四分卫： “我觉得他就是实话实说。他很强硬，但他的球员们爱他。我喜欢他处理媒体和压力的方式。比如这样的引语：‘人们会说我们是众矢之的，但我希望靶心就正中我们眉心。我希望能看到那个红点。’他就像一个酷酷的年轻版贝利切克。”

29. 约什·阿伦 (Josh Allen)，布法罗比尔队四分卫

成就： 阿伦将一支挣扎的布法罗球队变成了一支稳定的季后赛竞争者。从一个鲜有招募的四分卫成长为NFL超级巨星，他多次入选职业碗，并为球队带来了真正的希望和稳定。

投票者评价：

克里夫·艾弗里尔，前NFL防守端锋： “就是他打球时所带的那股劲儿。他会不惜身体去拼搏。大多数四分卫没有那种心态。我是从场上球员的角度来看的。但当你看到他在场边以及他的举止时也是如此。他在场下也做得很好……他会像一个防守球员一样冲出去鼓舞士气，但同时也能以某种方式约束自己，并带领他的球队走向成功。”

特拉维斯·石川，前MLB球员： “我喜欢他在逆境中处理自己的方式。你不会看到他在那一刻表现出糟糕的肢体语言，也不会看到他在赛后找借口。”

30. 丹·兰宁 (Dan Lanning)，俄勒冈大学橄榄球队教练

成就： 充满激情和活力的兰宁于2022年抵达俄勒冈，并立即将俄勒冈大学变成了一支全国性的竞争者。他已带领鸭队连续两个赛季闯入大学橄榄球季后赛。

投票者评价：

德鲁·斯坦顿 (Drew Stanton)，前NFL四分卫： “丹·兰宁在出色地平衡他所有工作要求的同时，优先考虑人际关系。他坚守自己的信念，不断适应，并拒绝被动。”

31. 斯蒂芬·沃格特 (Stephen Vogt)，克利夫兰守护者队经理

成就： 当沃格特在2023年底成为守护者队的经理时，他退役才刚刚一年多。克利夫兰队在2024年和2025年赢得了美联中区冠军，沃格特也迅速成为棒球界最稳健和最受尊敬的经理之一。

投票者评价：

马特·安东内利 (Matt Antonelli)，前MLB球员： “他让球员们能够做自己。他是一个出色的沟通者和连接者，并明白领导力关乎人际关系，这就是为什么他的球员们相信他。”

32. 戴夫·罗伯茨 (Dave Roberts)，洛杉矶道奇队经理

成就： 仅从履历来看，罗伯茨正在成为MLB历史上成就最卓著的经理之一。道奇队在2024年和2025年连续赢得世界大赛冠军，此外还在COVID-19缩短的2020赛季赢得一次冠军，并在2017年和2018年另外两次闯入世界大赛。作为问责制和沟通的大师，罗伯茨或许是棒球界的史蒂夫·科尔。

投票者评价：

拉肖恩·伯诺 (Rashon Burno)，北伊利诺伊大学男篮教练： “你可以看出球员们对他怀有极大的敬意。我钦佩他沟通、领导并给予这些家伙做自己的空间的能力。”

大谷翔平和道奇队在2025年赢得了世界大赛冠军。(格雷戈里·沙姆斯 / Getty Images)

33. 大谷翔平 (Shohei Ohtani)，洛杉矶道奇队指定打击/投手

成就： 大谷翔平言语不多。然而，他的专业精神和对这项运动的尊重胜过千言万语。除了随道奇队夺冠，他还在2023年带领日本队赢得了世界棒球经典赛冠军。

投票者评价：

瓦洛丽·康多斯·菲尔德 (Valorie Kondos Field)，前UCLA体操教练： “大谷翔平不仅是历史上最伟大的棒球运动员，他那服务者的心态、尊重和感激之情在他所做的每一件事中都有所体现。”

34. 康纳·麦克戴维 (Connor McDavid)，埃德蒙顿油人队中锋

成就： 作为当今世界最伟大的冰球运动员，麦克戴维已带领油人队连续两次闯入斯坦利杯总决赛。他尚未取得突破——但仍是以身作则的典范。

投票者评价：

希拉里·威特 (Hilary Witt)，新罕布什尔大学冰球教练： “他让他周围的每个人都变得更好。”

35. 帕特·墨菲 (Pat Murphy)，密尔沃基酿酒人队经理

成就： 墨菲在教练行列中步步高升，他凭借评估天赋和与球员建立个人联系的能力打造了他的球队。他将酿酒人队变成了一支劲旅，连续两年获得国联年度最佳经理奖，并带领他们连续赢得分区冠军，并在2025年创下队史纪录的97场胜利。

投票者评价：

扬德·阿隆索 (Yonder Alonso)，前MLB一垒手： “他是一个出色的沟通者。他有办法触及房间里的每一个人。”

36. 安德鲁·弗里德曼 (Andrew Friedman)，洛杉矶道奇队棒球运营总裁

成就： 根据弗里德曼的理念，打造赢家需要敏锐的决策和大胆而审慎的冒险。这让他的球队年复一年地保持竞争力。他通过三次世界大赛冠军、长期的稳定性和作为现代棒球前瞻性设计师的声誉证明了他的领导力。

投票者评价：

阿迪亚·克里希南 (Aditya Krishnan)，前NFL数据分析总监： “他展示了在多种不同环境中取得成功的能力。在坦帕资源非常有限的情况下，他能够带领光芒队取得超越其可用资源的成功。然后当他搬到洛杉矶时，他没有只是用更大的预算和更多的资源重复同样的策略，而是能够适应一种不同的策略。他还展示了随着时间的推移保持耐心的能力。”

37. 柯特·西涅蒂 (Curt Cignetti)，印第安纳大学橄榄球队教练

成就： 作为印第安纳大学第二年的教练，西涅蒂正领导着可以说是大学橄榄球史上最惊人的崛起，他以其“表现优于潜力”的座右铭而闻名。他还获得了多项年度最佳教练奖，并带领印第安纳大学打入全国冠军赛，这在几年前似乎是不可想象的。

投票者评价：

卢·南尼 (Lou Nanne)，前NHL总经理： “他能让他的球员发挥出最大潜力。他必须是一个优秀的伯乐和激励者，因为他能让他们作为一个团队来比赛。”

布莱恩·霍耶，前NFL四分卫： “这个就总结了一切。他自信但不自大，他的球员们也体现了这一点。”

38. 布里安娜·斯图尔特 (Breanna Stewart)，纽约自由人队前锋

成就： 作为一代天才，斯图尔特带领康涅狄格大学连续四次夺得NCAA冠军，并赢得了多次WNBA总冠军、MVP和奥运金牌。

投票者评价：

伊齐·罗德里格斯，堪萨斯城潮流队后卫： “布里安娜在场上占据统治地位，并将永远是史上最伟大的球员之一。她是一位创新者，极大地推动了女子篮球运动的发展。她也一直坚定地倡导社会正义和人人平等。”

39. 沙卡·斯玛特 (Shaka Smart)，马凯特大学男篮教练

成就： 斯玛特通过一种以建立牢固关系和促进球员成长为中心的执教哲学，带领像VCU和马凯特这样的项目走向了全国性的舞台。

投票者评价：

布鲁斯·鲍文，前NBA球员： “我钦佩的是沙卡的坚持不懈，他从不满足于现状，直到变得更好。与那些对当今比赛有不同看法的孩子们建立联系并不容易，但沙卡总能找到方法，在这一过程中与他们建立联系并提升他们。”

T-40. 凯尔·施瓦伯 (Kyle Schwarber)，费城费城人队指定打击

成就： 当费城人队需要关键时刻的表现时，施瓦伯常常能够挺身而出。他稳定、不可动摇的老将风范帮助球队奠定了自信、富有竞争力的基调。

投票者评价：

布莱恩·普莱斯 (Bryan Price)，前MLB经理： “我对凯尔及其领导才能的钦佩源于他四个主要方面的结合：竞争力、自信心、表现和气场。前三者时刻都在展现。第四个——气场——是我们几年前一次简短交谈时他所散发出来的。他就是一个非常棒的人：和蔼可亲、直接、自信、平易近人。那种让你立刻感到舒适的人。对于一个队友和领袖来说，这是多么棒的组合。”

T-40. 穆奇·贝茨 (Mookie Betts)，洛杉矶道奇队内野手/外野手

成就： 贝茨赢得了四次世界大赛冠军——一次随波士顿红袜队，三次随道奇队——同时在场上打遍了各个位置：右外野、游击手和二垒手。

投票者评价：

特拉维斯·石川，前MLB外野手： “他愿意去打球队需要他的多个位置。他打球很放松，看起来很享受在场上的时光。无论他打得好还是坏，他都努力比赛，并以尊重的方式正确地对待比赛。”

其他获得多票的候选人

开尔文·桑普森 (Kelvin Sampson) (休斯顿大学美洲狮队), 卡拉·劳森 (Kara Lawson) (杜克大学), 凯特琳·克拉克 (Caitlin Clark) (印第安纳狂热队), 斯科蒂·舍夫勒 (Scottie Scheffler) (高尔夫), 加里·贝特曼 (Gary Bettman) (NHL), 瑞安·戴 (Ryan Day) (俄亥俄州立大学), 卢克·唐纳德 (Luke Donald) (高尔夫), 马克·戴格诺特 (Mark Daigneault) (俄克拉荷马城雷霆队), 泰伦·卢 (Tyronn Lue) (洛杉矶快船队), 乔恩·库珀 (Jon Cooper) (坦帕湾闪电队), 玛塔 (Marta) (奥兰多荣耀队)

*——林赛·施内尔、理查德·戴奇、迈克尔·鲁索、克雷格·卡斯坦斯、C.J.·摩尔和杰森·奎克对本文亦有贡献。 *

由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。

By The Athletic Peak staff, via The Athletic

[TheAthletic]

点击查看原文：We asked over 100 people in sports which leaders they most admire. Here are the top 40

We asked over 100 people in sports which leaders they most admire. Here are the top 40

This story is part of Peak,The Athletic’s desk covering the mental side of sports. Sign up for Peak’s newsletter here.

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Our goal with this list was simple: We asked a bunch of people in North American sports to rank the five leaders they most admired in 2025.

We picked the phrase “most admired” because it is intentionally vague. You don’t have to know someone to admire them. You can also admire leaders for different reasons: The way they communicate, the way they handle adversity or the spotlight, and, of course, their success.

That’s the great thing about leadership: It’s subjective. What works for one person might not work for someone else.

We left it to each participant to determine what they admired. We also did not have any rules against voting for people you worked with or played for. The leaders just had to be active as a coach, player or executive in 2025 (no Nick Saban, for example).

We surveyed most of the 116 participants in October and November — it takes a long time to put together a project like this — and we suspect that might have something to do with the lower positions of coaches like Mike Vrabel with the New England Patriots and Curt Cignetti with the Indiana Hoosiers (and likely why Pete Carroll, who was fired by the Las Vegas Raiders recently, received votes. Believe it or not, Carroll wasn’t the only coach from our list who was fired).

Then again, this list was never intended to reflect the people experiencing the best results in 2025. That matters, of course, but we didn’t want it to mean everything.

In the end, our panel was intentionally diverse — though almost exclusively from North America — made up of Hall of Fame coaches from the collegiate and pro ranks and assistant coaches from all levels of college and professional sports; current and former professional players, leadership experts and executives.

To give you a taste: We surveyed Hall of Famers (Bill Cowher, Tara VanDerveer, Rebecca Lobo), a Heisman Trophy winner (Andre Ware), an MLB MVP (Dale Murphy) and an NFL MVP (Matt Ryan); current general managers (J.J. Picollo, Monica Wright Rogers, Nick U’Ren), head coaches (Kalani Sitake, Lindsay Gottlieb, Laura Harper, Adia Barnes) and a head coach who was also a Heisman Trophy winner (Eddie George); a team president (Raven Jemison), national champions (Muffet McGraw, Carolyn Peck, Margueritte Aozasa), World Series champions (Joe Maddon, Travis Ishikawa), Super Bowl champions (Richard Sherman, K.J. Wright, Cliff Avril), NBA champions (Shaun Livingston, Jason Terry, Bruce Bowen), WNBA and NBA champions (Michael Cooper), World Cup winners (Joy Fawcett), a USWNT team captain (Christie Pearce Rampone) and Olympic gold medalists (Jordan Chiles and Cat Osterman).

Our hope is for this to become an annual list. But for now, here are the 40 most admired leaders in sports from 2025:

1. Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors coach

Kerr, 60, had an illustrious career in basketball before coaching, winning three championships as a reserve guard for the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan and another two while playing for Gregg Popovich in San Antonio. However, when it comes to leadership, it’s his tenure guiding the Warriors’ dynasty that has made him one of the most respected coaches in professional sports.

Kerr has cited a litany of influential leadership figures in his life, from his father, the late Malcolm Kerr — assassinated in 1984 while serving as president of the American University of Beirut — to coaches such as Popovich, Phil Jackson, Pete Carroll and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. His style, a mix of all, has commanded attention from coaches across sports, as well as leadership experts and executives.

Credentials: Kerr’s teams have won four NBA championships and appeared in two more NBA Finals. Sure, he may have been accorded some of the most talented NBA rosters of this century, including Steph Curry and Kevin Durant at their primes, but our voters took notice of his ability to communicate with empathy, manage a roster of superstars and remain a steady presence amid the daily drama of professional basketball.

What our voters said:

Tara VanDerveer, former Stanford women’s basketball coach: “In the pros, you’re going to trade people, but I think he’s loyal to the person, and he’s also true to the team in that he has to make tough decisions that are all about making the team better.”

Dale Murphy, former MLB MVP: “When things are challenging, great leaders don’t separate themselves from the players. He doesn’t separate himself when things don’t go well and he sheds the praise — he deflects it — when things do go well.”

Gregory Sullivan, Missouri professor: “The best coaches balance support and demand, and Kerr lives in that sweet spot: high support, high challenge.”

2. Dawn Staley, South Carolina women’s basketball coach

Staley was one of the trailblazers of the WNBA, a six-time All-Star who became one of the top floor generals of her era. In 18 seasons at South Carolina, she has proven to be one of the best culture builders in sports, transforming the Gamecocks into a powerhouse.

Credentials: She has won three NCAA titles and made seven Final Fours as a coach — including five in a row since 2021. In the process, she’s become an advocate for women’s sports and a respected voice in basketball.

What our voters said:

Sue Enquist, former UCLA softball coach: “She teaches you how to hover above the noise, have fun and grow. She is a truth teller.”

Eddie George, Bowling Green football: “Her impact goes far beyond wins and championships. She builds people, sets standards and has left every program better than she found it. Dawn transcends sports; the best leaders in every arena look to her for wisdom, perspective and guidance.”

Scoonie Penn, former NBA assistant coach: “It’s the way players always talk about her, the love they show her, the way they go back to the school and the way she shows up for them. That’s really powerful.”

3. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors guard

Widely regarded as perhaps the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry helped revolutionize basketball with his style of play and inspired a new generation of players to focus on long-range shooting. He’s also helped establish an updated model for a superstar leader: steady, collaborative and joyful.

Credentials: Curry is a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors and two-time MVP, including the first-ever unanimous MVP in 2016. He also won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has played his whole NBA career with the Warriors.

What our voters said:

Jason Terry, Utah Jazz assistant coach: “His demeanor and disposition and how he handles himself.”

Johnny Tauer, St. Thomas men’s basketball coach: “Two of our program tenets are intrinsic motivation and competitive joy. He embodies these traits at levels I’ve never seen another pro athlete exceed.”

Margueritte Aozasa, Texas women’s soccer coach: “A large part of my own coaching philosophy is ‘let your strengths be your strengths.’ He honed his specialty so much it literally changed the way a whole generation plays and appreciates the sport of basketball. He doesn’t always seek the spotlight but finds a way to use his performance and his platform to inspire those around him.”

At 71, UConn coach Geno Auriemma became the oldest coach to win a Division I basketball title in 2025. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)

4. Geno Auriemma, Connecticut women’s basketball coach

Auriemma has become synonymous with women’s basketball, a direct communicator and master motivator who built perhaps the sport’s greatest dynasty. He’s also proven incredibly resilient; he won his first NCAA Championship in 1995 with Rebecca Lobo as his star and his 12th 30 years later, with Paige Bueckers leading the way.

Credentials: Auriemma has won 12 NCAA championships, appeared in 24 Final Fours and holds the record for most victories in college basketball history at the Division I level — men’s or women’s. He has also been voted the AP national coach of the year nine times.

What our voters said:

Tamika Williams-Jeter, Dayton women’s basketball coach: “Coach is a winner, lover of detail and a menace. He never stops learning about himself and how to motivate the people around him.”

John Cook, former Nebraska volleyball coach: “He was a role model and somebody I studied throughout my coaching career. I think great leaders have to be adaptable and adjust to the times, especially in the last few years in college sports. He sticks to what he believes in, but he’s learned to adapt.”

Chad Brown, former NFL linebacker: “A lot of leaders shy away from uncomfortable conversations. He doesn’t. He believes growth lives in those moments, and his players end up better for it. What really separates him, though, is that he’s evolved. He’s coached through different eras, different styles, different personalities and he’s adjusted without losing who he is. That’s hard to do. Most leaders either refuse to change or lose their identity trying to.”

5. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs coach

When Reid became the head coach of the Chiefs in early 2013, he had already experienced success during a long stint as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. In Kansas City, he staked his claim as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time, building a dynasty with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and making the playoffs for 10 straight seasons.

Known as a detail-oriented player’s coach and a masterful teacher, he did it with a simple ethos: “Don’t judge.”

Credentials: Reid has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs and led his teams to the Super Bowl six times, including once in Philadelphia. He ranks fourth all-time in career wins, trailing only Don Shula, George Halas and Bill Belichick.

What our voters said:

Mike Brey, Atlanta Hawks assistant coach: “The consistent, steady emotions and the projection of no ego.”

George Karl, former NBA head coach: “I love how he handles problems. I also love how he handles success. He motivates his players. He’s demanding of his players. And the last thing I’ll say about him I’ve not said about many people: He reminds me a lot of (former North Carolina men’s basketball coach) Dean Smith.”

6. Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder general manager

Presti has proven to be one of the most adept architects in the NBA, building a contender with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, then ultimately blowing it up and engineering a championship team in 2025 with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

Credentials: Presti has one NBA championship as a general manager and three more as an assistant general manager for the San Antonio Spurs. Long thought to be an analytically-savvy executive, he’s also a voracious reader who emphasizes player character, team culture and a simple mindset: Thinking big, building small.

What our voters said:

Jeff Polzer, professor at Harvard: “From what I can see from the outside, it looks like Sam is always learning, including from places outside of the sports world, and I think he encourages everyone inside his organization to do the same thing. They’re always looking for new, innovative ways to get better, both individually and collectively. When you put those things together, it makes for a great leader.”

Shaun Livingston, former NBA player: “Sam has this balance of IQ plus EQ that he demonstrates transparently with his players. Pro sports can feel very transactional, where it squeezes the joy from the game players grow up playing. The best leaders I worked with were all able to make the hard decisions while treating players as humans not product. Sam embodies those traits.”

7. Emma Hayes, U.S. women’s national soccer team coach

Hayes is regarded as one of the most influential figures in women’s soccer, best known for her long and successful tenure as head coach of Chelsea Women, where she deployed mantras like: “What got us here won’t get us there.”

Credentials: At Chelsea, she led the club to seven Super League titles and five FA Cups. In 2023, she was appointed head coach of the U.S. women’s national team. She began her tenure in May 2024 and led the team to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

What our voters said:

Brayan Peña, former MLB catcher: “I admire everything she represents. What she’s doing now with the U.S. women’s national team is incredible. Leading the USA at the highest level is a dream of mine, too. As someone who came from Cuba and was given an opportunity to build a life and a career in the United States, I feel that same responsibility and pride. Just like her, I want to make history here.”

Joy Fawcett, former USWNT defender: “I admire how she’s willing to try new things. She doesn’t worry about what other people think. She seems open to learning and listening to other people as well.”

8. Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions coach

Campbell has pulled off one of the most impressive feats in sports: He turned the Detroit Lions into an NFL contender.

His team took a step back in 2025 — missing the playoffs after the departures of its offensive and defensive coordinators — but our voters were captivated by his raw, enthusiastic style, which manifests in some of the purest locker-roomspeeches in sports and an unforgettable coffee order.

Credentials: At his opening news conference, he famously said his team would “bite” off the kneecaps of opponents. After a 3-13-1 finish in his first season in 2021, he helped transform the Lions into a winning outfit, including back-to-back NFC North titles in 2023 and 2024. Of course, his leadership style is not just bluster and rah-rah speeches. It also includes a heightened emotional intelligence and a radical authenticity.

What our voters said:

**Alex Avila, former MLB catcher: “**A couple things that I think set him apart: The ability and feel to know the right time when to kick you in the ass or pat you on the back, and the way he talks about his players. Many of his players talk about ‘running through a brick wall’ for him, which is funny cause I would say the same thing about my former Hall of Fame manager, Jim Leyland.”

Joe Maddon, former MLB manager: “He seems straightforward with everybody, even in his interviews during games on the sideline. That’s what really resonates, right from his first press conference. The guy doesn’t have a filter because he doesn’t need one. He just needs to slice open a vein and let it pour out: This is what I’m thinking. This is what I believe. And that works for him.”

A’ja Wilson guided the Las Vegas Aces to a championship in 2025. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

9. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces forward

Wilson, a superstar center for the Las Vegas Aces, is one of the most dominant players in WNBA history, known for her strength, high basketball IQ and her ability to control games on both ends of the floor.

Credentials: She has won four WNBA Most Valuable Player awards and three WNBA championships, including both in 2025. Wilson has also grown into one of the league’s most recognizable players and respected leaders, pulling in teammates for one-on-one conversations and taking ownership during what Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon called “the embarrassing moments.”

What our voters said:

K.J. Wright, San Francisco 49ers assistant coach: “I just admire the way she carries herself. She’s fun and spreads positive energy.”

Jordan Chiles, Olympic gold medalist: “She is confident, she is real and she shows up for her team and for her people every single day. Her greatness is evident, but she reminds me that true leadership is about heart, consistency and never dimming your light so others can feel comfortable.”

10. Mike Tomlin, former Pittsburgh Steelers coach

In his 19 seasons in Pittsburgh, Tomlin never had a losing season and became a model for longevity and culture in the NFL. Along the way, he leaned on “Tomlinisms” such as: “The standard is the standard.” The Steelers made the playoffs again this season, but after a blowout loss to the Houston Texans, Tomlin stepped down.

Credentials: Tomlin first made history by winning Super Bowl XLIII, becoming the youngest head coach ever to win a Super Bowl at the time, at 36. He led the Steelers to another Super Bowl appearance following the 2010 season. He made the playoffs 13 times in 19 seasons on the job, although he lost his last seven playoff games.

What our voters said:

Lindsay Gottlieb, USC women’s basketball coach: “I listen to his press conferences to learn something. Not necessarily about football tactics, but how, as a head coach, you stand up and take accountability, give clear messaging and be consistent as a human.”

Ndamukong Suh, former NFL defensive tackle: “What sets him apart is that he’s the ultimate player’s coach. Between my personal interactions with him and what I hear from guys across the league, the respect he commands is unmatched.”

11. Tom Izzo, Michigan State men’s basketball coach

Credentials: Izzo’s tenure at Michigan State began in 1995. In the decades since, he has led the program to eight Final Fours and an NCAA championship while becoming a model for toughness and longevity.

What our voters said:

Stephanie Norman, Arizona State assistant women’s basketball coach: “I admire his old-school train of thought. He’s a man of principle. Time is the only filter that I trust, and I’m obsessed with people who can stay in this industry for a long time. Longevity is the biggest flex. … He keeps it real, and his players and team reflect his values.”

Izzy Rodriguez, Kansas City Current defender: “He creates an environment to grow and learn as both a player and person, and he upholds everyone to the highest standards.”

Amanda Berkley, Loyola Chicago volleyball coach: “His competitive excellence and longevity.”

12. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

Credentials: The quarterback of the defending Super Bowl champions, Hurts, is still not always considered one of the best at his position. However, after leading the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances, our voters recognized his stoic and steady leadership.

What our voters said:

Olivia Smoliga, Olympic swimmer: “He’s so calm, when someone could crash out at all the things that he’s experienced. He just shows how steady he is and centered in himself, and I really, truly admire that.”

13. Pete Carroll, former Las Vegas Raiders coach

Credentials: In successful tenures at USC and the Seattle Seahawks, Carroll won championships while becoming a model for a new kind of coach — a joyful warrior obsessed with culture. That didn’t translate to his tenure with the Raiders. He was fired after one season in Las Vegas.

What our voters said:

Justin Su’a, founder of The Performance Advisory Group: “I had the chance to attend Pete Carroll’s final class of his course offered through USC’s Marshall School of Business, ‘The Game is Life.’ Watching him connect with students and translate leadership into lessons that extend far beyond sports was powerful. After hearing so many players and coaches describe him as a leader they’d run through a wall for, it was clear why. His presence alone creates belief.”

14. Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations

Credentials: Once upon a time, Stevens guided Butler to two deep Cinderella runs in the NCAA Tournament. Now, he’s known as one of the most thoughtful, innovative and successful executives in sports.

What our voters said:

Nick U’Ren, Phoenix Mercury general manager: “I’ve never met anybody who doesn’t enjoy interacting with Brad or working with Brad. To succeed in this industry over the longevity he has speaks to his truthfulness, his morality, his professionalism, his kindness. I really admire somebody who can achieve what he’s achieved while maintaining the level of respect and admiration that he has over the course of time.”

15. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback

Credentials: In eight seasons as a starting quarterback, Mahomes has won three championships and two MVPs while being a superstar who plays with joyful energy.

What our voters said:

Derrick Johnson, former NFL linebacker: “His ability to handle the QB position with poise and confidence is unmatched.”

In addition to coaching the Miami Heat, Erik Spoelstra is also the coach of Team USA. (Issac Baldizon / NBAE via Getty Images)

16. Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat coach

Credentials: Spoelstra received the Heat Culture torch from executive Pat Riley and became one of the NBA’s most well-regarded coaches. His teams have won two NBA championships and appeared in the finals six times. Spoelstra, who has coached the Heat since 2008, is now the longest-serving active coach across the four major U.S. sports leagues.

What our voters said:

Jordan Fee, Florida Atlantic assistant men’s basketball coach: “In my few interactions with coach Spoelstra, I admired how genuine and humble he was. He’s clearly gotten over himself and has an immense desire for continued learning. His consistency and care are as good as it gets.”

17. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx forward

Credentials: Not only is Collier one of the WNBA’s best players and a former NCAA champion at Connecticut, but she has also emerged as a consummate professional, serving as vice president of the WNBA Players Association.

What our voters said:

Andrea Hudy, UConn director of sports performance: “Napheesa Collier embodies efficiency in every sense of the word. No wasted movement and no wasted words. Just consistent excellence and professionalism. She shows up, treats people well and competes with a quiet ruthlessness that makes her impact unmistakable.”

18. Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm forward

Credentials: The first overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, Ogwumike won a championship with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016 and is president of the WNBA Players Association, leading through a transformational time for the league and its players.

What our voters said:

Dr. Jennifer Lerner, Harvard professor: “I get the sense that she demonstrates sustained elite performance with low ego and low theatrics. She also demonstrates sustained labor leadership skills and long-horizon institutional thinking.”

19. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins center

Credentials: The greatest NHL player of his generation, Crosby is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, known for his consistent humility and legendary work ethic.

What our voters said:

Dr. Michael Gervais, performance psychologist: “Sidney is somebody who completely has aligned the way he thinks, the way he speaks and the actions that he takes. When it comes to leadership, people that are fully aligned in those three orders have this incredible power to them. Those are people who move cultures.”

20. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame football coach

Credentials: At just 39, Freeman is 43-12 as the head coach at Notre Dame, growing into one of the new charismatic faces of college football.

What our voters said:

Muffet McGraw, former Notre Dame women’s basketball coach: “He puts players first, focusing on developing the whole person rather than just the athlete. By clearly articulating his vision and living it every day, he has built a championship culture that players believe in and are eager to be part of.”

21. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees outfielder

Credentials: Absolutely dominant at the plate, the physically imposing Judge has won three American League MVP awards while becoming the first Yankees player to be named team captain since Derek Jeter.

What our voters said:

Tracey Fuchs, Northwestern field hockey coach: “I think he has all the attributes of a great leader. He is humble and seems to have the respect of his teammates. He is selfless and team comes first and those are the people who you want to follow.”

22. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams coach

Credentials: It’s hard to believe that McVay is not yet 40. He’s guided the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, including one championship, while building a coaching tree of disciples across the NFL.

What our voters said:

Deland McCullough, NFL assistant coach: “He is a master of his stuff. He gets fired up to share his vision and knowledge. Dude is a winner.”

Chase Daniel, former NFL quarterback: “He consistently is changing. He’s not staying the same. He’s always trying to reinvent himself, reinvent his team. I just think it’s such a cool way to be.”

Becky Hammon has won three titles as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces. (Ian Maule / Getty Images)

23. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Aces coach

Credentials: A trailblazer on the court and on the sideline, Hammon was a longtime assistant for the San Antonio Spurs — the first woman to be a full-time NBA assistant coach. She became head coach of the Aces in 2022 and has already won three WNBA championships.

What our voters said:

Booger McFarland, former NFL defensive tackle: “I look at people who take the road less traveled. It would’ve been easier for her to go right to the WNBA and try and be an assistant coach and come that way. I always admire people who take the road less traveled because a) they know it’s gonna be hard; b) they accept that challenge; and c) they understand that if and when they conquer that challenge, it’s going to be more fulfilling.”

Rebecca Lobo, former WNBA player: “I was a veteran on the New York Liberty in 1999. That season, Becky Hammon went from being an undrafted rookie to someone earning valuable minutes during the WNBA Finals. Her grit, determination and leadership were on full display to me then and have been ever since. She broke a glass ceiling (by) being the first woman to coach in the NBA, demanded NBA-level pay to come to the W, and then led the Las Vegas Aces to three titles in her first four years coaching. She’s unafraid in her approach and honest with people. I admire her success and the toughness it took to achieve it.”

24. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers forward

Credentials: Firmly a part of the NBA’s GOAT discussion, James keeps going at 41. One aspect of his leadership legacy: He’s taught a generation of players how to take care of their bodies through consistency, innovation and hard work.

What our voters said:

Will Conroy, USC assistant men’s basketball coach: “His leadership is different than what you assume most would think when it comes to leadership. I look at LeBron as someone that’s been in a position of icon for a very long time. LeBron does not abuse that celebrity. He works extremely hard. He does not hide from his critics. He does not disappear to the community that brought him up.”

25. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder guard

Credentials: The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, SGA led the Thunder to their first NBA championship last season. If there’s one word to describe his leadership style, it could be poise.

What our voters said:

Becky Burleigh, former Florida soccer coach: “He seems extremely aligned with (coach) Mark (Daigneault) in an era where many superstars are oppositional with their head coach.”

26. John Harbaugh, former Baltimore Ravens coach

Credentials: His tenure with the Ravens is over. However, Harbaugh became one of the most respected coaches in the NFL by winning games and embracing a servant-leadership style. One apt quote: “We confront everything, but never anybody.” Harbaugh was fired after the Ravens failed to make the playoffs this season.

What our voters said:

Mike DiBenedetto, Iowa Wolves (G League) assistant coach: “Longevity and constant success are so hard to do, and with being in charge of such a large staff, he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. To do it for that long has to be valued.”

R.C. Buford has worked for the San Antonio Spurs since 1994. (Nathaniel S. Butler / NBAE via Getty Images)

27. R.C. Buford, San Antonio Spurs CEO

Credentials: Gregg Popovich is retired, but the front office architect of the Spurs dynasty remains. Buford is arguably one of the greatest NBA executives in history, guiding an organization that has won five NBA championships and becoming a model for team culture across sports.

What our voters said:

Dr. Ruth Gotian, leadership expert: “R.C. Buford is one of the rare leaders who sees potential before it is fully formed and then creates the conditions for it to soar. He is a leader’s leader. He doesn’t just reward high performance; he builds a culture where excellence is expected, supported and shared. In his world, high performance is not a solo act. It is an organizational pursuit, an ethos and a way of being.”

28. Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics coach

Credentials: Thrust into the job in 2022, Mazzulla has proven to be one of the most prepared and diligent head coaches in sports. He guided the Celtics to the NBA championship in 2024.

What our voters said:

Brian Hoyer, former NFL quarterback: “I just think he calls it like it is. He’s tough, but his guys love him. I love how he handles the media and the pressure. Quotes like this: ‘People are gonna say the target’s on our back, but I hope it’s right on our forehead in between our eyes. I hope I can see the red dot.’ He’s like a cool, young version of Belichick.”

29. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback

Credentials: Allen turned a struggling Buffalo team into a consistent playoff contender. Rising from being a lightly recruited quarterback to an NFL superstar, he’s racked up Pro Bowl honors and brought real hope and stability to the franchise.

What our voters said:

Cliff Avril, former NFL defensive end: “Just the energy that he plays with. The fact that he’ll put his body on the line. Most quarterbacks don’t have that mentality. I’m looking at it from a player’s perspective on the field. But then also when you see him on the sideline and how he moves. He also does things the right way off the field. … He’s gonna get out there like a defensive player and rah-rah but also conduct himself in a certain way and lead his team to success.”

Travis Ishikawa, former MLB player: “I like the way he handles himself in adversity. You don’t see him show bad body language in the moment, and you don’t see him make excuses after.”

30. Dan Lanning, Oregon football coach

Credentials: Fiery and passionate, Lanning arrived at Oregon in 2022 and immediately turned Oregon into a national contender. He has guided the Ducks to the College Football Playoff the last two seasons.

What our voters said:

Drew Stanton, former NFL quarterback: “Dan Lanning balances all of his job requirements masterfully while prioritizing relationships. Standing firm in what he believes in, adapting always and rejecting passivity.”

31. Stephen Vogt, Cleveland Guardians manager

Credentials: When Vogt became the manager of the Guardians in late 2023, he had been retired for barely more than a year. Cleveland won the AL Central in 2024 and 2025, and Vogt instantly became one of the steadiest and most respected managers in baseball.

What our voters said:

Matt Antonelli, former MLB player: “He empowers players to be themselves. He is a great communicator and a connector and understands that leadership is about relationships, and that’s why his players believe in him.”

32. Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers manager

Credentials: Based on the résumé alone, Roberts is becoming one of the most accomplished managers in MLB history. The Dodgers won back-to-back World Series in 2024 and 2025, adding to a championship during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and two other World Series appearances in 2017 and 2018. A master of accountability and communication, Roberts may be baseball’s answer to Steve Kerr.

What our voters said:

Rashon Burno, Northern Illinois men’s basketball coach: “You can tell that players have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I admire his ability to communicate, lead and give these guys the space to be themselves.”

Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers won the World Series in 2025. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)

33. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers DH/pitcher

Credentials: Ohtani does not speak loudly. However, his professionalism and respect for the sport speak volumes. In addition to the championships with the Dodgers, he led Japan to a World Baseball Classic championship in 2023.

What our voters said:

Valorie Kondos Field, former UCLA gymnastics coach: “Not only is Shohei Ohtani the greatest baseball player in history, his servant’s heart, respect and gratitude are on display in everything he does.”

34. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers center

Credentials: The greatest hockey player in the world at the moment, McDavid has led the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup finals appearances. He hasn’t broken through — yet — but he remains a model for leading by example.

What our voters said:

Hilary Witt, New Hampshire hockey coach: “He makes everyone around him better.”

35. Pat Murphy, Milwaukee Brewers manager

Credentials: Murphy has risen through the coaching ranks and developed his team with an ability to evaluate talent and connect personally with players. He has turned the Brewers into a powerhouse, earning back-to-back NL Manager of the Year awards and leading them to consecutive division titles and a franchise-record 97 wins in 2025.

What our voters said:

Yonder Alonso, former MLB first baseman: “He’s a great communicator. He has a way of reaching every person in the room.”

36. Andrew Friedman, Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations

Credentials: According to Friedman, building winners requires sharp decision-making and bold yet calculated risks. It keeps his teams competitive year after year. He’s proven his leadership with three World Series championships, long-term consistency and a reputation as a forward-thinking architect of modern baseball.

What our voters said:

Aditya Krishnan, former director of analytics in the NFL: “He’s shown an ability to be successful in multiple different environments. With very limited resources in Tampa, he was able to be very successful with the Rays beyond what he had available. And then when he moved to L.A., instead of just trying to run the same playbook back with a larger budget and more resources, he was able to adapt to a different strategy. He’s also shown an ability to be patient over time.”

37. Curt Cignetti, Indiana football coach

Credentials: As the second-year Indiana coach leading arguably the most shocking rise in college football history, Cignetti has become known for his motto, “production over potential.” He’s also earned multiple coach of the year awards and has Indiana playing in the national championship game, which would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.

What our voters said:

Lou Nanne, former NHL general manager: “He gets the most out of his players. He has to be a good judge of talent and a good motivator because he gets them to play as a team.”

Brian Hoyer, former NFL quarterback: “This right here sums it up. He’s confident but not cocky, and his players embody that.”

38. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty forward

Credentials: A generational talent, Stewart led UConn to four consecutive NCAA championships, has won multiple WNBA championships, MVPs and Olympic gold medals.

What our voters said:

Izzy Rodriguez, Kansas City Current defender: “Breanna dominated on the court and will always be one of the greatest players of all time. She is an innovator who has grown the women’s game immensely. She has also been unwavering in her advocacy for social justice and equality for all.”

39. Shaka Smart, Marquette men’s basketball coach

Credentials: Smart has guided programs like VCU and Marquette to national relevance through a coaching philosophy, especially at Marquette, that centers on building strong relationships and fostering player growth.

What our voters said:

Bruce Bowen, former NBA player: “What I admire is Shaka’s persistence in never being satisfied with where he is until it’s better. It’s not easy to connect with kids whose ideas of what the game is today may not shape up to be the same as the head coach, but Shaka continues to find a way to connect and enhance along the way.”

T-40. Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies DH

Credentials: When the Phillies need a big moment, Schwarber often delivers. His steady, unshakeable veteran presence helps set a confident, competitive tone.

What our voters said:

Bryan Price, former MLB manager: “What has driven my admiration for Kyle and his leadership skills is his combination of four major components: competitiveness, confidence, performance and presence. The first three are on display at all times. The fourth — presence — is something that resonated from him during a brief conversation we had a few years ago. He’s just a terrific person: affable, direct, confident, approachable. The type of person you feel comfortable around immediately. What a great combination for a teammate and leader.”

T-40. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder

Credentials: Betts has won four World Series — one with the Boston Red Sox and three with the Dodgers — all while playing all over the field: right field, shortstop and second base.

What our voters said:

Travis Ishikawa, former MLB outfielder: “His willingness to play multiple positions where the team needs him to go. He plays loose and looks to enjoy himself out on the field. No matter how good or how bad he is playing, he plays the game hard and the right way with respect.”

Others who received multiple votes

Kelvin Sampson (Houston Cougars), Kara Lawson (Duke), Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), Scottie Scheffler (golf), Gary Bettman (NHL), Ryan Day (Ohio State), Luke Donald (golf), Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder), Tyronn Lue (L.A. Clippers), Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning), Marta (Orlando Pride)

— Lindsay Schnell, Richard Deitsch, Michael Russo, Craig Custance, C.J. Moore and Jason Quick contributed to this story.