Jed Hughes Podcast

During his tenure as University of Oregon Athletic Director, Pat Kilkenny reinstated baseball, among other things. Kilkenny is Jed's guest for Episode 101 and they discuss the recent developments on the West Coast in college athletics. Oregon is currently a member of the Pac-12 Conference which saw a massive shake-up in the past week with USC and UCLA agreeing to join the Big Ten Conference in 2023. Kilkenny, Oregon graduate, close friend of Phil Knight, and co-founder of the Lucky Duck Foundation, is the former chairman and chief executive officer of the San Diego-based Arrowhead General Insurance Agency. He grew his business into a nationwide organization and sold the company in 2006. 

Since kicking off the podcast in 2020, University of Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh led Michigan to a Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff spot in 2021. Also significant, Coach Harbuagh is Jed's guest for Episode #100. Harbaugh is focused entirely on next season and discusses recruiting, the transfer portal, along with the NCAA's recent developments surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness. Harbaugh notes: our philosophy on coming to the University of Michigan is it is going to be a transformational experience.

Dr. Donald Rinchuse is Jed's guest for Episode #99. He is certainly an accomplished individual who has used sports to build a career centered around helping others. Dr. Rinchuse shares his story and notes: I aligned my sports enthusiasm for my desire to be educated. Dr. Rinchuse is an orthodontist, an educator, formerly of University of Pittsburgh Dental School, and a coached recreation sports in his free time. Dr. Don and his twin brother's orthodontic program at Seton Hill University is unique and discussed.

Omar Khan chats with Jed Hughes after being named the new General Manger for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Khan, who worked under former GM Kevin Colbert for over two decades, speaks on topics including strategy and alignment in Episode #97. Khan most recently served as the team's VP of football and business administration, but he's held a variety of roles in Pittsburgh's front office since arriving in 2001. Khan attended college at Tulane before breaking into the NFL with the Saints in 1997 on their operations staff. He explains his journey to the professional ranks that included writing letters to all teams asking for advice. During his tenure, Khan has helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls, three AFC titles and 10 division titles.

Dan Costello, Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer (Phoenix Suns Properties) joins Jed Hughes for Episode #96. Costello mentions that he has learned more from losing seasons, however the Suns have not lost much in the past few seasons finishing 2022 with the top record in the NBA. Costello joined Phoenix in 2006 and discusses the current innovations and the newest technology, including a digital sportsbook, occurring within the organization and around the league

Kenny Smith is a longtime member of TNT’s Inside the NBA studio show and joins Jed Hughes for Episode #95. While Smith has been an analyst, Inside the NBA has won four Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Show – Daily. Smith makes regular appearances on NBA TV and has served as analyst for Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ combined coverage of the NCAA March Madness Division I Men’s Basketball Championship since 2011. Prior to a career in television, the "Jet" had a storied college and pro career. Smith was recruited by legendary coach Dean Smith to join the North Carolina Tar Heels where he earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior in 1987. Smith was selected by Sacramento in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft with the sixth overall pick. He won back-to-back NBA titles with the Houston Rockets and his vision for analysis and building an NBA championship-level team will be explored in this week's episode.

Jed Hughes coached against Anthony Muñoz while he was playing at the University of Southern California and after being the third player selected overall in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Muñoz joins Hughes for Episode #94 to discuss his outstanding career. The two-time All-America lineman eventually started 164 of 168 games from 1980 to 1990 as a professional. He wanted to be considered one of the best all-time and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 and he expresses how his passion is now centered around the Anthony Muñoz Foundation.

Derrick Brooks is considered one of the best linebackers in NFL history and joined Jed Hughes for Episode #93. A nine-time Al-Pro, Brooks was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft, where he remained to play his entire 14-season professional career. Derrick was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and, in September 2014, was enshrined into the Ring of Honor by the Bucs. He also served on the Super Bowl Host Committee of Super Bowl 55. He graduated from Florida State University as a two time first-team All-American, and a member of the '93 Seminoles National Championship team. Recognized as often for his hard work on and off the field, Brooks has been the recipient of several prestigious awards. Brooks himself says: At the end of the day that's what Derrick Brooks is all about... servant leadership.

Mack Rhoades IV was named Baylor University’s Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics in 2016. Mack and Jed discuss, in Episode #92, Rhodes' vision for Baylor's athletic program, NIL opportunities and challenges, and other important topics of the NCAA and Big XII Conference. Over his five years in Waco, Baylor has won 21 Big 12 titles and six national championships. Rhoades was selected as Sports Business Journal’s 2021 Athletics Director of the Year, marking the second Athletics Director of the Year honor earned by Rhoades in as many years.

Chris Granger, CEO of Oak View Group Facilities, joins Jed Hughes for Episode #91. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Granger oversees OVG Facilities, OVG Media & Conferences, and the OVG Arena Alliance, a collection of 32 North American venues that provides a platform for booking, content, and sponsorship sales opportunities. Previously Granger was group president of sports and entertainment with Detroit-based Ilitch Holdings. Chris explains his start in the National Basketball Association where he worked in various capacities for the league including 4 years as President of the Sacramento Kings.

Jerry Stackhouse has quite the basketball resume and he joins Jed Hughes for Episode #90. After a high school career that included one season at famed Oak Hill Academy, Stackhouse returned to his home-state at the University of North Carolina and starred under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith. After being a top selection in the NBA Draft, Stackhouse was a two-time All-Star during his 18-year career. He then began the transition to coaching and eventually coached at the professional level for the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies. Coach Stackhouse has now completed his third season at the helm of the Vanderbilt men's basketball program. At the college level, as a coach, recruiting, player development, culture, and the transfer portal are key components. Two Commodores have been selected in the NBA Draft recently and a third draft prospect is currently on the roster.

This week Jed is joined by sports, entertainment, and media executive Federico Alaman for Episode #89. As a race fan, Alaman talks listeners through his involvement in the return of a Formula 1 to Mexico City that featured close to 120,000 fans per day. Alaman discusses the transition from Fox to Disney and also touches on his start in the business and where he stands now as an entrepreneur. Alaman mentions: "I had the opportunity to live most of my life in the biggest entertainment companies in Latin America."

Jed Hughes is joined by Kathryn Carson for Episode #88. Carson has an extensive background in business and sports properties. Educated at Mount Holyoke College prior to 25-years at PepsiCo, she was a junior lawyer and progressed to General Counsel. Carson tells the story of airing Madonna's "Like a Prayer" song in their commercial. Carson also explains the transition from PepsiCo to the United States Golf Association where she was recruited to be Chief Legal Officer. Carson has since joined a newly restructured Board of Directors for USA Gymnastics in late June 2018 as an independent director, and shortly after she was elected chair. She was also responsible for working with survivors, insurance companies, and lawyers in reaching a settlement for over 500 survivors of abuse from Larry Naser.

Jed Hughes has the opportunity to reconnect with his first recruit as a football coach at UCLA, Art Akers, in Episode #87. Hughes recalls the recruitment of Akers, one of the top 10 players in the country as a high school senior. Akers post-playing career path includes starting a non-profit, working for NFL, and completing his law degree.

Andrew Friedman, the LA Dodgers' President of Baseball Operations, joins Jed Hughes for episode #86. Friedman received a baseball scholarship to Tulane University, where he played outfield, and believes he began to develop his eye for talent while playing for the Green Wave. The 2020 World Series championship for Los Angeles was a culmination of Friedman's efforts to dominate in the areas of scouting, team building, player development, and culture. Friedman previously served as Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations of the Tampa Bay Rays where in 2008 he was named Executive of the Year. Prior to his career in baseball, Friedman worked for a couple years in the finance and investment industry.

Veteran football coach at the collegiate and professional level, and current Jacksonville Jaguars defensive assistant, Bob Sutton joins Jed Hughes for episode #85. With 22 seasons in the NFL and more than 40 years of coaching experience, Sutton breaks down his career, the positions and coaches he has worked with, and analyzes what it was like to go against Tom Brady.

Brian Kilmeade joins Jed Hughes this week to talk about his career in television that includes covering sporting events, news, elections, current events, and more. On weekdays he co-hosts shows on Fox News and Fox News Radio. On weekends, he hosts One Nation with Brian Kilmeade, which premiered January 29, 2022. The former college athlete discusses his start in the industry and what it was like coming up in television.

Last Tuesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady informed his team that he is retiring after 22 seasons in the NFL, the last two in Tampa. Rookie Robert Hainsey, the former Notre Dame offensive tackle, joins Jed Hughes to react to his QB's retirement and his thoughts on the season. Overall, the Buccaneers went 29-10 in Brady's two seasons with the team, the most successful stretch in franchise history.

The Chicago Bears named Matt Eberflus as their 17th head coach in franchise history and he joins Jed Hughes for Episode #82. Eberflus spent the past four seasons as Colts defensive coordinator and boasts 13 years of experience in the NFL and 17 at the collegiate level. As a player, Eberflus was a four-year letterman and three-year starting linebacker at Toledo. Eberflus began his NFL career with the Browns as linebackers coach (2009-10). He then spent seven seasons with the Cowboys as linebackers coach (2011-17), while also serving as passing game coordinator in 2016-17.

Mark Murphy, Larry Baer, Tom Garfinkel, Tod Leiweke, and RC Buford all give their takes on what it takes to run a championship level organization.

Bill Stromberg, Mark Shapiro, and Sam Kennedy join Jed to discuss how to be great leaders in the various different fields and spaces.

Scott Butera, President of Fubo Gaming, joins Jed Hughes on Episode #79 . The two discuss the sports betting landscape and where Butera’s company fits in that. Previously in 2018, Butera became president of interactive gaming for MGM Resorts International and helped set up BetMGM. Butera has also work for Former President Donald Trump on the business side.

Eric DeCosta, current Baltimore Ravens Executive Vice President and General Manager, talks about his career with the Ravens and loyalty to the organization. De Costa has been with the franchise since day 1 in 1996 and worked his way all the way up as an intern to the top decision maker. 

Coach of the Year, Jim Harbaugh, discusses his next game mentality and what goes on behind the scenes during preparation for each game.

Eric Grubman, the former executive vice president of business operations at the National Football League, has John Collins to form a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) targeting the sports and entertainment sectors. Jed and Eric discuss Grubman's career that includes joining the NFL in 2004. He served as the senior manager of Finance and Strategy, and the senior manager of business operations during his tenure while being involved with the league’s business operations, its private equity and venture capital initiatives, and market development. Grubman graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1980 and Grubman is a former partner of Goldman, Sachs & Company.

Jed Hughes welcomes Andrew Berry to discuss his transition from player to scout and front office executive. The youngest General Manager in the National Football League, Berry re-joined the Browns staff and was named the Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations and GM in January 2020. Berry graduated cum laude from Harvard University where he was a four-year starter as a cornerback and was a three-time All-Ivy League team selection and an All-America honoree. The Browns are competing for consecutive playoff berths in the AFC.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took Robert Hainsey, the former Notre Dame offensive tackle, with their third-round pick with the 95th Pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. Rob joins Jed Hughes to discuss his transition to the NFL that includes working at center, learning from Tom Brady, and the culture inside the locker room of the defending champions. This week's episode also features insight and analysis on the recent college football coaching carousel that saw Hainsey's coach, Brian Kelly, leave Notre Dame to head south as he was introduced as the head coach at LSU on December 2nd.

Our Big Game special, prior to the start of Michigan hosting Ohio State in the continuation of the best rivalry in college football, welcomes Walt and T.J. Downing. The only father-son combo to be All-Americans at their respective schools, Walt at Michigan and T.J. at Ohio State, join Jed Hughes to discuss their recruitment and experiences with the Big Game. The iconic coaches, plays, games, intense preparation, and of course predictions are discussed.

Darren Eales, born in England then turned All-American college athlete in the United States, is President of Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. Jed and Darren discuss the organization since inception until now. Eales has been named MLS Executive of the Year on multiple occasions, meanwhile the club won its first MLS Cup in 2018 in front of a record crowd of 73,019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The club has set attendance records as they continue to move forward since joining MLS in 2017.

Jay Paterno spent 22 seasons coaching football including 17 years on the Penn State University staff. Jay joins Jed Hughes to discuss the past and current landscape of coaching college football as it relates to recruiting, position coaches, roster management, and more. The son of legendary head coach Joe Paterno, Jay looks back on that legacy including the rivalries, recruits, and victories. In his nine seasons as Penn State's Recruiting Coordinator, the Nittany Lions ranked in the National Top 20 eight times, including 5 Top 10 Finishes and 2 National #1 rankings

This week we have an opportunity to revisit our November conversation with CEO of the United States Golf Association, Mike Whan. Looming large at the moment is the LIV Golf Invitational Series which has created a divide in the professional golf industry and became a factor in the USGA's most recent championship, the United States Open at The Country Club. Jed was joined by Whan to speak about his passion for golf and well-rounded career that includes joining the TaylorMade Golf Company as VP of Marketing in 1995. Whan was previously trained in marketing at Proctor and Gamble. Whan was previously Commissioner of the LPGA which he revitalized through enhancing business relationships, increasing exposure for the players and maximizing the LPGA experience for fans.

In 2019, Chaim Bloom was named Chief Baseball Officer for the Boston Red Sox. Bloom chats with Jed Hughes on Episode #69 about his time (2005-19) in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Bloom has successfully made the transition from a low payroll team to one of the highest payroll teams in MLB. The Red Sox recently lost the American League Championship Series in six games to the Houston Astros. Roster and depth management, alignment, and relationships building are keys to the success in Tampa and now Boston.

University of Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh joins us to discuss the program's rise into the top 10 of the national rankings and how he looks at each game on a week-to-week basis. Episode #68 is a great opportunity to hear about the preparation and focus amidst coaching changes that has resulted in an undefeated start in Ann Arbor this season.

As the Major League Baseball playoffs head to the American and National League Championship series, hear three executives discuss the variety of ways they support their organizations in terms of the fan experience and customer service. Sam Kennedy of the Boston Red Sox, Larry Baer of the San Francisco Giants, and Mark Shapiro of the Toronto Blue Jays are former guests that give a great perspective on these important topics in the current business of professional sports.

In Week 2 of the NFL season, Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh made a late-game call on fourth-down against the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs that proved to secure the win. On Episode #66, Coach Harbaugh discusses that sequence with Jed Hughes along with early season reactions to wins, losses, injuries, and more. Nine playoff berths in 13 seasons with Harbaugh at the helm has set the belief system and culture within the coaching staff and locker room in Baltimore.

Recently promoted to President, Baseball Operations of the Tampa Bay Rays, Erik Neander joins Jed Hughes for Episode #65. His tenure as senior vice president of baseball operations and general manager began on Nov 4, 2016. As the leader of baseball operations, Neander collaborates with all areas of the department to set the vision and expectations for the entire operation.  Erik talks specifically about the importance of alignment within the organization. The 2021 Rays have clinched the best record in the American League, a year after representing the AL in the World Series.

Michael Dowse, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the United States Tennis Association, joins Jed Hughes after the recent completion of the U.S. Open in New York City. Episode #64 features a look back at the 2020 Open affected by the pandemic and the 2021 edition that welcomed back fans, but maybe not all of the biggest stars in the sport. Daniil Medvedev held off grand-slam-seeking Novak Djokovic to win the men's singles title. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu captured the women's singles title in history fashion. Dowse discusses his leadership style and formula for the USTA’s overall vision and its strategy for the growth of tennis participation at all levels, while also ensuring diversity throughout the sport. In fact, the sport has seen a growth of 4 million players since 2019.

The 2028 Olympic Games hired former Washington Football team President of Business Operations and COO Brian Lafemina as its Chief Business Officer. Brian joins Jed to discuss the LA Games and his path in the sports industry that began as an intern. Before his new appointment, Lafemina led the National Football League's strategy to support the 32 member Clubs in their sales and marketing efforts. Furthermore, he made an impact in his time at Madison Square Garden prior to moving into the NFL. Building relationships is at the forefront of Lafemina's success

A Harvard Law School graduate, Brian Burke has spent 30+ years in the NHL as an executive. He joins Jed Hughes for Episode #62. Among Burke’s achievements is the 2007 Stanley Cup as GM of the Anaheim Ducks. Now, heading into the 21-22 season as President of Hockey Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Burke will look to repeat past success with a roster featuring future Hall of Famers. Jed and Brian cover a wide range of topics across scouting, analytics, team building, and what it was like to be in the league office driving the NHL’s growth.

Jed talks to Athletic Director at the University of Virginia, Carla Williams. Formerly, Carla was an All-SEC basketball player at the University of Georgia and in 2017 became the first African-American female AD of a Power-5 school. Her and Jed discuss her challenges along the way, and what she has learned.

In 2018, Gloria Nevarez was hired as the commissioner of the NCAA's West Coast Conference. On Episode #60, Jed and Gloria discuss both past and current issues and advancements across her conference and the NCAA. As the first Latin American woman to become a Division I commissioner, Nevarez is an integral leader in college athletics and is a member of many committees responsible for shaping NCAA policy. Under Nevarez’ leadership, the WCC became the first Division I conference to adopt a diversity hiring initiative, the groundbreaking “Russell Rule”. She has been tasked with redefining NCAA, as she is a member of the NCAA Constitution Committee.

Joining the ownership group that saved the team from a move to Tampa Bay in late 1992, Larry Baer is now President & Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Giants. Inside Episode #59, Jed and Larry discuss the financing and construction of a new ballpark, as well as the building of a ballclub that has consistently contended for championships. With 3 World Series titles since 2010, including the 2014 victory as a wild card, the Giants are a standard in the big leagues. They are currently competing with teams spending almost 100$ million more on their team payroll. Baer's story of securing the radio rights, as a college student, for the Oakland Athletics is legendary.

Jed is joined by Dr. Jim Bradley, the head team orthopedic surgeon of the Pittsburgh Steelers for three decades. A great high school athlete, Dr. Bradley attended Penn State University beginning in 1971 where he earned his undergraduate degree. He was also the captain of the football team and standout on defense. Jed and Dr. Bradley discuss Jim’s path to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s residency program for Orthopedic Surgery, and his relationships with patients and members of the Steelers organization. Dr. Bradley has been recognized as one of the top doctors in Pittsburgh and nationally in sports medicine.

Jed and Buzz Peterson, Charlotte Hornets Assistant General Manager, discuss the North Carolina natives extensive resume. As a Division-I head coach, Peterson led Tulsa to the NIT championship. As a player, Peterson was a McDonald’s All-American at Asheville High School and was named North Carolina’s Player of the Year and Athlete of the Year in 1981. An integral part of UNC’s 1982 national championship team on the court, off the court he was the roommate of Tar Heel legend Michael Jordan. Peterson discusses working in alignment with Jordan in Charlotte as the Hornets seek a playoff berth next season.

Jed sits down with Philippe Moggio, General Secretary of CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football). Moggio was hired away from the NBA league office in 2016 to leading the daily business and operations of the Confederation. Phillipe has vast experience across sport, banking, and business, including being a past participant in the Davis Cup.

On episode #55, Jed welcomes on the longtime Head Baseball Coach of the Univeristy of Virginia, Brian O’Connor.  They talk about Brian’s tenure at Virginia, his approach to player development, and how the game has evolved through the years.

On episode #54 Jed welcomes Phil de Picciotto, Founder and President of Octagon, as they discuss the agency that has been at the forefront of the sports, music and entertainment industry for more than 35 years. de Picciotto has been instrumental in Octagon’s growth from start-up to the worldwide leader in sports and entertainment, with clients including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, and Simone Biles.

On Episode #53, Jed chats with Tom Garfinkel, who is vice chairman, president and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Garfinkel has led the business turnaround of the Dolphins including a stadium renovation, winning bids for the Super Bowl and College Football Playoff, and the Paul J. Tagliabue Award for their leadership in advancing diversity. The University of Colorado, Boulder, and University of Michigan alum shares his insights on his journey from working behind the bar in Chicago to behind the desk in Miami.

In honor of Father's Day, we have a unique episode. We will go through Jed's journey from high school physical education teacher, to numerous different coaching stops, and his career in search. He is joined by his son, John-Michael, who interviews him!