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.

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.”

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-room speeches 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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.