Lou Holtz,
June 19, 2025
In this engaging episode, Coach Lou Holtz welcomes Bubba Cunningham—veteran athletic director and influential voice in college sports—for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, values, and the future of collegiate athletics. From his early days in Naples, Florida, to his current role guiding the University of North Carolina’s powerhouse athletic program, Bubba’s journey reflects a deep commitment to integrity and excellence.
The two revisit their shared history at Notre Dame and explore the foundational lessons learned through athletics—lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and principled leadership. Bubba offers insight into what it takes to cultivate a thriving athletic culture, stressing that the real mission of college sports is to shape young people of strong character and conviction.
Their conversation also addresses the complex realities reshaping college athletics today, including the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the influence of the transfer portal, and the legal battles altering how programs operate. Bubba emphasizes the need for reform that preserves the heart of the student-athlete experience while supporting long-term sustainability, particularly for Olympic sports.
Whether discussing unexpected championship moments or the role of athletics in uniting communities, Bubba Cunningham delivers meaningful reflections on the leadership and values that elevate both programs and people. Tune in for a thoughtful dialogue on how timeless principles and courageous decision-making can strengthen not only college athletics—but the nation itself.