Greatest Coach Quotes of All Time

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Nothing great is ever achieved without tremendous leadership. That leadership can take multiple forms in sports. Whether focused on strategy, work ethic, pure enthusiasm or level-headedness, the profound words of great leaders have led teams to historic achievements.
The best coaches have different styles, but they’re all winners who are summed up best in their own words. Their words can grab players at the core and allow them to achieve their best.
These coach quotes demonstrate the ethos of what makes champions tick. They are the greatest coach quotes of all time.
25. Always Give Your Best

Quote: “Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.”
Who said it: George Halas
Years active: 1920-67
Sport: Football (NFL)
Teams: Decatur Staleys/Chicago Staleys/Chicago Bears
Bottom Line: George Halas

George Halas was one of the early greats of head coaching, leading the Chicago Bears to an NFL championship in just his second season at the helm in 1921.
He followed that up with four more championships over the next two decades, including three in a four-season span in the 1940s.
This quote truly speaks to his determination, as his teams had no titles and only one playoff appearance from 1947 to 1962, until he finally won another title in 1963.
24. Respect Is Earned

Quote: “You don’t demand respect. You earn it.”
Who said it: Steve Seidler
Years active: 1979-87
Sport: Basketball (college)
Teams: Oregon State (assistant)
Bottom Line: Steve Seidler

Steve Seidler may not be a household name, but the former assistant coach at Oregon State spoke the truth about respect.
Credited with this iconic quote, Seidler perfectly sums up the effort needed to excel. Reputation will only get an athlete so far, and respect on the court (or any playing field) is not given lightly, especially in Corvallis, Oregon.
Seidler wrote “A System of Game Execution” based on the high-pressure system of Ralph Miller’s teams, which won the coach a total of 657 games, placing him seventh on the all-time coaching wins list at the time of his retirement.