Chris Holtmann is the Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball Team at DePaul University, a prominent NCAA Division I program in Chicago. Previously, he served as the Head Coach at Ohio State and Butler, leading teams to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including several Sweet 16 berths, and was recognized as the 2017 Big Ten Coach of the Year. Known for his authentic leadership and commitment to player development, Chris is passionate about building strong team cultures and mentoring young coaches.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [0:34] How Chris Holtmann’s mentors shaped his coaching journey
- [1:56] What it takes to climb the coaching career ladder
- [3:33] How key relationships open doors in coaching
- [5:07] How Chris pays it forward by mentoring young coaches
- [7:39] Tips on building trust and connection with players
- [8:47] Chris’ secret for making a memorable first impression
- [9:45] How NIL and transfers have revolutionized recruiting
- [11:01] The art of rebuilding a program from the ground up
- [13:21] Chris’ strategy for staying level-headed through wins and losses
- [17:21] Chris’ top lesson for life and coaching
In this episode…
The journey to becoming a top college basketball coach is never straightforward. It’s filled with long days, constant moves, and a relentless pursuit for the right opportunity. What does it really take to stand out, build lasting relationships, and lead a team through both triumph and adversity?
Chris Holtmann reveals how he navigated these challenges on his path from assistant coach to head coach at programs like Butler, Ohio State, and now DePaul. He credits much of his advancement to the mentors and colleagues who helped open doors, and he’s passionate about paying it forward by guiding young coaches. Chris shares how authenticity and a genuine connection — both with players and staff — are essential, especially in today’s fast-changing landscape marked by NIL deals and frequent roster changes. He emphasizes building a healthy team culture, recruiting unselfish players, and maintaining a growth mindset through the ups and downs of a long season. Ultimately, he believes that caring for players’ development as people, not just as athletes, leads to both individual and team success.
In this episode of Beyond the Game with Hal, host Hal Steinberg talks with Chris Holtmann about the moments that shaped his career in college basketball. Chris shares stories from his early coaching grind to seeing players reach the NBA, and reflects on vulnerability, perspective, and running your own race. The episode also dives into recruiting, adapting to new environments, and building team chemistry in short timeframes.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Chris Holtmann on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/coachholtmann/?hl=en
- Chris Holtmann on X – https://x.com/chrisholtmann
- Butler University – https://www.butler.edu/
- DePaul University – https://www.depaul.edu/
- Gardner-Webb – https://www.gardner-webb.edu/
- Jeff Meyer – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Meyer_(basketball_coach)
- Takayo Siddle – https://www.uncwsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/takayo-siddle/929
- Ryan Peden – https://ballstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/ryan-peden/1791
- Tim Kraft – https://gwusports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/tim-kraft/770
- Michael Lewis – https://ballstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/michael-lewis/1790
- John Groce – https://goZips.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/john-groce/765
- Ed Cooley – https://friars.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/ed-cooley/1621
Quotable moments:
- “You always tend to follow your greatest influences in life, and for me, basketball was something I just couldn’t live without.”
- “Coaching is caring for players. If you’re coaching them the right way, you’re showing great care towards your players.”
- “If you really focus on having a healthy culture and a growth mindset, your goals of results will eventually take care of themselves.”
- “Comparison is the thief of joy. Running your own race and staying committed to your best self is what really matters.”
- “It’s hard to fool young people. They see right through anything fake, so I try to be real and authentic with them.”
Action Steps:
- Build genuine relationships: Invest in mentors and peers who can open doors, guide you through transitions, and support your growth.
- Stay authentic and open: Be real and approachable to foster trust, honest communication, and stronger collaboration.
- Prioritize growth and culture: Focus on learning and development over quick wins to build resilience and long-term success.
- Empower and give back: Support the growth of others to strengthen your team and reinforce your own leadership.
- Run your own race: Avoid unhealthy comparisons and focus on becoming the best version of yourself.
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