#375: Josh Brooks-UGA | Why Track & Field Matters, Coaching Leadership, and the Future of College Athletics

Mike Cunningham is joined by Josh Brooks, Athletic Director at the University of Georgia, for a deep, inside look at leadership in college athletics—and the growing role of track & field.

Josh shares his journey from javelin athlete to SEC Athletic Director, along with his perspective on why track has become such an important part of athletic department success—from both a competitive and developmental standpoint.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Georgia’s recent success across track, baseball, and other sports
• Building a world-class track & field facility with athlete, coach, and fan experience in mind
• Why track offers unique developmental value for youth athletes
• The balance between revenue and non-revenue sports at the DI level
• The evolving NCAA landscape, including NIL and the new 5-year eligibility rule
• Challenges with roster age gaps and international recruiting
• The idea of expanding NCAA scoring beyond the top 8
• What Athletic Directors look for when hiring head coaches
• Why assistant coaches need to demonstrate leadership beyond their event group
• The concept of “good high maintenance” and advocating for your program
• Advice for coaches considering a move into administration

Josh also discusses how he approaches recruiting—even meeting with track & field recruits personally—and why he views recruiting as the single biggest way he can impact success.

This episode provides rare insight into how top-level decisions are made—and how coaches can better position themselves and their programs moving forward.

Dive into nearly 400 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode:
Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected:
Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram (@MikeCunninghamTF), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍