'Successful Coaches Are Those Who Can Pivot, Plan, or Adapt'

He had just finished a successful college basketball playing career at Fordham, and now, Fred Quartlebaum wanted to get into coaching.

But when an assistant position opened at the U.S. Naval Academy, Quartlebaum didn’t exactly jump at the opportunity.

“It required the assistant coach to join the Navy,” he said. “(There were) common hesitations: Deployment, loss of autonomy, military life."

Ultimately, Quartlebaum took the job, however, and more than two decades later, still regards it as the best choice of his career.

He’s since been on the bench at eight other schools — including North Carolina, Notre Dame and Iowa State — and is now entering his 12th year as the director of basketball operations at Kansas under legendary coach Bill Self.

The Daily Coach spoke to Quartlebaum about how he’s risen in the industry, keys to staying organized while juggling responsibilities, and the qualities that make Self one of the great coaches the sport has ever seen.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Coach, thank you for doing this. Tell us about your childhood and some key lessons from it.

I had a unique upbringing that combined the concrete jungle and suburban tree line. I spent my early years in Harlem and The Bronx before moving to Westchester, which exposed me to a rich diversity of cultural and social backgrounds.

My mother worked as a Bronx Supreme Court reporter. I loved sitting in the courtroom during trials. I was fascinated by her strong listening skills, the attention to detail, and her shorthand typing skills.

My father was a New York City transit bus driver. I would ride along his routes and watch him interact with passengers. He knew many by name. My dad was always providing assistance and ensuring safety to those who relied on his service.

Learning to be resilient and treating others with respect as a child has helped shape my responses as an adult. Challenges, fears and setbacks growing up have taught me the importance of persistence. Having the support and encouragement from my family instilled a confidence to bounce back and overcome any insecurities or doubt.

What’d you learn at Navy and in coaching in your 20s that you still apply?

What I didn't realize as an aspiring young coach were the benefits of being in the Navy and coaching at the U.S. Naval Academy. It enhanced my leadership skills, and I gained respect for leading Midshipmen. It was an opportunity to learn and teach integrity, teamwork and resilience.

I still enjoy helping student-athletes improve their life skills but also their leadership, discipline and teamwork. (There's) fulfillment in watching players grow both on and off the court… the sense of camaraderie and connection, which allows players and coaches an opportunity to contribute to something much bigger than themselves.

You’ve been on the bench now at some of the marquee programs in the country. What’s been the key to rising in the industry?

It’s been a combination of personal qualities, player-development skills and staying grounded. Building on these has allowed me to elevate in a competitive industry.

(Also) building strong relationships, continuous learning, on-court success and networking with other coaches and athletic administrators has helped in developing growth and (earning) a solid reputation.

You have a reputation as being a very nice guy. How do you balance being friendly and outgoing but making sureyou don’t get taken advantage of?

By being clear, firm and respectful of your own limits. I believe you can be nice and friendly and still maintain healthy boundaries. It’s also important to protect your time and energy. I might feel the urge to be available to everyone, but it’smore important to carve out time for myself and my priorities.

When you set your boundaries early, you avoid misunderstandings. It lets people know when you are available and how much you can commit.

Obviously, as a director of basketball operations, you juggle a ton of different responsibilities and assignments. How do you stay organized?

Early in my coaching career, I was not the best with organization and logistical responsibilities. My role from college recruiter, on-floor coach to currently director of basketball operations came with a new set of learning and skills. Just like with a team, every season and every role is different. Successful coaches are those who can pivot, plan, or adapt to various challenges.

The college basketball landscape is constantly changing and evolving at a rapid pace. Being adaptable, organized and knowledgeable allows me to stay ahead and adjust to the logistical daily demands.

You’ve worked with one of the preeminent coaches in the sport for more than a decade now. What makes Coach Self elite?

Coach Self is the best culture, team, relationship and leadership builder in all of sports. 

His leadership style emphasizes empowering those around him. He fosters a culture where his assistant coaches, support staff, managers and players are trusted with responsibilities and encouraged to ask questions and make decisions. That approach (inspires both) confidence and accountability, as well as a sense of ownership in the success of the team… Everyone in the program becomes a caretaker and contributor once you become a Jayhawk.

(He’ll say), “The pie is big enough for everyone if we all just do our job.” What that means is that if we collectively create an environment where everyone gives themselves up for something greater, it gives us the best chance. 

Do you have a favorite story that personifies his leadership style?

In the final huddle of the 2022 NCAA National Championship game, Coach Self had to relax, calm and settle our players down after a turnover, which gave the ball back to North Carolina. We still had a three-point lead, but anything could happen on that last possession.

He urged our players to stay aggressive, stick to our defensive principles and maintain focus. He asked if they could lock-in for the last possession. He had their eyes. 

They forgot what happened. They were in “next play” and “finish strong” mode. I (think) Coach Self wanted the game to be won on the defensive end. The whole season, he was building a team that would be prepared on the last possession.

Q&A Resources
Fred Quartlebaum ― Bio | Men's Health Feature | Book: The Positivity Tribe in the Locker Room | Instagram | X | LinkedIn 

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