Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret

The Power of a Lot of Little Things Done Well

Cover Art

Where to Purchase

About

"The little things matter. All I need is one little wrinkle in one sock to put a blister on one foot--and it could ruin my whole season. I started teaching about shoes and socks early in my career, and I saw that it really did cut down on blisters during the season. That little detail gave us an edge."--Coach John Wooden

Coach Wooden knew the long-term impact of little things done well.

Now Pat Williams takes Coach Wooden's lesson, along with stories of people like Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, and more, and shows you how the small things you do or don't do dramatically affect your integrity, reputation, health, career, faith, and success. You can live a life of excellence that is worthy of emulation. This inspiring book will show you how it's done.

"A must-read for anyone who aspires to achieve excellence in any profession. In this book, Pat and Coach Wooden provide you with a blueprint for success."--Bill Polian, NFL analyst for ESPN; former NFL executive

"Coach John Wooden was a man of great simplicity in every area of his life. Now, Pat Williams has captured Coach's greatest secret in this powerful little book. Don't hesitate; start reading."--Dom Capers, defensive coordinator, Green Bay Packers; former head coach, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans

"A truly great read . . . filled with motivation, inspiration, and life lessons for all of us."--Brady Hoke, head football coach, University of Michigan

"Pat Williams captures the essence of Coach Wooden's core value. Read this book and apply the lessons to achieve excellence in your life."--Mike McCarthy, head football coach, Green Bay Packers

"Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret has kept me engaged from start to finish. I can't believe there is so much wisdom packed between two covers."--Charlie Strong, head football coach, University of Louisville

Pat Williams retired as senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic in May 2019 to head up an effort to bring major league baseball to Orlando. He has more than 50 years of professional sports experience, has written more than 100 books, including the popular Coach Wooden, Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret, and Character Carved in Stone. Find out more at www.patwilliams.com.

Jim Denney is a full-time freelance writer with more than one hundred published books to his credit. His collaborative titles include Reggie White in the Trenches; Undefeated, with Bob and Brian Griese; and numerous books with Pat Williams, including Go for the Magic, Coach Wooden, and The Difference You Make.


Endorsements

"Coach John Wooden's success speaks for itself. In his book Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret, Pat Williams captures the essence of Coach Wooden's core value. Read this book and apply the lessons to achieve excellence in your life."

Mike McCarthy, head football coach, Green Bay Packers

"Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret has kept me engaged from start to finish. I can't believe there is so much wisdom packed between two covers."

Charlie Strong, head football coach, University of Louisville

"I am always looking for books on leadership. When I find one, it is like gold, not only for my own personal growth but for the growth of the entire organization. Pat Williams's new book on Coach Wooden will have a major impact on every reader."

James Franklin, head football coach, Vanderbilt University

"In Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret, Pat Williams has produced a book that is a must-read for anyone who aspires to achieve excellence in any profession. The principles set forth in this book work. I can attest to that, having seen coaches Tony Dungy and Marv Levy apply them during numerous championship seasons in the NFL. In this book, Pat and Coach Wooden provide you with a blueprint for success."

Bill Polian, NFL analyst for ESPN; former NFL executive

"For years we have preached that to be successful, there is nothing insignificant. There are no small things, but all things are important. Pat Williams's chronicling of Coach Wooden's philosophy and life's work vividly sets forth guidelines for a successful life."

Ned Colletti, general manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

"Coach John Wooden was a man of great simplicity in every area of his life. Now, Pat Williams has captured Coach's greatest secret in this powerful little book. Don't hesitate; start reading."

Dom Capers, defensive coordinator, Green Bay Packers; former head coach, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans

"Pat Williams's latest book is a truly great read. Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret is filled with motivation, inspiration, and life lessons for all of us. I'll be using segments of the book with our team to further the development of the Michigan football program."

Brady Hoke, head football coach, University of Michigan

"I have this book all marked up with great ideas that I can use for helping my guys. I have read almost everything that has been written about Coach Wooden, but this one really hit me right between the eyes with the message that I have been trying to preach to my players: 'Pay attention to the details in the little things, and the big things will be there.'"

Mike Matheny, manager, St. Louis Cardinals

"It has been a great pleasure to read Pat's latest book, Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret. As a coach on any level, you will learn, gain, and reinforce pearls of wisdom that may prove to be a catalyst to empower your team or individuals. It is a very easy read and a book that you will not want to put down. There are passages I have highlighted to go back and reread on multiple occasions, and to share with our coaching staff and team."

Marvin Lewis, head football coach, Cincinnati Bengals


The Authors

  1. Pat Williams

    Pat Williams

    Pat Williams retired as senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic in 2019 to head up an effort to bring major league baseball to Orlando. He has more than 50 years of professional sports experience, and has written more than 100 books, including the...

    Continue reading about Pat Williams

  2. James D. Denney

    James D. Denney

    Jim Denney is the author of Walt's Disneyland, Answers to Satisfy the Soul, Writing in Overdrive, and the Timebenders series for young readers. He has written many books with Pat Williams, including Coach Wooden, The...

    Continue reading about James D. Denney

  3. Jim Denney

    Jim Denney

    Jim Denney is the author of Walt's Disneyland, Answers to Satisfy the Soul, Writing in Overdrive, and the Timebenders series for young readers. He has written many books with Pat Williams, including Coach Wooden, The...

    Continue reading about Jim Denney