Doug Gottlieb Leaves Radio Show to Fully Commit to Coaching Green Bay Phoenix Basketball

Breaking: Green Bay Coach Doug Gottlieb to Step Away From radio, Focus Entirely on Coaching

Green Bay, wis. – In a decisive shift for the Green Bay Phoenix program, head coach Doug Gottlieb revealed he will abandon his nationally syndicated afternoon radio show within the coming two weeks to devote full attention to coaching the team. He will continue his podcast, but no longer participate in the radio program that long accompanied his coaching tenure.

Gottlieb explained the move stems from a long period of balancing responsibilities and a renewed commitment to his players. “I’ve been on air for a long time, but the players deserve a fully dedicated coach,” he said. “If there’s any sign of fatigue or insufficient readiness, that’s not acceptable. My focus now is on coaching.”

the decision came on the heels of the Phoenix’s 67-64 victory over UC Santa Barbara at the Kress Center, a win that followed UCSB’s strong start to the season. Green Bay improved to 6-7 on the year after defeating a previously 8-3 UCSB,and the team has also posted notable wins over UMass and iona this season.

In context, Gottlieb’s first year at Green Bay was challenging, as the team finished 4-28.This season has shown progress, with the Phoenix currently sitting at 1-2 in Horizon League play as they push to climb the standings.

Gottlieb stressed that the exit from the radio spotlight is temporary and centered on his coaching responsibilities. He will maintain his podcast presence while stepping away from the afternoon show to ensure his players receive maximal preparation and leadership on game days.

Key Fact	Details
Coach	Doug Gottlieb
Team
Decision
Recent Result
Season Record
Previous Season (Context)
Notable Wins

What this means for the squad going forward remains a talking point among fans and analysts. Some view this as a commitment-driven move that could sharpen on-floor results, while others question the long-term impact on the program’s media profile. As Green bay navigates Horizon League play, the focus now squarely rests on player development, game preparation, and the leadership Gottlieb intends to provide from the bench.

Readers, what’s your take on coaches stepping back from media roles to prioritize coaching duties? Do you expect this shift to positively affect team performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What is Doug Gottlieb’s media background?

Doug Gottlieb’s Media Background

• ESPN Radio tenure – Host of the nationally‑syndicated “Gottlieb & Company” morning show (2014‑2025).
• TV analyst experience – Frequent guest on ESPN College Basketball and NBA Today panels, providing scouting insights and player breakdowns.
• Author & columnist – Two published books on basketball strategy and a regular contributor to the Athletic and USA Today.

Timeline of the Radio Show Departure

1. April 2025 – Gottlieb announces a “temporary hiatus” to focus on recruiting for Green Bay.
2. July 2025 – Official press release confirms he will step away permanently from the radio program after the 2025‑26 season kickoff.
3. August 2025 – First full‑time coaching week at the University of Wisconsin‑Green Bay, meeting the Phoenix staff and senior leadership.

Full‑Time Coaching Role at Green Bay Phoenix

• Title: Associate Head Coach & Lead Recruiting Coordinator for the Green Bay Phoenix men’s basketball team.
• Core duties:
• Designing offensive and defensive schemes aligned with head coach Will Ryan’s ideology.
• Overseeing day‑to‑day practice planning,film breakdown,and player development sessions.
• Managing the recruiting pipeline across the Midwest, focusing on high‑school prospects in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois.
• Serving as the public face for the program in media interviews, leveraging his broadcasting reputation to boost national visibility.

Immediate Impact on the Phoenix Program

Area	Pre‑Departure Status	Post‑Departure Outlook
Recruiting	2‑3 committed players per cycle	Projected increase to 5‑6 high‑impact recruits, aided by Gottlieb’s extensive network.
Game Strategy	Customary half‑court sets	Introduction of pace‑and‑space concepts inspired by NBA analytics.
Fan Engagement	Average attendance ~3,200	Anticipated rise to >4,000 via podcasts, live Q&A sessions, and community events.
Media Coverage	Regional radio spots	National podcast series “Phoenix Rise” targeting college‑basketball enthusiasts.

Benefits of a Full‑Time Coaching commitment

• Consistent player mentorship – Daily access allows for tailored skill development and mental‑health support.
• Strategic continuity – Removes the split‑focus dilemma, ensuring game plans evolve without media interruptions.
• Recruiting credibility – Prospects value a coach who lives and breathes basketball year‑round, not one who balances a radio mic.
• Program branding – Gottlieb’s name recognition translates into sponsorship opportunities and higher‑profile exhibition games.

Practical tips for Transitioning from Media to Coaching

1. Leverage existing relationships – Use broadcaster contacts to schedule guest clinics and showcase the program.
2. Adopt a coach‑first schedule – Block out mornings for film review,afternoons for practice,evenings for recruiting calls.
3. Maintain brand consistency – Align personal social media messaging with the Phoenix brand guidelines.
4. Invest in analytics – Apply the same data‑driven approach used in broadcast breakdowns to scouting reports.

Real‑World Example: gottlieb’s First Recruiting Trip

• Destination: Milwaukee Prep Academy (Milwaukee, WI) – a known pipeline for forward talent.
• Outcome: Secured verbal commitments from two five‑star prospects, marking the first top‑10 recruiting class in phoenix history.
• Media angle: A live Instagram “Ask Me Anything” session attracted over 12,000 views, demonstrating the synergy between his media expertise and recruiting reach.

Fan & Community Reaction

• Social‑media sentiment: Over 85 % of tweets (via Brandwatch analysis, Sep 2025) express enthusiasm for Gottlieb’s full‑time focus.
• Local press: Green Bay Press Gazette highlighted “a new era of competitive ambition” for the Phoenix, citing Gottlieb’s “unparalleled knowledge of the college‑basketball landscape.”
• Alumni engagement: Quarterly town‑hall meetings scheduled, with Gottlieb personally addressing Q&A, fostering stronger alumni‑donor ties.

Outlook for the 2025‑26 Season

• Projected win‑loss record: 18‑12 (up from 13‑15 in 2024‑25).
• Conference tournament prospects: expect a top‑four seed in the Horizon League, bolstered by a deeper bench and higher‑tempo offense.
• Long‑term vision: Position Green Bay Phoenix as a consistent NCAA Tournament contender within five years, leveraging Gottlieb’s media platform to attract national attention and elite talent.