Rosters to Rings Podcast

Our Best Of series continues with Scott Servais sharing how he builds clubhouse culture, Bill Barnwell on the evolution of analytics in the NFL, Greg Maddux gives a scouting report on fellow Hall of Famers, Jason Garrett’s unforgettable Michael Irvin story, Derek Shelton’s MLB game-day routine, Jon Morosi on relationship-building as an MLB insider, and Matt Klentak on building winners in Milwaukee and Philadelphia.

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Thad Levine and Ryan McDonough welcome Remy Cofield, GM of Arkansas University, for a behind-the-scenes look at the business of building winning teams. Remy shares NBA lessons learned with the Boston Celtics from his origin story and getting hired by Danny Ainge,  to currently navigating NIL, transfers, and roster churn, Cofield explains how programs can stay competitive in an era where college sports increasingly mirror pro f...

Thad and Ryan open the show by pulling back the curtain on what this time of year really looks like for an MLB front office — from talent evaluation and contract negotiations to honestly assessing where your team stands.

Then Ryan dives into the NBA trade deadline, breaking down potential buyers and sellers, what the Warriors might do, and how front offices approach big midseason decisions.

Plus, the GMs answer listener quest...

Thad Levine and Ryan McDonough sit down with Super Bowl–winning coach John DeFilippo for a deep dive into quarterback development, leadership inside an NFL building, and how elite offenses are really built. From coaching Carson Wentz during his MVP-caliber run to the pressures of coordinating in the league’s toughest markets, DeFilippo shares candid insight from his journey...

Thad and Ryan are joined by Tom Telesco to break down OKC’s dominance and why the Pistons are finally showing signs of a turnaround. The guys discuss patience, roster construction, and the mental toughness required to rebuild across the three major sports.

Then they dive into Lane Kiffin shaking up college football, cracks forming with the Chiefs, Steelers,...

A Thanksgiving rewind of our favorite 2025 interviews: Greg Anthony and AJ Hinch on player trades, Torii Hunter and PJ Tucker on their unique paths to the pros, Jeff Berry on negotiating big deals, Rick Hahn and Michael Young on team-first leadership, and Jeff Passan and Jeff “Skin” Wade on how the media shapes front-office decisions.

We hope all of our listeners have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

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Thad Levine and Ryan McDonough are joined by Tom Telesco to unpack a wild time in sports — from Nico Harrison’s firing in Dallas to Brian Daboll’s ousting in New York. They debate the risks and rewards of NFL trade deadline deals, break down the MLB gambling scandal shaking the sport, and explain how top Japanese and Korean players make their way to the majors.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Thad and Ryan react to the instant-classic World Series and why this one will stick with fans for years. They break down Yamamoto’s brilliance, Dave Roberts’ best decisions, and the uphill road for the Blue Jays to get back. Then, the guys turn to the NBA, tackling Ja Morant’s suspension, trade value, and the GM calculus of “talent vs. headache.” Plus, this week’s listener questions!

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Former Phillies GM and current Brewers advisor Matt Klentak joins Thad and Ryan for a wide-ranging conversation about life in baseball’s front offices. From the challenges of leading in Philadelphia’s fiery sports market to the Brewers’ small-market success story, Matt shares insights on leadership, player development, and the realities of being a GM. Plus, the guys dissect a thrilling World Series, Shohei’s...

Thad Levine and Ryan McDonough are joined by former NFL GM Tom Telesco to break down the latest wave of coaching firings across sports. From Penn State to the Tennessee Titans, the guys discuss why tenure is shorter than ever, how pressure from ownership shapes decisions, and when patience can actually pay off. Plus, they dive into the GM/coach dynamic, quarterback development timelines, and make their MLB and NBA season prediction...

In this episode, the GMs sit down with one of baseball’s most passionate storytellers FOX and MLB Network’s Jon Paul Morosi. From his childhood love affair with America’s pastime to his rise as one of the sport’s most respected voices, Morosi shares how the game shaped his life and worldview.

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The GMs welcome Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton to the show. Derek shares his remarkable journey through baseball, from his days as a college catcher and early coaching stints in the minors, to the years he spent grinding as a hitting coach and bench coach across the league. He opens up about the lessons learned along the way, the mentors who shaped his approach, and the challenges of preparing for the opportunity to final...

Jason Garrett joins Rosters to Rings to talk about what makes great leaders and great quarterbacks. From Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin to Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert, Jason shares behind-the-scenes stories and lessons from his years as a player, coach, and broadcaster. Thad, Ryan and Tom also dive into MLB playoff pushes, NFL and NBA roster management, and the always-debated “rest vs rust” dilemma.

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The GM's welcome MLB Hall of Fame Pitcher Greg Maddux to the show. Greg talks about his life on an Army base in Spain where he learned to love sports, the reasons for his tough decision to leave Chicago, and the unwritten rules of hitting and being hit by pitches. Plus, Thad and Ryan break down the latest on Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, and dive into a candid debate on how far should teams really go to win in pro sports?

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Thad and Ryan welcome ESPN’s Bill Barnwell for a deep dive into the evolution of analytics in sports, especially the NFL. Bill explains how advances in technology and access to game footage have transformed the way he blends data with storytelling in his work. Plus, Ryan unpacks the latest drama in Los Angeles, breaking down the explosive Clippers saga involving Kawhi Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer.

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The GMs welcome former MLB and Team USA catcher and former Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation. Scott reflects on his unconventional path to the big leagues, breaks down his managerial philosophy across the grind of a full season, discusses his current role with the Padres, and weighs the balance between advanced analytics and gut instinct. Plus, he shares stories from a lifetime of lo...