Office Hours: How UNC's Chris Miltenberg Creates NCAA Champions, His Career Trajectory, Building Team Buy-In + Training Philosophy

“The part I also really love is finding the edges: How do we pursue the elite edge of world-class performance? I think as I've gotten further, that part is exciting me more and more as we go on here. But it doesn't have to just be world- class – how do you get people to find out how good they can really be?”

When Chris Miltenberg took the helm at North Carolina in 2019, the Tar Heels distance programs had not won an ACC cross country title since before most of his current athletes were born. Fast forward to today and under Miltenberg's leadership, UNC has not only climbed back to the top of the ACC podium in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track, but they've reestablished themselves as a legitimate national contender too.

Miltenberg has led UNC to top ten finishes at the NCAA cross country, indoor, and outdoor championships, he's coached Parker Wolfe to UNC's first-ever 5000m outdoor national title, signed the program's highest ranked recruiting class, and has built a culture of buy-in, belief, and bold ambition. Most recently, he's coming off an indoor season where Ethan Strand broke the collegiate records in the 3000m and mile before taking the NCAA title. Makayla Paige won the women's 800m to become the Tar Heels' first women's NCAA champion since 2018.

But this isn't just a North Carolina story; Miltenberg's impact has been felt at every stop. At Stanford, he led the Cardinals to a top five program of the year finish and coached national champions like Grant Fisher, Sean McGorty, and Elise Cranny. At Georgetown, he guided the Hoyas to the 2011 NCAA Women's Cross Country title with the team that was led by Emily Infeld.

In today's conversation, we talk about how he's building something sustainable in Chapel Hill, his approach to culture, and what it takes to coach through transitions, setbacks, and expectations. We also dig into athlete development, milestone moments, and why being present is one of the most underrated skills a coach can have.

Hosts: Chris Chavez | ⁠@chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Guest: Chris Miltenberg | @chris.miltenberg on Instagram

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

OLIPOP: Big name sodas are rolling out bold new flavors in 2025, but the real buzz is happening in the prebiotic pop aisle. If you haven't already jumped on the Olipop train yet, now's the time. BuzzFeed just came out with an article that recently named Olipop the best overall soda for flavor — and with a lineup that includes classic root beer, vintage cola and cherry vanilla, it's easy to see why. Try Olipop today and save 25% on your order using code CITIUS25 at checkout at DrinkOlipop.com.

SWIFTWICK: Socks: sometimes you don't think about them until you do – like mile eight of a long run when your heels are on fire or when your sock has mysteriously vanished into your shoe. That's why we're teaming up with SWIFTWICK: the go-to sock brand for endurance athletes who care about performance and longevity. For a limited time, CITIUS MAG listeners get 15% off your first order with the code CITIUSMAG at checkout.

VELOUS: Recover smarter with VELOUS’ new active adjustable slide! Tired feet? VELOUS has you covered. VELOUS just launched the NEW Active Adjustable Slide, designed to take your recovery to the next level. With a perfectly cont