Testimonials

Bill Courtney

Personalities

“His success serves as a moving example of what can happen when people in authority care about others – not just about winning the next game or securing the next client.”

— PHIL JACKSON

NBA Coach and The New York Times bestselling author of Eleven Rings
“If you haven’t seen the film Undefeated, you should, ASAP. @IamCoachBill is a real leader who draws out the true character of his players.”

— Brian Burkhart

You’re the Boss blog on NYTimes.com
“I was inspired, especially by the chapter on perseverance. Everyone faces adversity and if you persevere through the tough times, you become resilient, which leads to success.”

— Pam Shriver

International Tennis Hall of Famer and ESPN broadcaster

“The role for a coach is often defined by wins and losses. Coach Courtney is a unique coach who understands that his role is not about a trophy, but about developing the next generation of leaders across the globe. Against The Grain speaks directly to that audience, both young and old, and is a must read for anyone who strives to impact others.”

— Yogi Roth

former QB coach at USC, The New York Times bestselling co-author of Win Forever and author of From PA to LA, Color and College Football Analyst for ESPN/Pac 12 Football
“Sports is not the only realm where coaching counts. Bill Courtney has written a book that demonstrates to the beaten-down executive that by peeling down to the values of character, commitment and leadership, you can find your way back to a successful business and a meaningful life.”

— Jeanie Buss

President, Los Angeles Lakers
“Bill Courtney is a special person with an inspiring and incredible story.”

— Jimmy Kimmel

comedian and host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“Coach Courtney is an ultimate competitor with a passion for excellence. He continues to be an inspiration to coaches and players all around the football world—from high school to college to the pros—and also those from off the gridiron as well.”

— Pete Carroll

head coach of Super Bowl XLVIII champions the Seattle Seahawks and New York Times best selling author
“If you haven’t seen the film Undefeated, you should, ASAP. @IamCoachBill is a real leader who draws out the true character of his players.”

— Brian Burkhart

You’re the Boss blog on NYTimes.com, via Twitter
“Bill Courtney has nothing to prove to anyone as a football coach, as a businessman and as a human being. But if you want proof that his life has been fascinating, Against the Grain gives you all you need. Enjoy the ride.”

— John Feinstein

Author and Columnist
“The old-fashioned values of Coach Courtney come across as revolutionary in the cynical contemporary world. [Against the Grain is] full of detail and anecdotes worthy of a Southern preacher but without the guilt.”

— Ron Shelton

Director of Bull Durham and Tin Cup
“I was inspired, especially by the chapter on perseverance. Everyone faces adversity and if you persevere through the tough times, you become resilient, which leads to success.”

— Pam Shriver

International Tennis Hall of Famer and ESPN broadcaster

Media & News

“[A] stirring, emotional portrait of a high school football team in the impoverished neighborhood of North Memphis, Tenn.”
— The Washington Post
“It’s a surprisingly moving, emotional film, even for those who (like me) know little of football; by its end, you just might be blinking away a few tears.”
— The Seattle Times
“An irresistible story of football, faith and the lust for happily-ever-after black-and-white endings.”
— The New York Times
“Undefeated chronicles a championship season but covers turf that extends miles beyond the football field.”
— USA Today
“Undefeated presents itself as a look at a single season in the life of a striving high school football team in impoverished North Memphis, Tenn., but really it’s about so much more.”
— Los Angeles Times
“Enjoyably upbeat and intelligently inspiring.”
— Variety

Connect With Bill Courtney