Doug Gottlieb

Douglas Mitchell Gottlieb: A Journey from Court to Commentary

Imagine a journey that spans from the basketball court to the broadcast booth, where every move is scrutinized and every play analyzed. This is Douglas Mitchell Gottlieb’s story. From his days as a point guard at Notre Dame to his current role as head men’s basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Gottlieb has worn many hats in the world of sports.

The Player

At Notre Dame, Gottlieb was a starting point guard. However, his collegiate career took an unexpected turn when he left due to an incident involving a classmate’s credit card. This decision led him to sit out his transfer year at Golden West College before returning to play college ball at various schools, including Oklahoma State.

At Oklahoma State, Gottlieb made history by leading the nation in assists twice and breaking multiple school records. His senior year saw him leading the nation once again in assists and earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition. Despite going undrafted, his career continued to flourish internationally and on radio.

The Broadcaster

After his playing days ended, Gottlieb transitioned into broadcasting. His first big break came when North Carolina head coach Roy Williams made a comment about him that was both humorous and telling: ‘couldn’t even put his pants on the right way.’ Despite this, Gottlieb broke all of Oklahoma State’s assist records and ranks tenth in NCAA career assists with 947.

His broadcasting career took off with shows like The Sports Animal, ESPN Radio’s GameNight with Chuck Wilson, The Dan Patrick Show, and The Herd with Colin Cowherd. He even hosted his own show, NBA Today, and worked as a studio analyst for ESPNews during the NCAA tournament.

His segment ‘Point of Contention’ sparked controversy but solidified his presence in the sports commentary world. In 2012, Gottlieb moved to CBS where he hosted Leadoff and The Doug Gottlieb Show. After leadoff was canceled, his show continued on radio and later TV. In 2017, he joined Fox Sports as a basketball analyst and radio host, replacing his original show on CBS Radio with The Doug Gottlieb Show.

The Coach

On June 26, 2011, Gottlieb was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. His journey as a coach began when he coached Team USA at the 2009 Maccabiah Games and won a gold medal in 2017.

In May 2024, Gottlieb took on his latest challenge by becoming head men’s basketball coach at Green Bay. The team faced several early losses, but Gottlieb’s experience and knowledge of the game will undoubtedly help guide them to success.

A Legacy in Sports

Throughout his career, Gottlieb has been a constant presence in sports media. His journey from player to broadcaster to coach is a testament to his passion for basketball and his ability to adapt and thrive in different roles.

As he continues to lead the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay men’s basketball team, Gottlieb’s legacy as a respected figure in both broadcasting and coaching will undoubtedly continue to grow. His story serves as an inspiration to many, showing that no matter where life takes you, there is always room for growth and success.

As we look back on Douglas Mitchell Gottlieb’s remarkable journey, it’s clear that his impact on the world of sports is far-reaching. From his days as a player to his current role as a coach, Gottlieb has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding and love for basketball. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and dedication—qualities that make him a true icon in the realm of sports.