Matt McMahon, LSU Tigers Men’s Basketball Coach, Offers Perspective on Leadership, Dedication, and Staying Grounded at This Year’s Coaching Summit
At this year’s National College Coaching Summit, LSU Tigers men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon took the stage to deliver a keynote that resonated far beyond the hardwood. Known for his steady leadership and player-first mentality, McMahon shared powerful insights on what it takes to lead a program, remain dedicated through adversity, and stay grounded in the high-pressure world of college athletics.
In front of an audience filled with aspiring coaches, athletic directors, and sports professionals, McMahon spoke candidly about his journey—from his early coaching days as an assistant to his current role at LSU. His message was clear: success in sports, as in life, is built on a foundation of consistent effort, character, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.
“Leadership isn’t about titles or wins,” McMahon began. “It’s about showing up every single day with a sense of purpose, creating trust within your team, and never asking more of others than you’re willing to give yourself.”
McMahon, who took over the LSU program in 2022, has been known for turning challenges into opportunities. Taking the reins during a tumultuous period for the team, he emphasized the importance of building relationships and culture before focusing on results. “You have to invest in people first,” he said. “If your players know you care about them as individuals, the results on the court will follow.”
A major theme in his talk was the idea of servant leadership—a philosophy McMahon lives by. He explained that his role as a coach is to serve his players, not the other way around. Whether it’s helping a player navigate personal struggles or teaching life lessons beyond basketball, McMahon sees coaching as a platform to impact lives in a meaningful way.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the scoreboard,” he admitted. “But the true scoreboard is how these young men grow, graduate, and handle life after college. That’s what really matters.”
Dedication was another cornerstone of McMahon’s message. He highlighted the sacrifices that come with coaching at a high level—the long hours, constant travel, and pressure to win. However, he also reminded attendees that passion is what keeps the fire alive. “You don’t stay in this business unless you love it,” he said. “But love means doing the hard things, even when no one’s watching.”
Staying grounded, especially in the SEC where expectations are high and media attention is relentless, requires a strong sense of self. McMahon credits his family, his faith, and a daily routine of reflection for helping him maintain perspective. “The spotlight can be blinding,” he said. “But if you know who you are and why you’re doing this, it keeps you centered.”
He also spoke about the evolving nature of college athletics, especially with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal changing the landscape. McMahon encouraged fellow coaches to adapt with integrity and continue focusing on the holistic development of their athletes.
As his address came to a close, McMahon left the crowd with a simple but powerful reminder: “Wins and losses will come and go. But your legacy is built on how you treat people and how you lead when no one’s looking.”
The standing ovation he received was a testament not only to his accomplishments but to the respect he has earned as a mentor, leader, and coach. In a world often dominated by stats and headlines, Matt McMahon offered something more enduring—a call to lead with heart, serve with humility, and stay true to what really matters.