'Cradle of Coaches' documentary explores impact of Miami coaching

Miami University's historic coaching legacy will be celebrated in a new documentary.

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The "Cradle of Coaches" project, produced in conjunction with RESLV and NBCUniversal, is set to premiere on Aug. 17 exclusively on Peacock.

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“Cradle of Coaches” takes viewers deep into how legendary coaches built the game of football. The documentary delves into the history of remarkable leaders, their groundbreaking achievements, and the profound connections that have shaped football’s greatest coaching legacy.

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Throughout the sports world, Miami University’s Cradle of Coaches is recognized for the lasting impact many of its legendary coaches have had on the college and professional game of football.

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"The timing for this documentary couldn't be more perfect. We have successfully captured rare, first-hand interviews with the individuals who lived it — those who played for, coached with, and worked alongside the greatest legends in collegiate and NFL history, spanning over a century," said Miami University Athletic Director David Sayler.

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The film features some of football’s iconic figures: Ben Roethlisberger, Lou Holtz, Ken Anderson, Chris Berman, Mike Brown, Rocky Bleier, Pat Narduzzi, Jacob Bronowski and Dick LeBeau. Also included are exclusive interviews with John Harbaugh, head coach of the New York Giants, and Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. "Cradle of Coaches" will reveal never-before-seen archival footage, audio recordings, and behind-the-scenes evidence of the men who helped shape football such as Ara Parseghian, Weeb Ewbank, Paul Brown, and more.

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“The Cradle of Coaches isn’t just a phrase – it’s a legacy that has shaped the game of football and the leaders within it,” said Scott Thompson, director and founder of Cincinnati-based marketing agency RESLV. “At RESLV, we’re honored to bring this powerful story to life. There’s no greater privilege than capturing the passion, leadership, and enduring impact of these extraordinary coaches. Partnering with Peacock allows us to share this incredible journey with a massive audience."

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To celebrate the upcoming premiere, Miami University hosted a kickoff event and panel discussion at Paycor Stadium's CareSource Club on Aug. 4. A standing-room-only crowd gathered in Paycor Stadium’s CareSource Club level to view exclusive clips of the documentary and hear insight from several panelists, including former Ohio State coach and current Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Solomon Wilcots, a former NFL defensive back. Other panelists included Terence Moore, a 1978 Miami graduate and celebrated journalist and author; Denis Crawford, historian of the College Football Hall of Fame; and Scott Thompson, founder of RESLV, the company that produced “Cradle of Coaches.”

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“Miami University makes, takes, and shapes great leaders,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said during the event. “It’s reflected in most of the things that we do on campus. Tonight, we’re here to celebrate leadership and excellence in coaching.”

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Hosting the event at the Bengals' stadium was particularly fitting. In March 2025, the Bengals and Miami announced an educational partnership, strengthening an already deep connection through Paul Brown. Brown, the 1930 Miami graduate who founded the Bengals, is an iconic figure in football history for his strategic brilliance and innovative coaching methods. Bengals president Mike Brown, son of the late Paul, was in attendance for the event.

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“Cradle of Coaches” is directed by Scott Thompson, produced by Jesy Herron, along with associate producers Bailey Williams, Cooper Wood, Alecia Lipton, and executive producer, Jay Livingston.

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“We have a commitment to bringing compelling sports stories and premier programming to audiences across Peacock,” said Jon Miller, President of Acquisitions and Partnerships at NBC Sports. “Cradle of Coaches is a powerful look at the leaders whose vision, innovation, and influence helped shape the game of football. We’re proud to bring this remarkable story and its legacy to our viewers.”

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Cradle of Coaches' documentary explores impact of Miami coaching