The Lombardi of College Hoops?

The Lombardi of College Hoops?
Being from Wisconsin and a Packer fan, I recognized that there are many similiarities between Rick Majerus and Vince Lombardi. Some of these may not be a coincidence as Majerus began his career as a coach in Wisconsin during Lombardi's prime. I've even read that he has quoted Lombardi in the lockerroom.
Even though there are significant differences between the pro football and college basketball worlds, the following table compares the two coaches.

Vince Lombardi
Rick Majerus
Son of a butcher. Son of blue collar worker and labor leader.
Enjoys an occasional visit to butcher shop.
Grew up in Sheepshead Bay, New York. Probably played some Sheepshead as a kid.
(Popular Milwaukee card game).
Educated in Catholic high school, Jesuit college. Educated in Jesuit high school, Jesuit college.
As a player was one of the
"Seven Blocks of Granite" As a player was known as
"Rick the Pick" or "Whitey".
Began law school but gave it up for teaching. Began law school but gave it up for coaching.
11 year tenure as an assistant coach. 12 year tenure as an assistant coach.
Had long term mentor while an assistant (Red Blaik). Had long term mentor while an assistant (Al McGuire).
Fanatical "student of the game"
and X's and O's planner. Fanatical "student of the game"
and X's and O's planner.
Stern with players, but glib with the media. Stern with players, but glib with the media.
Had tenacious player on defense,
#66, Ray Nitschke Used tenacious defense to beat
defending champions, Arizona
#66 in Ute playbook
Lost first championship game coached. Lost first championship game coached.
Won five championships. Has yet to win a national championship.
But could!
Famous for punishing "grass drills". Loves the "wind-sprint".
Past players credit coach with building their
character as much as athletic skills. Past players credit coach with building their
character as much as athletic skills.
At age 50 wrote a book titled,
Run to Daylight At age 50 wrote a book titled,
My Life on a Napkin
Lived in a red brick house with wife and two children. Lives in a hotel with room service and VCRs.
Some of his best friends were
Green Bay and Milwaukee restauranteurs. More than welcome
in any restaurant in Salt Lake City.
Often pined for food and culture of home state, New York. Often pines for food and culture of home state, Wisconsin.
Had an interest in politics. Has some interest in politics.

For an alternative opinion, check out Ultimate Ute's
comparison of Rick Majerus and Indiana Coach Bob Knight.

e-mail: kbrews@cox.net
Original material © 1998 Keith Brewster. Others as noted.
Not endorsed by Rick Majerus or the Univ. of Utah.

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Vince Lombardi	Rick Majerus
Son of a butcher.	Son of blue collar worker and labor leader. Enjoys an occasional visit to butcher shop.
Grew up in Sheepshead Bay, New York.	Probably played some Sheepshead as a kid. (Popular Milwaukee card game).
Educated in Catholic high school, Jesuit college.	Educated in Jesuit high school, Jesuit college.
As a player was one of the "Seven Blocks of Granite"	As a player was known as "Rick the Pick" or "Whitey".
Began law school but gave it up for teaching.	Began law school but gave it up for coaching.
11 year tenure as an assistant coach.	12 year tenure as an assistant coach.
Had long term mentor while an assistant (Red Blaik).	Had long term mentor while an assistant (Al McGuire).
Fanatical "student of the game" and X's and O's planner.	Fanatical "student of the game" and X's and O's planner.
Stern with players, but glib with the media.	Stern with players, but glib with the media.
Had tenacious player on defense, #66, Ray Nitschke	Used tenacious defense to beat defending champions, Arizona #66 in Ute playbook
Lost first championship game coached.	Lost first championship game coached.
Won five championships.	Has yet to win a national championship. But could!
Famous for punishing "grass drills".	Loves the "wind-sprint".
Past players credit coach with building their character as much as athletic skills.	Past players credit coach with building their character as much as athletic skills.
At age 50 wrote a book titled, Run to Daylight	At age 50 wrote a book titled, My Life on a Napkin
Lived in a red brick house with wife and two children.	Lives in a hotel with room service and VCRs.
Some of his best friends were Green Bay and Milwaukee restauranteurs.	More than welcome in any restaurant in Salt Lake City.
Often pined for food and culture of home state, New York.	Often pines for food and culture of home state, Wisconsin.
Had an interest in politics.	Has some interest in politics.