Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Building Teams and Winning at the Highest Level

Good book for beginners.

This is actually the 3rd time I've attempted to write this review due to a malfunctioning keyboard only kindle! First heard of the author while watching a New to Me show (The Pat McAfee Show) & liked what I heard him saying, but it did Not hurt that he talked about my 2 favorite teams (49ers & Raiders) & Mike really exposed me to another side of Bill Belichick which made me appreciate the GOAT of NFL coaching/General Managers! The insight Mike has is spot on & very educational due to his time in the NFL, so much so, that I've already bought my next book by the author & once I start reading it will buy a 3rd!! Having officiated 5 sports (Football, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Soccer & Boxing) for 27 years, coached 3 sports (Baseball/Softball, Basketball & Bodybuilding) for 28 years & participated in 4 sports (Football, Basketball, Marathons, Triathlons) i thought I had a unique perspective on All of these sports until I heard/read Mike Lombard it's words!!! Mike is the penultimate source for NFL Football knowledge & I look forward to reading his next book as soon as I'm done with this review!!!

This book contains a series of stories of Bill Walsh and Bill Belichick describing their philosophies of building winning teams. Mixed in are some leadership antidotes. It is a fun book to read if you like football. I found several applications in my job—specifically: attention to detail, evaluation, identifying problems/opportunities, and a commitment to constant improvement. Good stuff!

I have almost no interest in pro sports, and even less interest in pro football, but I couldn’t put this book down. I bought it because I enjoy biographies of great people, and while Bill Belichick isn’t a general or president, he’s certainly a great leader whose story is worth knowing. But this book is so much more. I never imagined being gripped by a stat wonk’s deep dive into using data to choose a great tight end, or an evidence-based exploration of how much influence coaches have on their teams successes. Maybe Mike Lombardi’s contagious enthusiasm wore off on me. His writing is excellent, making what could have been a tedious slog through scouting and coaching mechanics into a fascinating read.

Gridiron Genius is a great read. In my opinion the best writers can take a complex topic and make it understandable. Its the Richard Feynman philosophy that you immerse yourself in a topic and prove your proficiency by being able to explain it in simple terms. The book will improve your understanding of every aspect of building a football team from the draft to defense. Hard Knocks covers the drama of the NFL and players trying to make the team. Gridiron Genius digs deeper and explains team building, culture and the process of winning in the NFL. And it translates to all of us in every day life.

This is such a fantastic read. Really takes you behind the scenes and get you to think about different aspects of the game. I have re-read this book at least three times and always take a ton of information away from it. Can’t wait for the next one.

I loved this book! Been doing a lot of reading during Covid and wish I read this one sooner! Has in depth topics that many of us do not think of when dealing with professional organizations/coaches/players. This is one of the books you are locked in and wanted to read and almost bummed when at the end where as many books I’m saying finally done. But I think any football junkies and coaches would really enjoy this book

Very interesting look at the internal workings of the NFL. Dwells a lot on Bill Belichick, but also gave me a fresh perspective and greater respect for the coach most of us love to hate. I would have liked more application to enterprises other than football besides a few pages at the end.

Exploring the NFL front office and shining a light on that's going on behind the doors. From personal experience, the author deep dives on the leadership role and what differentiates good from great leaders, what makes them great and how they keep pushing themselves and their teams to the top of their games. Talent without leadership archives nothing, leadership without direction & purpose means failure.

Great insight into building a football team, based on experience in the NFL.

Excelente libro. Nos dice cómo hacían las cosas Bill Walsh, Al Davis y Bill Belichick. Excelente información sobre cómo estos grandes coaches/dueño llevaban sus equipos.

Michael Lombardi's book taught me a lot about the game that I did not realise I was not aware of. Essentially, he takes certain plays and explains why they are no good and what should be done instead. Lombardi also lets us learn some of the work ethics and thoughts of Al Davis, Bill Walsh and Bill Belichick, three of the greatest NFL minds ever. Lombardi's book does indeed live up the cover blurb - A master class in building teams and winning at the highest level.

A fantastic insight into the backrooms of football and how leading coaches in the game approach certain situations. Lombardi has genuine insider knowledge and presents it in a way that is accessible even to the casual fan.