Behind every successful wrestler is a great coach who has helped guide them to victory. Wrestling coaches play an essential role in developing talent, teaching techniques, and motivating athletes to reach their highest potential. Throughout history, several wrestling coaches have left an indelible mark on the sport with their expertise and leadership. Here’s a look at some of the best wrestling coaches and their outstanding achievements.

1. Dan Gable
Dan Gable is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling coaches in history. His career as both a wrestler and coach is legendary. Gable coached the University of Iowa wrestling team for over two decades, where he turned them into one of the most dominant programs in collegiate wrestling history. Under his leadership, Iowa won 15 NCAA championships, and many of his wrestlers became Olympic and World champions.
Achievements:
- Coached Iowa to 15 NCAA team titles.
- Produced 45 NCAA individual champions.
- Helped lead the U.S. to 10 Olympic and World medals.
- Was the 1972 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling.
2. John Smith
John Smith is not only one of the best freestyle wrestlers of all time but also an incredible coach. As the head coach for Oklahoma State University, he led the team to numerous NCAA championships. Smith’s coaching style focuses on technique and consistency, making his wrestlers highly disciplined and effective in competition. His contributions to wrestling extend beyond the collegiate level, with Smith also serving as the U.S. national team coach.
Achievements:
- Coached Oklahoma State to multiple NCAA titles.
- Produced over 30 NCAA individual champions.
- Served as the U.S. national team coach and led them to success at international competitions.
- A two-time Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling (1988, 1992).
3. Kerry McCoy
Kerry McCoy, a former NCAA champion and Olympic wrestler, has also made his mark as a coach. He is currently the head coach at the University of Maryland, where he has turned the program into a competitive force. McCoy’s experience as a high-level athlete helps him relate to his wrestlers, and his coaching has produced numerous All-Americans and NCAA qualifiers.
Achievements:
- Coached Maryland to a top-ranked wrestling program.
- Produced multiple NCAA All-Americans and national qualifiers.
- Former NCAA champion and World bronze medalist in freestyle wrestling.
4. Zeke Jones
Zeke Jones is a well-respected figure in the wrestling world, both for his achievements as a wrestler and as a coach. As the head coach of Arizona State University, Jones has helped guide the program to new heights. He also served as the U.S. national team coach, where he was instrumental in developing the next generation of elite freestyle wrestlers. His background as an Olympic medalist gives him a unique perspective on coaching at the highest level.
Achievements:
- Coached Arizona State University to multiple top-ten finishes in the NCAA.
- Former U.S. national freestyle coach.
- Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling (1992).
5. Cael Sanderson
Cael Sanderson is a legend in the wrestling world. After finishing his wrestling career undefeated in college, Sanderson transitioned to coaching, where he became one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history. As the head coach at Penn State University, he turned the program into a powerhouse, winning multiple NCAA team championships. Sanderson’s focus on technique, work ethic, and mental toughness has shaped his team into consistent winners.
Achievements:
- Coached Penn State to 9 NCAA team championships.
- Produced over 25 NCAA individual champions.
- Undefeated NCAA wrestler with four national titles (2000-2004).
- Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling (2004).
6. Tom Brands
Tom Brands, the head coach at the University of Iowa, is known for his intensity, discipline, and success as both a wrestler and coach. Under his leadership, Iowa has continued to be a dominant force in college wrestling, winning multiple NCAA titles. Brands have also had success coaching at the international level, serving as the head coach of the U.S. national team and winning numerous medals in world competitions.
Achievements:
- Coached Iowa to multiple NCAA team titles.
- Produced several NCAA individual champions.
- Two-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling (2000).
7. Gable Steveson
Though he is still early in his coaching career, Gable Steveson has already made a significant impact on wrestling. After his victory in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Steveson transitioned to coaching. His skill and natural talent as a wrestler, along with his ability to teach and mentor, make him one of the rising stars in the coaching world. Steveson’s work as a coach has focused on developing the next generation of heavyweight wrestlers.
Achievements:
- Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling (2020).
- NCAA heavyweight champion with the University of Minnesota.
8. Billy Martin
Billy Martin is another influential figure in the world of wrestling coaching. He’s well known for his work with the U.S. Olympic team, and his leadership helped develop numerous world-class wrestlers. Martin’s coaching style focuses on building strong fundamentals and creating mental toughness in his athletes. He has also played a key role in coaching collegiate wrestlers who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level.
Achievements:
- Coached U.S. Olympic and World Championship teams to success.
- Produced many top athletes who went on to achieve international success.
- Developed programs focused on building mental and physical resilience in wrestlers.
9. Lee Kemp
Lee Kemp is an Olympic medalist who transitioned to coaching after his competitive career. As a coach, Kemp is known for his technique-based approach to wrestling. He has worked with a wide range of wrestlers, including coaching the U.S. national team to success at international events. His knowledge and passion for the sport have made him one of the most respected coaches in the world.
Achievements:
- U.S. national team coach for several years.
- Olympic bronze medalist in freestyle wrestling (1976).
- Multiple-time World Champion.
10. Franklin Gomez
Franklin Gomez is a coach who has made a name for himself by mentoring young wrestlers and helping them reach their full potential. He served as the head coach at Michigan State University and produced many standout wrestlers during his tenure. Gomez’s experience as an Olympic wrestler and coach gives him a unique understanding of both the technical and mental aspects of the sport.
Achievements:
- Coached Michigan State University’s wrestling program to success.
- Multiple-time NCAA All-American.
- Competed in the Olympics and World Championships for Puerto Rico.
Conclusion
These coaches have significantly impacted the world of wrestling, not just through their performances but by developing and shaping the next generation of wrestlers. Whether through their successful programs, inspiring leadership, or deep knowledge of the sport, these individuals have elevated wrestling to new heights. Their achievements continue to inspire both athletes and aspiring coaches around the world.