A new documentary exploring Miami University’s football coaching tree, known as the Cradle of Coaches, premieres on August 17 on Peacock, according to university announcements. The project captures rare archival materials and firsthand interviews detailing a lineage that produced coaches from Paul Brown to Sean McVay.
Origins and History of the Cradle of Coaches at Miami University
The moniker originated in 1959 when Bob Kurz, then serving as Miami’s sports information director, began referencing the network of football leaders emerging from the program. The university formally established the Cradle of Coaches association in 1992 to honor the accomplishments of coaches who shaped the sport at both the collegiate and professional levels.
That network spans generations. It includes Paul Brown, who guided Ohio State to its first football national championship in 1942 before founding the Cleveland Browns, and extends to modern NFL coaches like Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, who received induction into the association in 2017.
Documentary Features Rare Footage and Late Legends
According to an official release from Miami University, the upcoming film relies heavily on “never-before-seen” archival footage and audio recordings of Paul Brown. Viewers will also see interviews captured before the passing of Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz.
“The timing for this documentary couldn’t be more perfect,” David Sayler, the director of athletics at Miami, said in a release. “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.”
The production also highlights familial ties within the sport, featuring contributions from Mike Brown, the son of Paul Brown and owner of the Cincinnati Bengals.
How to Watch the Cradle of Coaches Documentary
Football fans can stream the premiere starting August 17. The project will be available on Peacock, requiring a Peacock Premium subscription which starts at $10.99 per month for access to Peacock originals.
Pro Tips for Watching
Make sure your Peacock subscription is active ahead of the August 17 release date to catch the premiere. Subscribers can access the documentary across smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming sticks supporting the platform.
Prominent Figures Featured in the Film
The documentary draws its authority from a roster of recognizable names across sports media and the NFL. According to the release, the lineup of featured interviewees and subjects includes:
- Sean McVay – Head coach, Los Angeles Rams
- John Harbaugh – Head coach, New York Giants
- Lou Holtz – Hall of Fame coach and motivational legend
- Mike Brown – Owner and president, Cincinnati Bengals
- Chris Berman – NFL Studio Host and ESPN anchor
- Chuck Pagano – Former head coach and defensive coordinator
- Dick LeBeau – Hall of Fame defensive coordinator
- Ben Roethlisberger – Super Bowl champion quarterback and Miami alum
- Andrew Whitworth – Super Bowl champion and NFL Man of the Year
- Aaron Donald – Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
- Chris Shula – Defensive coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
- Frank Smith – Assistant head coach, Minnesota Vikings
- Deland McCullough – Running backs coach, Oklahoma Sooners
- Joe Bowen – Linebackers coach and run game coordinator, University of Pittsburgh
- Aaron Kromer – Offensive line coach, Buffalo Bills
- Dan Dalrymple – Head strength coach, Denver Broncos
Did You Know?
The term “Cradle of Coaches” was coined in 1959 by former Miami sports information director Bob Kurz to describe the network of football talent originating from the RedHawks program.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Cradle of Coaches documentary release?
The documentary premieres on August 17.
Where can I watch the Cradle of Coaches documentary?
The film streams on Peacock for subscribers with a Peacock Premium plan.
Who coined the phrase “Cradle of Coaches”?
Bob Kurz, a former Miami sports information director, coined the term in 1959.
Who was the most recent inductee into the Cradle of Coaches association prior to this film?
Sean McVay was the latest inductee into the formal association, joining the ranks in 2017.
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