The Program with Woj

George Steinbrenner didn’t just rebuild the New York Yankees — he changed how modern sports franchises are built.

In this episode of The Program, Woj sits down with legendary New York columnist Mike Vaccaro, author of The Bosses of the Bronx, to unpack how Steinbrenner transformed the Yankees into the most powerful brand in sports.

From signing Catfish Hunter and Reggie Jackson to reshaping free agency and television revenue, Steinbrenner’s approach created the blueprint for big-market dominance.

Woj and Vaccaro explore:

• How Steinbrenner recruited stars without always being the highest bidder
• Why Reggie Jackson almost didn’t sign with the Yankees
• The moment Steinbrenner realized he needed a farm system
• The suspensions that accidentally built the Yankees dynasty
• How the Yankees’ Core Four survived George’s impatience
• Why modern owners can’t replicate Steinbrenner’s strategy today

Mike Vaccaro’s new book The Bosses of the Bronx releases March 24.
Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building.

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code WOJ for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.
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In a rare and candid conversation, Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer joins Woj to discuss her transition from the sidelines to the classroom. After 38 years at Stanford and a record-breaking 1,216 career wins, the winningest coach in college basketball history opens up about the "perfect storm" that led to her retirement in 2024.

Woj and Tara also covered:


The "Joy" Mandate: Why the best coaches—from third grade to the pros—must protect the fun of the game.


The Transactional Trap: Her concerns for the modern player in the era of the Transfer Portal and NIL, and what is lost when the "alma mater" experience disappears.


The 1996 Olympic Legacy: Reflecting on the team that birthed the WNBA and changed the trajectory of women's sports forever.


A Path to Sanity: VanDerveer’s proposal for "rational" regional scheduling and bringing common sense back to college athletics.

Plus, Tara shares the one thing she misses most about the daily grind (it’s not the games) and how she’s navigating a calendar that finally allows for a Saturday night movie.

Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building.

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.
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On this episode of The Program, Woj reunites with ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks!

Woj and Bobby discuss:

The NBA’s "Tanking" Fine: Why a $500,000 fine is just the "cost of doing business" for a shot at a generational superstar.

The Rise of the "Super-Senior": How NIL is turning the second round of the NBA Draft into a hunt for 23 and 24-year-old high-value, cost-controlled talent

Pro-Style Roster Math: Woj breaks down his exercise of "shrinking" NBA payrolls to determine fair market value for NIL athletes.

The Death of Free Agency: Why "Bird Rights" and veteran extensions have replaced the traditional open market.

Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building.

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.
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On this episode of The Program, Woj sits down with Conference USA Coach of the Year and Bear Bryant Newcomer of the Year, Jerry Mack.

After inheriting a 2-10 program at Kennesaw State, Mack engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the country, leading the Owls to a 10-4 record and a bowl appearance in year one. Mack breaks down the "staff list" he spent a decade building, the transition from the Jacksonville Jaguars back to the college ranks, and why he chose to return to the NFL as an intern even after becoming a successful head coach.

Woj and Coach Mack discuss:


The Cignetti Model: Why Mack studied Curt Cignetti’s Indiana turnaround and how he applied the James Madison-to-IU strategy of "proven snaps" to jumpstart the Kennesaw State roster.


The Staff List: Why Mack spent nine years tracking GAs and quality control coaches to prepare for his next head coaching shot.


The NFL Influence: What he learned in the rooms of Doug Peterson and Bill Callahan—and how those internships catapulted his career.


The "Steakhouse" Philosophy: Why Mack treats recruiting like a high-end restaurant to compete with NIL heavyweights through elite customer service.


HBCU Roots: The lessons learned at NC Central that still apply at the FBS level.


The 30/50/20 Roster Formula: The specific mathematical split Mack uses between high school, transfer portal, and the "lost art" of Junior College recruiting.

Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building.

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.
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As USA Basketball prepares for the next window of World Cup Qualifying in Southern California, Stephen Silas joins Woj to talk through the unique, high-pressure discipline of tight-window international team building.

Fresh off a 24-year run in the NBA — includingas the Houston Rockets’ head coach and assistant roles working with Steph Curry and LeBron James — Silas shares what he’s learned about coaching in preparation for World Cup qualifying events.

Woj and Silas dive into:

    •    The 72-Hour Turnaround: How to build a cohesive roster in just six practices with players from the G League and European circuits.

    •    The FIBA vs. NBA Gap: Why the international game is more physical, why the "three-ball" is the ultimate equalizer and the rule differences that catch even veteran coaches off guard.

    •    Patrick Ewing’s Impact: What it’s like having a Dream Team legend on the bench and the advice Silas received from Jeff Van Gundy before taking the job.

    •    The Weight of the Jersey: Why representing the U.S. remains the ultimate career milestone for players who may never reach the Olympic stage.

    •    Life After the Grind: Silas opens up about finding the balance between "Coach Silas" and "Stephen Silas" after decades on the road.

Subscribe to The Program with Woj for more deep-dive interviews with the most influential figures in team building.

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novig, America's sports exchange, where you can make picks on the NBA, NFL, and more at the best odds! Learn more at https://novig.com and use code THEPROGRAM for a match up to $100 on your first purchase. Must be 21+. No purchase necessary to play. Void where prohibited. New users receive 1,000 Novig Coins and 5 Novig Cash automatically. See terms of use for eligibility.
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