Rating: 
Summary: The Dean of All Coaches
Review: "A Coach's Life" details the interesting facts of Dean Smith's story - from his childhood memories to his first coaching job to reaching the pinnacle of his career (winning the NCAA titles in 1982 and 1993). Along the way, you meet many people who enriched Dean's life and who, in turn, were enriched by him...there's Michael Jordan, of course, but Dean also reveals details of his relationships with a number of his players, associates and opponents, including John Thompson, James Worthy, and Frank McGuire, to name a few.To his credit, he avoids speaking negatively about others. It seems that he was operating under the axiom, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything." This would explain the virtual omission of Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski - glaring by its absence. So be warned - those looking for a mud-slinging expose' will be disappointed. But that's OK - Dean showed that he didn't have to write a "tell-all" in order to write a good book. It's just a story of a simple Kansas boy who found a way to make a difference in people's lives. And what's wrong with that? Rating: 4 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: a great look inside the heart and mind of a living legend !!
Review: college basketball's greatest coach chronicles his life and details the philosophy and principles which governed his life and his approach to basketball. after reading the book you will understand why many consider him not only the greatest college basketball coach,but an even greater man.
Rating:
Summary: A Feel Good Book with Substance
Review: Dean Smith accomplishes something truly remarkable in this I 300+ page book. Not a negative word. The book is a building block to help coaches develop fine young men and women. Dean Smith is a true gentleman, and a man of principles who passes along valuable nuggets to coach any sport. The hardest thing for a coach to do is to set and maintain a culture of a team. Smith does this in a focused and people-minded(caring yet pushing them to be better) way. It's not just about winning. He regularly put in his 8-12 spot players in every game in the second half regardless of what the score was. This way they had something to look forward to in each game and would work hard at practice. Carolina had a rule "pass ahead"--pass to the guy who is ahead of you to advance the ball up the floor. What a great message (team enhancing and unselfish) for young players in basketball, soccer, and hockey. What most impressed me about this book was how positive Smith is. He is so complimentary to the people who matter in his life. It is always about them not about him. The one thing which I found curious was very little mention of his first and unsuccessful marriage to Ann. But I also respect his desire to keep their married life personal. If you are a dedicated coach then read this book, and Jim Thompson's Positive Coaching. Both are testimonials to what Erik Erikson coined the "generative" capabilities of men.
Rating:
Summary: Still The Best
Review: Dean Smith once again shows why he is the best coach of all time. "A Coach's Life" is not only an indepth look into Carolina Basketball, but a humorous, moving and inspirational look inside the man. A book for the true Carolina Fan! Thanks Coach Smith!
Rating:
Summary: Still The Best
Review: Dean Smith once again shows why he is the best coach of all time. "A Coach's Life" is not only an indepth look into Carolina Basketball, but a humorous, moving and inspirational look inside the man. A book for the true Carolina Fan! Thanks Coach Smith!
Rating: 
Summary: I could wretch
Review: The book was mostly appealling to me because of my love for Carolina basketball. However, the novel would be interesting to any basketball lover in that of the genius behind Dean's coaching strategies. He also sets a great standard for morals that a person should have in life. The book DOES travel into other sectors of life rather than just basketball. Dean Smith provides an excellent role model as his character is nothing less than the fine aspects of discipline, church, and honesty.
Rating:
Summary: More than just a basketball book
Review: The book was mostly appealling to me because of my love for Carolina basketball. However, the novel would be interesting to any basketball lover in that of the genius behind Dean's coaching strategies. He also sets a great standard for morals that a person should have in life. The book DOES travel into other sectors of life rather than just basketball. Dean Smith provides an excellent role model as his character is nothing less than the fine aspects of discipline, church, and honesty.
Rating: 
Summary: Strictly for Tar Heel Fans!
Review: This is a year by year by year by year (!) review of Tar Heel basketball with Dean's life prior to Carolina thrown in for good measure.(He actually had one). It makes no effort to be balanced. You see, Dean never made a mistake, had a player who flunked out or got in trouble-ever! Down in Chapel Hill, life goes on and the Heels keep winning. Phooey! I'll take Bobby Knight throwing chairs and tantrums anyday. However, if you're from Carolina or a UNC alum, ignore this review and buy the book right away. You'll never notice the shortcomings. Now, how about a bio of Dean's predecessor and mentor, Frank McGuire.(He first hired Dean as an assistant). That would be a story.
Rating:
Summary: At Last, Dean Speaks
Review: This is what every die-hard Carolina basketball fan has been waiting years for-an opportunity to hear in-depth from Dean Smith. This book is a wonderful example of what a great teacher Smith is. The stories are great and we finally get to learn a little about the personal side of Coach Smith. A must read for all North Carolina enthusiasts.
Rating:
Summary: don't expect kiss and tell...
Review: This memoir is consistent with what I have observed of Smith over the years: intelligent, organized, interested in the world outside of basketball, publicly reserved, and loyal to a fault. The last two characteristics make the book a little frustrating to read: Smith will not name names or criticize his former players or coaches, though if you are fan of Carolina basketball you will know the names to fill into the anecdotes and incidents he describes (e.g. J.R. Reid's suspension from the 1989 ACC tournament semifinal for missing curfew.) Nevertheless, it is far better than most other sports memoirs (i.e. he actually had a life off the court)and should broadly appeal to people not especially interested in basketball in general or Carolina in particular.
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