SUMMARY:

Fran Dunphy may be best known as one of Philadelphia’s most respected college basketball coaches, but his legacy stretches far beyond the hardwood. In this episode, Dunphy shares how his upbringing shaped a lifelong commitment to leadership and service.

From helping young athletes develop as people, to championing causes like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Coaches vs. Cancer, Dunphy reflects on what it truly means to lead, to give, and to show up for others. He opens up about hard lessons, second chances, and why even the smallest gestures can say the most about who we are.

It’s a conversation with humor, heart, and the kind of wisdom only a life of service can bring.

GUEST BIO:

Fran Dunphy is one of the most respected figures in Philadelphia basketball history, known as much for his leadership and service as for his decades of success on the court. A proud La Salle University alum, Dunphy played both basketball and baseball during his college years before returning to his alma mater as head men’s basketball coach from 1989 to 1994.

He went on to make history as the first person ever to serve as head coach at both the University of Pennsylvania (1989–2006) and Temple University (2006–2019), compiling over 580 career wins and leading his teams to numerous NCAA tournament appearances. Dunphy is widely admired for his no-nonsense coaching style, emphasis on academics, and deep commitment to his players' personal growth.

Beyond basketball, Fran Dunphy is a longtime volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and a founding force behind the Philadelphia chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer—raising millions for cancer research and community support. His life and career are rooted in a simple philosophy: serve others, show up, and do the right thing.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Fran and Big Brothers Big Sisters: CBS News – Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Fran and Coaches vs Cancer: Main Line Media News – Coaches vs. Cancer

SPONSORS:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company serving the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.