A Concordia alum, Brett Muller completed his 10th season as Head Coach of Concordia Men’s and Women’s Golf in 2020-21. During his tenure, Muller has coached program all-time greats such as Amy Ahlers (2017 GPAC champion) and Nolan Zikas (David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award winner) and led the Bulldog women’s team to a third-place conference finish this past season. The influence of Brett’s father Tony Muller played a large role in his career path. Muller discussed that and more in this Q&A.
Q&A with Coach Muller
Which athlete(s) did you idolize growing up?
George Brett, Tiger Woods, Walter Payton.
Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
Kansas City Royals and Chicago Bears.
What is the most memorable sporting event you have attended as a spectator?
2009 BCS National Championship Game. Florida beating Oklahoma 24-14. Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, Aaron Hernandez, Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham.
Which person/people were most influential in your career choice?
Easily my Dad. I grew up watching his passion for coaching, his competitiveness and his love for the players he coached.
What is one book you would recommend to others in your profession?
“Fly Into the Wind: How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness on Your Ascent to Greatness” by Dan Rooney.
What’s the best coaching advice you’ve received?
Every team you coach is different, never try to coach them the exact same.
What has changed the most about the profession since you started coaching
The last 10 years GPAC Golf has improved tremendously. Both the men’s and women’s teams in the conference are more competitive and deeper than ever before.
Beyond athletic talent and ability, what is the No. 1 trait you’re looking for in a prospective recruit?
Players that are going to be great teammates and leaders in the classroom as well as on the golf course.
How are you most likely spending your free time away from work?
Watching my daughter (Braelynn) compete in volleyball and basketball or on the course playing golf.
What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
Steak, mashed potatoes and asparagus.
What’s your favorite Lincoln (or Lincoln area) restaurant?
Big Red Sports Bar or Lazlo’s.
Where have you gone (or are planning to go) for vacation this summer?
Went to Cedar Rapids to watch (former Bulldog assistant baseball coach) Bryce Berg coach the Cedar Rapids Kernels and also went to Adventure Land in Des Moines.
Which social medium (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.) do you use the most?
Twitter.
What genre of music do you prefer?
Country or classic rock.
What was the first car you drove?
94 Ford Mustang.
Name a famous person you’ve met.
Will Farrell, Pete Rose, Will Shields, Ned Yost, Olympians Grant Holloway and Will Claye.
If you had to choose any band or musical artist to perform at Bulldog Stadium, who would you choose?
Motley Crue.
What is the No. 1 thing that makes Concordia a special place?
The people!
What is it that keeps you excited about your job as you look ahead to the 2021-22 academic year?
I believe both our teams will be competitive in the GPAC this season.