LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) -- Returning to where he got his start in the sports world, longtime NFL front-office executive and current NFL Insider for The Athletic, Michael Lombardi spent the past two days meeting with and speaking to various UNLV groups to discuss the ins and outs of leadership.
The author of the 2018 book "Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL," Lombardi was invited to Las Vegas by Director of Athletics
Desiree Reed-Francois, who arranged for her entire staff and other guests to interact with the former General Manager of the Cleveland Brown and three-time Super Bowl champion.
Lombardi's first job in sports came in the early 1980s when he served as recruiting coordinator for UNLV head coach Harvey Hyde during the Randall Cunningham era. On Tuesday and Wednesday he returned to town to offer his insights gained from years working with legendary leaders such as Al Davis, Bill Walsh and most recently Bill Belichick when Lombardi was a member of the New England Patriots staff from 2014-16.
From making a presentation to a full auditorium to sitting down for a free-flowing question and answer session with various department heads to interacting with student-athlete leaders at lunch, Lombardi offered his unique perspective on what makes a team great.
After touring the facilities and meeting with Rebel coaches, Lombardi said he was impressed with the new culture created at UNLV by Reed-Francois.
"The vibe is incredible here, they are on to something," said Lombardi. "Everything starts and ends with culture. When I come to schools like this, you can feel the culture and that starts with Desiree and her ability to talk about culture, talk about leadership. You can feel the enthusiasm here – I think there are better days ahead for UNLV."
