Gene Bartow has a simple message for those who believe he was the wrong man to replace the legendary John Wooden as UCLA’s basketball coach, “Maybe you were right.” Bartow was seldom happy in his two years at UCLA, resigning after the 1976-77 season, citing the pressure was too great. Bartow took the Bruins to the Final Four in 1976 and was 52-9 at UCLA—Wooden was 54-7 in his last two seasons. He was criticized for not living up to the standards set by Wooden, whose teams won 10 NCAA championships in his previous 12 seasons. The Bruins, under Bartow, were 28-4 and 24-5, won two consecutive conference titles, and attracted eight players who turned out to be NBA draft choices. “Any college in America would give its teeth to have a coach that would take them 52-9 in two years. That wasn’t good enough at UCLA.” former player Ralph Drollinger said of Bartow’s record in Westwood.

Few assignments are more challenging than following a great leader or legendary coach like John Wooden. Leaders, no matter how good or godly, don’t last forever. As much as fans would like to think their programs will stay on top with the same coach, change is inevitable. Elisha was given the challenging task of following one of the most influential leaders of Old Testament times—Elijah.

2 Kings 2 – Successor

Elisha was wise enough to know he was inadequate to replace Elijah. Hence, he asked God for a double portion of His spirit. “Double portion” is a Hebrew idiom that means “the firstborn’s share.” It doesn’t mean twice as much. He recognized his need for divine empowerment. He had no hope of success without God preparing him for the task. It became evident in Elisha’s life that he had been called by God by the evidence of his leadership. There was no second-guessing by others about his leadership like Bartow had to endure.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete, when faced with changes or transitions in leadership, focuses on the unchanging God. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Bible Memory Verse – “So Yahweh was very angry with Israel and caused them to depart from His presence; none was left except the tribe of Judah alone.” 2 Kings 17:18 (LSB)