Coach for a Nation: The Life and Times of Knute Rockne

by Jim Lefebvre

Coach For A Nation transports the reader to an extraordinary time of energy, excitement, passion, and possibilities in early 20th Century America. Into this burgeoning drama stepped an immigrant lad destined to make his mark on the nation like few before him, or since. Rockne blossoms at Notre Dame and skyrockets to national fame because of his excellence as player and later coach of the Fighting Irish. His visionary genius made Notre Dame football a household name, yet his story transcends athletics; it embodies the hope and promise of a new era dawning in the US. Growing from a stammering speaker to an oratorical giant, he inspired millions through his message of dedication, teamwork, and fair play. Rockne's legacy, in life and in death, still impacts the game of college football and an American audience of the 21st Century. Now his life story is told as never before. Coach For A Nation is the Bronze Medal, Sports/Recreation/Fitness winner 2014 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

503 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 2013

About the author

Jim Lefebvre, award-winning journalist and sports historian, is the author of "Loyal Sons: The Story of The Four Horsemen and Notre Dame Football's 1924 Champions" published by Great Day Press.

"Loyal Sons" is the first book-length treatment of this famous team and its coast-to-coast odyssey to win Notre Dame's first national championship.

"Loyal Sons" is a compelling read for all fans of college football history, and a must for followers of Notre Dame."

Reviews

[Mike Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an outstanding book, chock full of details of Rockne’s life and also Lefebvre weaves historical context. Any fan of Notre Dame, fan of Knute Rockne, fan of impactful coaches, or just someone interested in a great biography will be glad they read this book!

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim LeFebvre's "Coach for a Nation" is a study of faith, football, University of Notre Dame, and a biography of Knute Rockne with a thorough composite of American history from the Norwegian immigration to Chicago world's fair and through World War I. Can a book get much better than that? ....loving every page! ... American history fills this biography of a football legend.
"Coach for a Nation: The Life and Times of Knute Rockne" is the definitive story of Rockne and complete history of early twentieth century America, a must read for Rockne, ND, and history devotees. LeFebvre's book, released December 2014, took ten years to produce. It was well worth the wait. Coach for a Nation, a 5 plus star rating, will sit on my shelf until a second read or to be shared with fellow Rockne and Irish fans.