Just months into their whirlwind romance, Larsa Pippen and boyfriend Jeff Coby are already thinking seriously about their future together.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Coby, 31, said he’s been “looking” at engagement rings after the couple started dating earlier this year.
“She tells me what she likes and what she doesn’t like,” Coby said about Pippen’s preferences. “It’s relatively collaborative at the moment.”
As for the proposal itself, Coby said “we’re both super busy at the moment,” but added, “the only thing I can say is to confirm that it’s coming.”
Coby, who played college basketball at Columbia University, said his relationship with Pippen, 50, has made him “a happier person” — but admitted the limelight has been an adjustment.
“The public eye can be crazy at times,” Coby said. “You have to really hone in on protecting the household.”
Coby added, “It’s definitely interesting because normally you go out to a restaurant, but you’re not expecting a group of people outside waiting to take photos of you. Honestly, I think it makes us closer because we have to be cognizant of how narratives can be painted out. You really just want to do things that reflect the other person in the best light possible.”
Pippen was previously married to NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen from 1997 to 2021. The couple shares four kids: Scotty Jr., 24, Preston, 22, Justin, 19, and Sophia, 16.
Larsa also had an on-again, off-again relationship with Marcus Jordan, son of NBA legend Michael Jordan, for two years until the couple split for good in July 2024.
While taking major strides in his personal life, Coby is also passionate about his professional work as mental health advocate for athletes.
“My team and I, we’re building out a curriculum,” Coby explained. “Something like a reference for athletes to utilize. I want to get more in depth with stories people can learn from. One of the best ways for others to learn is through storytelling. Throughout the whole story, people can resonate with certain things. When it comes to vulnerability, some people feel a lot more comfortable in that environment.”
Bit by bit, Coby is aiming to break down some of the stereotypes about athletes — which is something he’s been doing since he was a teenager.
“It’s easy to paint me out as just an athlete, but I did go to Columbia University and got a dual degree in art history and sociology,” Coby said. “My life path has taken me in the direction of writing. I’m working on my second book at the moment.”
Coby continued, “That’s what really connected me and Larsa: the fact that I wasn’t the quintessential athlete who eats, sleeps and breathes basketball. I’m in this new light. The fact that we can bond over so many different things and topics is truly remarkable.”
A Mindful Journey, Coby’s first book, is available now.
