4 finalists announced for D1-AA Coordinator of the Year
The finalists for the 2010 FootballScoop D1-AA Coordinator of the Year award were released this morning.
See the four finalists, right here.
The FootballScoop Coaches of the Year awards presented by SpeedTracs are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football. Finalists are nominated by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic department personnel. Although fan voting is tallied, the eventual winner is most heavily determined by his peers in the profession and a select committee of coaches.
Previous winners of the D1-AA Coordinator of the Year award were presented to Heishma Northern (Prairie View A&M, 2008) and Bob Shoop (William & Mary, 2009).
The latest from Mullen, Paterno, Fulmer, Dantonio, and Friedgen
Dan Mullen says all the speculation is kind of annoying: “There’s speculation everywhere. The hard thing with speculation is that in the college football world, we have to deal with reality. My reality right now is dealing with final exams, making sure our kids are taking their final exams, making sure the last 30 kids turned in their books, getting a practice schedule ready and getting a bowl schedule ready. And, trying to hold onto recruits during a time of speculation.”
“It’s kind of annoying because I have to answer a lot of questions that don’t pertain to our football team. And that’s really all I have time for, to worry about, is our football team.”
Joe Paterno was on a roll Thursday: "I fought for expansion and I wanted an Eastern team. And we ended up with Nebraska, and they ain't in the East.''
(on facing Florida) “When I got to bed, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace, give me two touchdowns at least.' "
Phil Fulmer lauds Urban Meyer: “I think it’s just a huge statement that the pressure coaches nowadays are under. Good for him to have the courage to step down and do the things that are important to him.”
Mark Dantonio talks about the life of a coach: "You have to have a special wife and special children to deal with that, and I'm blessed with that, because it is a 24/7 job. If you can find the time you're together as a family and make it quality time rather than quantity time, there's a difference in that. We've tried to include our family in our football family."
Ralph Friedgen wants Maryland fans to “show up” : “Our fans need to really come out and support us. We have a chance to send a message to people that didn’t pick us for a bowl game that we can support a bowl game. East Carolina’s fans are going to show up. If people want to support this football program, they need to show up. We want to support the USO and make this a memorable experience. This is our backyard.”
3 finalists announced for Head Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year
The finalists for the 2010 FootballScoop Head Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year award were released this afternoon.
See the finalists, right here.
The FootballScoop Coaches of the Year awards presented by SpeedTracs are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football. Finalists are nominated by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic department personnel. Although fan voting is tallied, the eventual winner is most heavily determined by his peers in the profession and a select committee of coaches.
Previous winners of the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year award were presented to Don Summer (TCU, 2008) and Joey Batson (Clemson, 2009).
Video: Lane Kiffin and Trojans erupt in locker room
The scene inside the USC locker room was wild following Allen Bradford’s incredible performance that led USC to a 28-14 win over UCLA.
The senior tailback led USC with 212 yards rushing on 28 carries. Bradford also took a swing pass 47 yards to the house.
Check out Lane Kiffin, in rare form, as he celebrates Bradford’s special night.
Looking at the post-game stat sheet, Kiffin yells, “I think Allen Bradford went for 100 (Booooo), 150 (Boooooo), 185 (Booooooo), 200, 200 (Boooooo). Maybe, HE WENT FOR TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY $U##ING YARDS!!!!” (The locker room erupts).
Lane's speech begins at the 3:15 mark in the video.
Quick Hits: Alvarez, Belichick, Harbaugh, and Kevin Wilson
Barry Alvarez denies that Joel Maturi offered him the Minnesota job: “Maturi talked to me a lot about that job and what type of person to look for and what do you look for in the interview process, that type of thing. But, no, he didn’t talk to me about taking the job.”
Up 31-3 at the start of the fourth quarter, Bill Belichick yelled at his team: “We’re playing for 60 minutes, I don’t give a [expletive] what the score is.”
Florida president Bernie Machen on Urban Meyer: “He took us to another level, a level that may be reached but never exceeded.”
Jim Harbaugh jacked about ticket sales for the Orange Bowl: “We sold 8,000 tickets in one morning after the announcement. That’s more tickets than we sold last year to the Sun Bowl. And that was only the first 12 hours. Our fans and alumni are really excited about this trip, so I think they’ll turn out for us.”
“To bring a team here, myself, is a great honor and to play in such a traditional bowl as the Orange Bowl. Our single focus and purpose for coming down to this game will be to bring back the Orange Bowl trophy.”
Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson want to starting by “winning each day” : “I don’t have a 3 or 5 year plan. My plan is to win or be the best we can, today. We want to start today for our seniors, fan base, for our ticket holders. It’s nice to be great. We want to be great 3 and 5 years from now, but we want to be the best we can and be great now and max it out. We want to start winning each day and putting those blocks together.”
Urban totally worn out in final press conference
Urban Meyer is worn out. That was clear during this evening's press conference.
Here's what Coach Meyer had to say:
“I made the decision just yesterday.”
“Last year was a knee-jerk reaction. This year was completely different. I think I’m doing what’s best for UF, our players, and my family.”
“At the end of the day, I’m convinced you’ll be judged how you are as a husband and father. When we got here, I made a commitment that we (my family) would graduate from the same high school.”
“I talked to a handful of them (recruits). I’ll make some more calls tonight. Florida is Florida.”
“I’m sure the coaching candidates will be fantastic.”
(says he put in as much time this year than in any year in the past) “As much. To say there wasn’t a scare, that would be incorrect, but that’s not the reason for this press conference today.”
(On what went into this decision) “Family discussions.”
(on if it hurts going out after a 7-5 record) “It does. I’m not sure we gave them our best this year.”
“I met with them (players) today at 2 o’clock. For the most part, they are very gracious. I want to send them out winners against Penn State.”
“I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate what this university has done for me and my family.”
“To see my daughter sign an NLI with Florida Gulf Coast and I haven’t even seen the school yet. I’m going to see that school.”
“I’m going to try to be a Gator Ball (Little League) assistant baseball coach this spring.”
Mike Leach: That's probably not the worst idea
As you probably know, millionaire Donald Trump is encouraging Miami (FL) president Donna Shalala to hire Mike Leach.
Trump wrote a letter to Shalala reading, "You made a big mistake when you did not take my advice and hire Mike Leach of Texas Tech ... and you can now get him for the right price."
This afternoon, radio host Paul Finebaum asked Leach, “Can’t Donald Trump buy the University of Miami and then hire you?”
The often colorful Leach joked, “That’s probably not the worst idea. I hadn’t thought about it. If that happens, you will be a full-time consultant for any endeavor I’m involved with.”
The former Texas Tech head coach went on to say, “I don’t think anyone has accomplished more with less than me and my staff did at Texas Tech.”
Last week, Leach said, “We would win national championships.”
Let’s hope Coach Leach lands somewhere soon!
Urban Meyer explains decision to step down
Moments ago, Florida put out a press release.
Urban Meyer stated, “I have been a Division I football coach for the last 25 years and, during that time, my primary focus has been helping my teams win titles,” Meyer said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and I am a fierce competitor to my core. At this time in my life, however, I appreciate the sacrifices my 24/7 profession has demanded of me, and I know it is time to put my focus on my family and life away from the field. The decision to step down was a difficult one.
“But after spending more than two decades motivating and celebrating the young men I’ve been so proud to coach, I relish the opportunity to cheer for my three terrific kids as they compete in their own respective sports. I know how fortunate I am to be in a position to make this choice and to have a family that is as loving and supportive as my amazing wife and children have always been.”
Athletic director Jeremy Foley said, “It’s so much different that it was a year ago,’’ Foley said. “He went through some tremendous issues a year ago. But I see his face now and I see the peacefulness. He’s totally at peace with the decision. He certainly has given every fiber of his body to this university. I’ve seen it every day. The results speak for themselves, but to get those results, how do they happen? That guy has given everything he had to this university.
“It was just time. He wants to spend more time with his family. He’s got daughters who play college volleyball; he’s got a son who is growing up. Urban loves his family. When all is said and done, he loves us, he loves the Gators, he loves football, he loves his players, but his world revolves around his family. I think more than anything else that was the impetus for this.’’
