University of Houston Athletics
Quotes From Athletics Director Regarding the Football Program
11/28/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 28, 2007
Complete Release in PDF Format
HOUSTON ATHLETICS DIRECTOR DAVE MAGGARD
Opening Statement:
"Art Briles informed me in a formal way this morning that as of this afternoon he was beginning his work at Baylor University. We really appreciate what coach Briles has done during the time that he has been here at the University of Houston. He has done some really outstanding things and we really appreciate it. We wish him nothing but the best in terms of his new venture at Baylor."
On the search for a new head coach:
"The coaching search begins this afternoon. There is no set timetable. It will be as quickly as we can thoroughly get the job done. This is obviously going to be a national search. We will talk with folks all over the country. It will be our goal to get the best coach for the University of Houston."
On meeting with the players:
"I met with the players a few minutes ago after coach Briles met with them and I indicated to them that one of our goals all year long was to win a bowl game. We haven't been able to do that in the last five years. We have had some great experiences but that is one of those goals that we have not been able to achieve and that's one that is worthy."
On who will coach in the Texas Bowl:
"By 5pm today I will appoint an interim head coach for the bowl game."
On the coaching search:
"I think it is great to play exciting football and I think it's great to win. You look for someone that can bring success, someone that can put a staff together and that is going to be complimentary. In other words, have a diversified offense, a strong defense and a strong staff. In terms of a coach and how that person would be with the offense there have been no promises made to anyone about that. There is not a single thing. Anybody will be considered. This job has not been promised to anyone. This job is absolutely wide open."
On making a new hire quickly:
"It has changed rather dramatically since the time that I have been involved with this business. This has been one of the more unusual years that I can remember in terms of the number of changes and the rapidity in which these changes were made. A great part of that is due to agents. Even though someone may say I haven't spoken with them, the agent has been working on this. When you see a deal that has been made within 24 hours you can count on that as having a lot of conversation with someone that represents that particular individual. That has changed very dramatically. That was not the case 30 years ago or whatever. It was a much more spread out process. It is now a part of the game. The dollars have changed that a lot. There are a lot of contributing factors to it.
On what type of coach he will be looking to hire:
"It doesn't have to be that (a high profile hire). It has to be the best person for the University of Houston. When I hired Art (Briles) I had a few people that called me and said `you hired a high school coach and why didn't you hire a big name guy to make a splash.' I said splashes last 15 minutes, until the first game. What we want is a solid, solid program. In terms of making a splash, that will not be the intent but if it happens that way fine. What we will do is look for the coach that can stabilize this program and continue to move upward."
On his conversations with Art Briles about staying at Houston:
"When we played Tulsa, in the locker room I went up to Art (Briles) and said this is what you need to understand. This game could be for the championship. What I am going to tell you right now is that regardless of the outcome of this game, I want you to be at the University of Houston. That was before the game was ever played. That was before halftime. He said `I very much appreciate that and I thank you for that.' On numerous occasions, I have indicated that we want to keep Art and we want him here."
His contract was extended last year to five years, the year before it was five years and there was only one time during the time that he has been here that his contract wasn't moved to five years and his compensation moved up. The question that I asked him was is this about money. He said it is not about money. I said what is it about. He said it's about location. It is an area that I feel very good about in that part of Texas and also being in a place that offers a new challenge and being in the Big 12. On numerous occasions I asked Art tell me what it is that you feel you need to remain here and he said it's really not about that. He said it is really about a new opportunity for me and my family."
On retaining incoming recruits:
"The first thing is what I am saying right now. We are going to work on getting the best coach possible for the University of Houston. The other thing is that I did meet with the assistant coaches a few minutes ago and I indicated that I don't know what your plans are and how many are going to go with Art (Briles) or how many of you are going to go some place else but I would ask that all of you remain through the bowl. I think our players deserve that. I am not going to be in judgment if someone says I am leaving because this is a career situation for me and I feel like I need to do this. If that is the case then that's the case. I think from the standpoint of where we are right now as a football team we have some good things going. It is a more attractive place then it was a few years ago so we are going to push it and we are going to push it hard."
