Spurrier says Muschamp "should do a very good job'' at Florida, plus plenty more comments
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 | Football, Women's Tennis, Scott Carter
New Florida football coach Will Muschamp will meet with the media later today during his introductory press conference.
While we haven't heard directly from Muschamp yet, a lot is being said about Muschamp's hiring.
Here are some of the latest comments:
"You know you're getting somebody who has a passion for the sport, for the (Southeastern) conference down there, who understands the conference, understands the recruiting. He's eliminating a lot of the question marks that someone else might have on them.” (12/13/10)
Craig James, ESPN Analyst
"We all know he's an excellent defensive coordinator and has very strong passion. He should do a very good job." (12/13/10)
Steve Spurrier, South Carolina head coach
"There is no question he'll have those defensive players playing hard." (12/13/10)
Jack Youngblood, former UF defensive lineman and NFL Hall of Famer
"Some coaches may be good coaches, but they just don't fit. I think he's qualified and a good fit. He's from Gainesville. He knows the SEC. He has a lot of energy and passion. I'm excited he's there. I'm looking forward to another great run." (12/13/10)
Danny Wuerffel, former UF quarterback and 1996 Heisman Trophy Winner
"I love that he's our coach. I didn't think he was on the radar. I couldn't have been more excited when I heard he got the job. I'm excited to watch him coach."
Chris Doering, former UF All-American wide receiver
"Will Muschamp is perfect for the job. He has been receiving quality grooming under successful coaches. Having played for him in Miami, I like his process-oriented approach. I love his football mind and I love his attitude. It's a win-win-win. The Gator Nation should be strong behind him." (12/13/10)
Kevin Carter, former UF All-American defensive end and NFL player who played under Muschamp with the Miami Dolphins
"I know he's a very good coach. He's going to bring more of a defensive emphasis. And he's been at Texas, so he's going to be used to the pressure." (12/13/10)
Former UF All-American wide receiver Reidel Anthony
"He'll be a great match, a great match for the University of Florida. I read where Jeremy Foley said he was looking for someone young and energetic, and that's what Will is. You watch him on the sideline and he's all about that. He's going to do great at Florida. He's got to be a great recruiter. He's one of those guys that as soon as he got into coaching, he impressed people. He's worked for everything he's gotten. He's proved himself in every job he's had. He's been impressive. He's always impressed me. I knew he was going to be a coach from the beginning. He was pretty much groomed from a young age to be a coach. I'm really excited about what Will is going to be able to do here. He's a great fit for Florida. I've told people before, 'Wouldn't it be great if Will got a chance to coach at Florida. He'd be perfect for the job.' Now, he's here." (12/12/10)
John Clifford, former Florida safety
“The fact that Will Muschamp has deep-rooted ties to the SEC, and from a recruiting perspective, the Southeast is pivotal and probably what shot him to the top of the board for Florida. He understands the pressure, competitive landscape and work ethic it takes to be successful in the profession. He has been groomed by the likes of Nick Saban, Tommy Tuberville and Mack Brown, and if anyone is ready to be a head coach, it is Muschamp. So his experiences have shaped Muschamp's personality, approach and philosophy so that he is as ready as anyone could be for a job like Florida. Muschamp is a tireless worker and recruiter and as big of a job as Florida is, it is not too big for him. Muschamp has a great feel for personnel and he has an energetic, magnetic personality that will resonate with prospects and their parents and energize the fan base, alumni, administration and high school coaches. Muschamp and Florida can hit the ground running smoothly because he knows the landscape intimately within the recruiting region. His work ethic, attention to detail and hands-on approach from a recruiting perspective coupled with Florida's immense resources, history of success and bountiful talent pool is a recipe for long-term success.” (12/12/10)
Tom Luginbill, ESPN.com
“New Gators head coach Will Muschamp is known for being a top-notch recruiter. That reputation isn't overrated, according to a couple of the country's leading recruiting analysts.” (12/12/10)
Hays Carlyon, Florida Times Union
"I think going back to his days at LSU [2001-04], Muschamp showed his ability to recruit. He's a hard-working guy. Recruiting comes down to two things - personality and hard work. He certainly has the work ethic needed, because recruiting is a daily grind with a lot of evaluation. Players also tend to gravitate toward coaches with a lot of enthusiasm. You see those highlight clips of Muschamp jumping around with his players and you can see he has that energy." (12/12/10)
Allen Wallace, National Recruiting Editor for Scout.com and Publisher of SuperPrep
“Muschamp is great in living rooms and has a boundless energy. These days the head coach has less and less access to recruits, so you need a head coach that can close. He can close. He can finish the deal." (12/10/10)
Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst, on Muschamp's recruiting skills
“He's also been a force on the recruiting trail at each stop and is considered one of the nation's best recruiters.” (12/12/10)
Jamie Newberg, ESPN.com
“One thing that he brings is a lot of energy. Florida is a high-energy job with great demands. It's not just the coaching on the field; it's all the peripheral stuff – the recruiting, the booster clubs and the media. You have to have a lot of energy and enthusiasm to sell the program and to sell that to recruits. He brings that. He brings that (winning) to his resume. He has a lot to sell. This was a really, really good hire. Florida is as good as it gets.” (12/12/10)
Ron Higgins, SECSports.com/Memphis Commercial Appeal
"It's a remarkable coup. They (Florida) shouldn't skip a beat." (12/12/10)
Tom Lemming, MaxPreps.com
“It's his energy and his passion. He does a great job off the field visiting in a one-on-one setting. He knows what his vision is for every player.” (12/11/10)
Greg Davis, Former Texas Offensive Coordinator
“He's been in big-time football jobs. I don't think in any way will he be overwhelmed. His guys seem to play hard for him, and that's going to continue.” (12/11/10)
Chris Doering, former UF All-American wide receiver and NFL player
“(Former Texas offensive coordinator Greg) Davis, said his former fellow Longhorn owns every qualification needed for success as a head coach. He's an expert on at least one side of the ball — Davis raved about Muschamp's ability to lead multiple schemes and match his plans to this talent. He's an ace organizer, Davis said, and a master energizer.” (12/11/10)
Dave Curtis, Sporting News
“He's young, he's dynamic, he's a lights-out recruiter – and he knows the territory. He knows the area and he knows all about the Florida program. This could be a classic Foley hire, kind of like his hiring of a young basketball coach at Marshall by the name of Billy Donovan. That one worked out pretty well.” (12/11/10)
Robbie Andreu, Gainesville Sun
“Urban Meyer has been looking for a dominant defense, one similar to the units that led Florida to two national titles during his tenure. The departing Gators coach might now see one – with Will Muschamp at the helm.” (12/11/10)
Rachel George, Orlando Sentinel
