"Before anybody ever cared where I coached, I was a Scarlet Knight. Its where i walked, its where I ran, its where I bled. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like Im their son. Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me. I want to give them hope when I can. My relationship with Rutgers University is bigger than football. I didnt realize that 4 years ago. I do now.
Remember when I made my decision to go to Tampa Bay back in 2012? I remember thinking, this is really tough. I could feel it. I was leaving something I had spent a long time creating. If I could do it all over again, I'd obviously do things a lot differently, but I'd still have left. Tampa bay for me has been like college for other kids. These past 4 years helped raise me into who I am. I became a better coach and a better man. I learned from a franchise that had been where I wanted to go. I will always think of Tampa Bay as my second home. Without the experiences I had there, I wouldnt be able to do what I'm doing today.
I'm doing this essay because I want an opportunity to explain myself uninterrupted. I dont want anyone thinking: He and his GM didnt get along... He and the owner didnt get along... The Bucs couldnt put the right team together. That is absolutely not true.
I'm not having a press conference or a party. After this, its time to go to work.
When I left RU, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships. But Tampa Bay already knew that feeling. Our state hasnt had that feeling in a long, long time. My goal is to win as many titles as possible, no question. But whats most important is me bringing at least one Trophy to Rutgers University.
Im not promising a national championship. I know how hard those are to deliver. Were not ready right now. No way. Of course I want to win next year, but I'm realistic. It will be a long process. My patience will be tested. I know that. I'm going into a situation with a young team as a new coach. I will be the old head. But I get a thrill out of bringing a young group together and taking them to places they didnt know they could go. I see myself as a mentor now and I'm excited to lead some of these talented guys. I think I can help Hayden Rettig become one on the best quarterbacks in the Big 10. I think I can elevate Janarion Grant and Josh Hicks. And I cant wait to reunite with Darius hamilton, one of my favorite recruits.
In Piscatway New Jersey, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.
I'm ready to accept the challenge. Im coming home.
Remember when I made my decision to go to Tampa Bay back in 2012? I remember thinking, this is really tough. I could feel it. I was leaving something I had spent a long time creating. If I could do it all over again, I'd obviously do things a lot differently, but I'd still have left. Tampa bay for me has been like college for other kids. These past 4 years helped raise me into who I am. I became a better coach and a better man. I learned from a franchise that had been where I wanted to go. I will always think of Tampa Bay as my second home. Without the experiences I had there, I wouldnt be able to do what I'm doing today.
I'm doing this essay because I want an opportunity to explain myself uninterrupted. I dont want anyone thinking: He and his GM didnt get along... He and the owner didnt get along... The Bucs couldnt put the right team together. That is absolutely not true.
I'm not having a press conference or a party. After this, its time to go to work.
When I left RU, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships. But Tampa Bay already knew that feeling. Our state hasnt had that feeling in a long, long time. My goal is to win as many titles as possible, no question. But whats most important is me bringing at least one Trophy to Rutgers University.
Im not promising a national championship. I know how hard those are to deliver. Were not ready right now. No way. Of course I want to win next year, but I'm realistic. It will be a long process. My patience will be tested. I know that. I'm going into a situation with a young team as a new coach. I will be the old head. But I get a thrill out of bringing a young group together and taking them to places they didnt know they could go. I see myself as a mentor now and I'm excited to lead some of these talented guys. I think I can help Hayden Rettig become one on the best quarterbacks in the Big 10. I think I can elevate Janarion Grant and Josh Hicks. And I cant wait to reunite with Darius hamilton, one of my favorite recruits.
In Piscatway New Jersey, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.
I'm ready to accept the challenge. Im coming home.
