PODCAST: Talking Memphis, Houston And Navy At American Media Days

Cougar Football
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Applewhite is first up on the Podcast

http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/podcast-talking-memphis-houston-and-navy-american-media-days

College football writer Ralph Russo chats with some coaches at the American Athletic Conference’s media days, including Memphis’ Mike Norvell, Houston’s Major Applewhite and Navy’s Ken Niumatalolo.

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Synopsis:

  • On difference between him and the previous coach: Same attention to detail, but different personalities
  • Hire was for continuity reasons, but how do you put stamp on program: If its not broke, don’t fix it, however, there may be some things that you may do different or tweek. Moved practice up in spring for academic reasons, but kept offseason almost exactly same.
  • Mack Brown talk - mentions how there was a genuine and authentic effort every day for the players to have the resources they needed
  • Talks about how NFL contracts don’t take care of you as most players are out of the game in 3 years and that degree and personal development is important
  • QB starter not known yet. Wants to see how the guys compete in practice and wants to see how the team responds to them; “the locker room knows.” Wants toughness and competitiveness from his QB. Will make decision after a week and move on.
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He said “both” when talking about the QBs. Does that mean either King or Postma are out? :thinking:

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I caught that too. I’m thinking it’s Allen and King.

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Listened to the end:

  • Coach Niumatalolo is all class.
  • Coach Norvell is a good interview. Think if Memphis is successful, he’ll be gone after this year, though. Russo even asked him about taking Herman’s spot as most sought after coach and he gave a very Herman-like answer.
  • At the end, during the 3 and out segment, Russo through out “if the AAC can get close to $10M, that would be a game changer.” He’s correct, hope we can get there.
  • He also believe Chad Morris is most likely to leave next year if SMU can win and the Aggies fire Sumlin. He also believes that Memphis will win the conference.
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Darn. It would be a shame if coach hiring rumors are swarming when they visit Houston…

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