Watch: Best moments from Kevin Sumlin's introduction as Arizona's head football coach
Newly hired head UA head football coach Kevin Sumlin was introduced by athletic director Dave Heeke and president Robert Robbins Tuesday.
A new era for the Arizona Wildcats
Updated
New University of Arizona Wildcats head football coach Kevin Sumlin, center, poses with UA president Robert Robbins, left, and athletic director Dave Heeke, right, during Sumlin's introductory press conference at the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility on Jan. 16, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. Sumlin succeeds Rich Rodriguez, who was fired in December 2017.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
Walking into the Lowell-Stevens football facility at Arizona Stadium was different than in years past.
Former and current Wildcats entered the building smiling and cheerful for the official start to the Kevin Sumlin era at Arizona. And the first blurb from Sumlin's introductory press conference as the head coach: "Good morning, Bear Down" with a grin on his face.
UA president Robert Robbins quoted the late Stuart Scott by calling Sumlin "cooler than the other side of the pillow." And he was cool, calm and collected during the whole press conference, because he knew that while this was a breaking-the-barrier day for Arizona athletics, he still has his work cut out for him. It's more than shaking hands and kissing babies. Sumlin is on a mission to morph his coaching staff and hit the ground running in recruiting and being familiar with current players.
From the man of the hour, to ex-Wildcats, to Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke, here are the best moments from Sumlin's introductory press conference.
Heeke and Robbins' statements
UpdatedInitial statement from Arizona AD Dave Heeke and president Robert Robbins. pic.twitter.com/VbsMTxHFOt
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
The people's choice
UpdatedUA president Robert Robbins says he went to classrooms to see who students wanted to hire. Robbins also mentions he was impressed by Sumlin’s ability to stay calm and collected at all times. pic.twitter.com/2LAxDIkjVh
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
"Good morning, Bear Down."
UpdatedKevin Sumlin introduction: “Good morning, Bear Down.” pic.twitter.com/SxwD1DOx3v
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Embracing Tucson
UpdatedKevin Sumlin says the program will be involved on campus and in the community. pic.twitter.com/h3JLjuwgzz
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Smellin' the roses
UpdatedKevin Sumlin on what it’ll take for Arizona to get to a Rose Bowl. pic.twitter.com/i9yfVT8O7U
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Taking a step back before coming back to coaching
UpdatedKevin Sumlin on taking a step back from coaching and seeking advice between Texas A&M and Arizona. pic.twitter.com/h90Q6pHmGs
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Working with Heisman hopeful Khalil Tate
UpdatedKevin Sumlin on working with Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate. pic.twitter.com/jdUBCTNKds
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Justin Belknap's first impression of Sumlin
UpdatedArizona defensive lineman Justin Belknap on new head coach Kevin Sumlin's message to the team this morning, and why it was so important to keep Marcel Yates. pic.twitter.com/D5ohx6DSmj
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Territorial Cup
UpdatedKevin Sumlin on a new era of the #TerritorialCup and his relationship with Herm Edwards. pic.twitter.com/2GmrYvAYts
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
OT Layth Friekh on RichRod firing
UpdatedArizona OL Layth Friekh on RichRod firing: “It’s unfair. I think Coach Rod is a standup guy. I think it’s untrue.” pic.twitter.com/ZeQqzevavH
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
QB/head coach relationship
UpdatedKevin Sumlin on the relationship between head coach and QB: “The quarterback and head coach get way too much credit when we win, and we get most of the blame when we lose.” pic.twitter.com/6pEChKPzwb
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Seeking advice
UpdatedKevin Sumlin says he hasn’t reached out to Rich Rodriguez for coaching advice, but it’s going to happen. The first person Sumlin talked to about coaching advice at UA was Dick Tomey. pic.twitter.com/L5uPaRMdB7
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Dave Heeke's thoughts on Sumlin
UpdatedArizona AD Dave Heeke on what new head coach Kevin Sumlin brings to the Wildcats' recruiting efforts. pic.twitter.com/abGMw2fXeb
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Ex-Wildcats are impressed
UpdatedFormer UA wide receiver Bobby Wade on Kevin Sumlin hire: “Arizona having the opportunity to hire a black coach is awesome. Not only for our community, but the world, and football. ... We’re excited.” pic.twitter.com/AwQjFe0eLz
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
Keeping Marcel Yates was huge for LB Tony Fields
UpdatedNo surprise here. LB Tony Fields falls in line with Arizona players praising Marcel Yates, excited about Kevin Sumlin. Also talks about Sumlin's message to the team this morning pic.twitter.com/1ZPi2OUgKi
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 16, 2018
