Some of his interview with Dan Patrick:
How were you told you were fired?
Face to face. Joe Alleva said we’re going to have to make a change. And I’m for the tigers. Anything they see that makes the Tigers better, I’m for it. I accepted the outcome and will support that decision and these Tigers going forward
Did you try to fight it?
It was beyond fighting. The enjoyment of being here, the enjoyment of community, the experiences that my family’s had, it’s too important to fight over. It’s history. It’s what we were are. If they see a change makes the tiger better, I’m for them.
If you beat Auburn, would you still be employed?
I want you to know something. How that game ends, with the Tigers fighting for their breath, maybe there’s a way the coach could’ve got them a second more. I would argue that I made those moves. One second. It’s certainly a decision that was made more appropriately over more than a second.
Did you talk to your players?
I did and I appreciate Joe Alleva giving me that opportunity. I took advantage of it. I did not stay long, but wished them well. They deserve the best. I think Ed Orgeron will do a great job for them.
How tough is this job?
I think it’s a blast. I think coaching football and being with young players and developing them … taking a team into an opponent’s stadium and coming out with a victory (is a blast). I don’t think this job’s hard.
Do you do anything differently?
I always review everything. In certain things, we could’ve been better. I gave us a chance to win the game.
Do you want to coach again?
I don't golf, play no tennis. I enjoy shooting the gun, don't necessarily like pointing at animals. Play cards, but not very well. But what I've done for 12-14 hours a day for the last number of years is coach football. I'd have a difficult time not being a coach.
What would you tell your successor?
How fortunate you are to coach the LSU Tigers. Taking them to the field, walking into the home and representing them.
How were you told you were fired?
Face to face. Joe Alleva said we’re going to have to make a change. And I’m for the tigers. Anything they see that makes the Tigers better, I’m for it. I accepted the outcome and will support that decision and these Tigers going forward
Did you try to fight it?
It was beyond fighting. The enjoyment of being here, the enjoyment of community, the experiences that my family’s had, it’s too important to fight over. It’s history. It’s what we were are. If they see a change makes the tiger better, I’m for them.
If you beat Auburn, would you still be employed?
I want you to know something. How that game ends, with the Tigers fighting for their breath, maybe there’s a way the coach could’ve got them a second more. I would argue that I made those moves. One second. It’s certainly a decision that was made more appropriately over more than a second.
Did you talk to your players?
I did and I appreciate Joe Alleva giving me that opportunity. I took advantage of it. I did not stay long, but wished them well. They deserve the best. I think Ed Orgeron will do a great job for them.
How tough is this job?
I think it’s a blast. I think coaching football and being with young players and developing them … taking a team into an opponent’s stadium and coming out with a victory (is a blast). I don’t think this job’s hard.
Do you do anything differently?
I always review everything. In certain things, we could’ve been better. I gave us a chance to win the game.
Do you want to coach again?
I don't golf, play no tennis. I enjoy shooting the gun, don't necessarily like pointing at animals. Play cards, but not very well. But what I've done for 12-14 hours a day for the last number of years is coach football. I'd have a difficult time not being a coach.
What would you tell your successor?
How fortunate you are to coach the LSU Tigers. Taking them to the field, walking into the home and representing them.
