.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
INSIDER: Excitement of New Era
11/29/2007 | Football
By Ben Garrett
OleMissSports.com Insider
Before he even stepped foot outside the curtain inside the Gertrude C. Ford Center
A capacity crowd of 1,500 packed the seats and isles, with more than 500 waiting in the hallways, to welcome the 36th head coach in Rebel history to
“The one thing I love about Ole Miss is tradition,” he said. “That’s the reason I’m here. I feel this place can be successful. I feel like this place can win. I can’t wait to tell our players how you spell fun.
“The way you spell fun is W-I-N.”
From that point on, the charismatic coach laid out his plans for the future. He discussed his goal of achievement and desire for commitment. Having to continually pause for ovations from the crowd, Nutt could sense a fanbase eager for success.
“It gives me chills when you clap and applaud,” said Nutt. “It means you’re hungry. You’re hungry for success.”
And hungry they are. With a 3-9 record this season, Rebel faithful are hoping he can take a roster filled with talent on both sides of the ball to prominence. Having gained a reputation as a “players’ coach”, Nutt spoke of the expectations he has for his new army.
"My first priority is to get to know my players," Nutt said. "One thing I can assure you of is our players are going to play hard and have fun. They are going to have enthusiasm and passion. This is the greatest game in the world. You have an awesome responsibility. You are a collegiate athlete.”
Nutt held a team meeting inside the Indoor Practice Facility later in the afternoon, with many members expressing their excitement over their new coach.
“Overall, I was very pleased with my first initial meeting with Coach Nutt,” said junior linebacker Tony Fein. “The way he talks and the things he does, are all welcomed by everyone.”
Nutt brings a record of 111-70 as a head coach at
Boone said that experience inside the conference was the chief component in the decision to pursue Nutt.
“When the opportunity came to search for a new coach, Chancellor (Robert) Khayat asked me what my goals were.” said Boone. “I told him they’re fairly simple: I’d like to find a proven SEC head coach. He said he didn’t think that was too much to ask. I didn’t think that it was. Now we have Houston Nutt.”
Sophomore receiver Marshay Green said that Nutt’s successful background will help the team substantially.
“I think every player on the team showed excitement today,” said Green. “Coach Nutt comes from a winning program. He will bring that experience here and win. He said what was really on his mind in the meeting and I’m ready to play for him.”
A lot has been made of Nutt’s track record with running backs, as he fielded record-setting ground attacks at
Rebel sophomore running back Cordera Eason said hoped he would be able to find similar success under Nutt’s watch.
“Coach Nutt is a real good coach and brings great energy to our team,” he said. “I feel good about it. The way he was talking, it sounds like we are going to have a good offense. It is something I look forward to. I saw the success he had with (Darren) McFadden, and hopefully we can do some similar stuff. Whatever he plans on doing, we will be happy.”
Excitement can be felt all around
As the cheers roared, Nutt stood in reverence. The once Razorback was now a Rebel.
“I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to be your coach,” he said. “I love