Friedgen Staying Put
2/12/2002 7:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 12, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland head football coach Ralph Friedgen held a press conference today regarding the vacant Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coaching post. In the press conference, Friedgen withdrew his name from consideration for the job which had been discussed with him by members of the Glazer family, owners of the Bucs.
The following are select statements from Friedgen's press conference, which took place at 11:30 a.m. at the Gossett Football Team House:
Opening Statement
"Last night, I met with the Glazer family. I had a very enjoyable time talking to them. At no time did they offer me the (head coaching) position, I'm sure they are talking to a lot of people.
"I don't know how this story broke, but when it did, it put me in a position where I felt I had to pull my name out of the hat. I am here at Maryland for the kids and I want to see this thing through. I felt, however, that I had an obligation to my family to listen to (the Buccaneer organization).
"I talked to (the Glazers), we exchanged ideas and philosophies about offensive structure. They gave me some of their thoughts - it was a very educational and enjoyable time. They are very nice people and I wish them the best of luck."
(On the attention he has gotten in the last few months for other coaching jobs)
"It is all really flattering after so many years of not being considered. The job that I have is a very difficult job. We have a long way to go here. Some days I don't feel like we are making progress, other days I feel we are making tremendous progress. I am sure it is like that in almost every job. But the relationship that I have with people here is fantastic. I feel there is a trust here that I don't think you can place a value on and that is very, very important to me. I know what I have here. Sometimes you don't know what you are going to have at other places."
"My players came up to me and talked to me today. They made up my mind for me. They are very important to me."
(On his meeting with the players)
"We had a 5:45 a.m. workout. I got there at 5:30 and the whole team was there. They said they heard on ESPN last night that I was talking with Tampa Bay. They were pretty upset and said they wanted to have a meeting with me. They virtually issued an ultimatum to me that said 'are you in or are you out?' They didn't take their coats off so I think if I said I was out, they weren't doing any workout at 5:45 in the morning. So I said 'I'm in' and they took their coats off and went to work. You know what? That's what I would have done. They were being honest."
(On the effect that his players' reaction had on him)
"I probably wouldn't have done it anyway, but their reaction brought (the decision) to a head. They are very special people to me."
