After thanking his family, the Kansas University decision-makers who gave him the “unbelievable opportunity,” his fellow KU football coaches, the Kansas players and even fired coach Charlie Weis, interim KU football head coach Clint Bowen met with the media Monday morning to talk about the mid-season change and how it will impact the Jayhawks (2-2 overall, 0-1 Big 12) going forward.
Here are a few of the highlights:
**• Bowen has “never known a day” in his life that he wasn’t a KU football fan.** He grew up in Lawrence, going to Kansas football games. “To be standing here today is truly one of the greatest honors that I’ve had in my life.”
**• The defensive coordinator/linebackers coach is focused on the next nine weeks**, a time period he referenced often at the Q&A. He said the KU players have worked hard and deserve success.
**• On more than one occasion, Bowen referenced his respect for the players who have represented KU throughout the program’s history** and the traditions of Kansas. He aims to let the current Jayhawks know what it truly means to represent KU. Bowen wants to establish an identity for the young men and the program during the weeks to come. “To be a Jayhawk is a special thing.”
**• Bowen talked with players yesterday and from now on they will play hard/tough** and have some fun. KU will play smart and play with energy. Off the field, they will represent the university well.
**• A former KU player himself, Bowen wants to invigorate the Kansas family again.** He went as far as to welcome back any former players and invite them to come back, attend practices and be a part of the program. “We want to see those people.” The program is open to former players, who paved the way for current Jayhawks.
**• “We look to inspire our fans”** by the way they play on the field.
**• On pressure of the job:** Bowen doesn’t feel any. He has worked for coaches who have been successful at Kansas. “I’ve seen the blueprint before here.” He has been a part of turn-arounds under Glen Mason and Mark Mangino. “We’re gonna implement that plan.” He will get players to buy in and move on.
**• KU’s style will be different now.** Bowen and the staff have a philosophy that the players need to be developed on a daily basis. They want to develop their fundamentals so they will be successful on game days.
**• At the end of this season, KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger will make the decision** that is right for Kansas. That decision will be the best for the program and the staff will be on board with that.
**• Players can come talk to Bowen any time.** He will treat them with respect and help them correct their mistakes in whatever manner that takes. His door is always open and he’ll be disappointed if they don’t come see him.
**• It will be challenging for Bowen with all these new responsibilities.** If it comes down to spending more hours at the football facilities that’s what he’ll do.
**• On Charlie Weis Jr.**: They are working on a role that everyone will be comfortable with for the former head coach’s son, who has been a student manager. “He’s a great young man, a hard tireless worker.” They will give him a role if he wants to remain with the program.
**• This is Bowen’s dream job**. “Anyone who would consider this a stepping-stone job is an idiot.” This is a sleeping giant of a program.
**• Players smiled, had fun, had energy and flew around the practice fields** on Sunday. Bowen loved the tempo and urgency at practice. The players showed up ready to go.
**• Bowen will talk with offensive coordinator John Reagan** about ways they can get the offense on track. Reagan most likely will move up to the press box as offensive coordinator. Hopefully a new start will put the past behind them. Reagan will have the freedom to do what he does.
**• Bowen can’t change his emotional/energetic approach** to game day coaching on the sidelines. He can’t just stand there with his arms crossed. He will celebrate and have fun when one of his players make a play. He might get even more amped up now.
*- Hear the complete press conference: [KU introduces Clint Bowen as interim head coach][1]*
[1]: http://www2.kusports.com/podcasts/press_conferences_postgame_interviews/2014/sep/29/ku-introduces-clint-bowen-interim-head-football-co/
