STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State Alumni Center was jam-packed on Monday afternoon for the introductory press conference of new head football coach Eric Morris. It began with a statement from both athletic director Chad Weiberg and university president Jim Hess, officially introducing coach Morris to the fans and a Q&A with Larry Reece.
Several things were discussed, both in press conference and Q&A.
The thing he said early on in his first speech as head coach is he wants to get someone on the phone to get Bedlam back on the schedule.
"I'd love to get on the phone with anybody that we know that can help us bring that game back. And if they're asking if Coach Morris welcomes that game, I welcome it with open arms."
Chad Weiberg was asked about Bedlam during his breakout session following the press conference, to which he reiterated his long-time stance. "My answer has not changed on that. We're not against playing that game. It just has to work out on the schedule. They've got new scheduling parameters now, so we'll just continue to have to work through when the timing is right."
After a furious first week putting together his first recruiting class, Morris is officially in Stillwater after North Texas’ loss to Tulane in the AAC title game. With that comes putting together a coaching staff.
“A bunch of guys I trust that have been with me quite a while. So, hopefully the course of the next two or three days my life will be consumed with trying to fill out my staff. And there’s so many people now in the recruiting department on that side of it, support staff-wise. Those will be things I hopefully can work through this week. I’ve had some time to think about it and have some great visions in my head on the way that’s all going to line up for me. So, between that, and it’s finals week for our players right now, so trying to find time the next couple of days to get them into the office to start building a relationship with them will be my most two important objectives.”
There’s a lot to be excited about with the Eric Morris era but the thing that drew some of the loudest cheers came towards the beginning of his opening statement.”
“Does this align with my values and who I am as a person? And ultimately, is it a place I want to live? And number two is professionally. For me, it’s a simple as this: can we win a championship there? Those are the only two questions I ask myself and as I relates to personal, there is perhaps not a better place than Stillwater, Oklahoma, for me wanting to raise my family right now. It was important for me to get this small-town feel and culture and all the things my kids will gain surrounded by a community like yourselves. And also, being able to play primetime football on a national level in the best conference there is in America. This is absolutely the most perfect fit for me and my family we could ever think about. So, number one, big check mark. As it relates to professional, can we win a championship? Sorry, Chad, but my answer to that is hell yes, we can win a damn championship around here.”
