In with the old … and in with the new, as well.
The Big Ten coaching fraternity reunited in Chicago on the first of August for the conference's annual Media Day in celebration of the upcoming college football season.
The day was not only marked by the return of some very familiar faces, like Penn State's Joe Paterno and Michigan's Lloyd Carr, but also the premiere of the two youngest head men in Divison-I, Wisconsin's Bret Bielema, 36, and Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald, 31.
"The average age of coaches in the conference will drop, which is always nice. Guys like myself appreciate that," Purdue's Joe Tiller joked. "I view a coach like I do a player, in the sense that I think young players in your program, they can bring an element of enthusiasm and energy that is very positive in your program. I think coaches are the same way. I think they'll bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm into the conference and be a big plus for our conference."
Regardless of age, experience or longevity with a school, one common theme was evident throughout the Big Ten coaching club: anticipation for the upcoming season.
Every team has something to look forward to: Ohio State, for example, was tabbed by the more than 400 credentialed media in attendance as the preseason conference favorite, despite losing nine defensive starters from a year ago.
"We're ready for a pretty exciting season," said OSU head coach Jim Tressel, whose squad was also voted No. 1 in the country in the USA Today coaches' poll. "We have a pretty neat blend of youth and maturity. Seventeen of our 18 seniors are fifth-year guys … and then we have a whole bunch of guys who will probably be playing for the first time this year."
Or take Michigan. Big Blue is coming off of its worst season but looking to bounce back.
"I'm very excited about this Michigan team," Lloyd Carr said. "We have an excellent nucleus returning offensively, defensively and in the kicking game … I think we have a tremendous attitude, tremendous leaders and our goals are extremely high."
Perhaps no one was more excited than Indiana's firecracker head coach Terry Hoeppner, who closed his 15-minute session with the media by clutching the podium with white knuckles and triumphantly exclaiming his passion for the upcoming season.
"Can't wait," shouted Hoeppner. "Can't wait! Next Monday! Get to coach football again! Yes!"
Yes, indeed. The sideline leaders of the Big Ten institutions were all very much looking forward to the 2006 season, which will officially kick off Thursday, Aug. 31, when Minnesota and Northwestern take on Kent State and Miami (OH), respectively, at 6:30 p.m. CST.
During the festivities, several preseason awards were handed out, as the Buckeyes, Michigan and Iowa were picked to finish first, second and third in the conference — nominations that weren't exactly turning heads.
"You know it's a legitimate pick," Illinois' Ron Zook said before expanding his views on OSU quarterback Troy Smith, named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. "That guy taking the snaps is a really good football player. Every snap he takes he's going to make something happen, whether it's throwing the ball, running the ball … he's a threat."
Penn State's Paul Posluszny was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Tressel was pleased to be anointed the preseason favorite, but declined at putting too much into it.
"I think it's encouraging to all the people who care about Ohio State that people think highly about [the team] … Granted, we do have to replace a lot of folks. But we've been working hard since January.
"The monster at Ohio State was created long before we arrived. Ohio State has always had those great expectations … How legitimate is it? I don't know. We'll find out at the end of November. But it's always nice to be mentioned."
Meanwhile, archrival Michigan has something of a coaching controversy on its hands, as Carr has come under fire following Michigan's 7-5 season in 2005.
The 11th-year head coach didn't shy away from the criticism of his team, however, taking all of the blame himself.
"The thing I will say is that the team never stopped trying," Carr said. "Everything that … happens in Michigan football is a reflection of me, … so what happened last season is my responsibility."
Carr isn't the only coach in the Wolverine state who is on the hot seat, as Michigan State coach John L. Smith also is under pressure to have his Spartan program take the next step after three consecutive 5-plus loss seasons and only one bowl appearance.
"In order for us to have a chance, we have to be good on the defensive side of the ball," Smith said. "Yes, I believe we're going to be exciting on the offensive side. I believe we are going to be able to score. We've always been able to do that. … But for us to be where we want to be, our defense has to step up. We're going to be exciting to watch offensively, but we better be exciting to watch defensively as well."
With many conference teams starting training camp on Monday, Aug. 7, or shortly thereafter, Big Ten coaches won't have to wait long for their heavily anticipated season.
