Fresno State Athletics
Hill Issues Statement on NFL Head Coaching Openings
1/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 11, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State head football coach Pat Hill and Athletics Director Thomas Boeh issued statements regarding rumors about Hill and several NFL head coaching openings. Under Hill, the Dogs have been to seven consecutive bowl games and have produced one of the nation's highest Academic Progress Rates.
The following statement was issued Wednesday afternoon by
Fresno State Head Football Coach Pat Hill:
"There has been a lot of speculation in recent days about my interest and the interview process with several current NFL head coaching openings."
| "It is a great compliment to our program, coaching staff and players that so many NFL teams have expressed this type of interest, because it shows the NFL recognizes and respects Fresno State and the quality of young men who have come through our program. We do a great job in preparing young men for the NFL and, more importantly, for life." |
" "I want to make it perfectly clear, that I'm very proud of what the program has accomplished at Fresno State. Because of the hard work of the student-athletes and the coaching staff, we have built a program that ranks in the top 10 percent in the nation academically and in the top 20 percent athletically. We have won 43 of 51 games in Bulldog Stadium and been to seven straight bowl games. Our Academic Progress Rate is very strong, among the best of all football programs in the west. I'm very proud of what our program has accomplished."
Because of the success we've had at Fresno State, I have been contacted by several NFL teams regarding their head coaching openings. I'm not going to name the teams, out of respect, but only to say there is genuine interest. Since becoming head coach at Fresno State, I have never interviewed for another job, but with so much interest at this time from NFL teams, I owe it to my family to look and listen."
"It is a great compliment to our program, coaching staff and players that so many NFL teams have expressed this type of interest, because it shows the NFL recognizes and respects Fresno State and the quality of young men who have come through our program. We do a great job in preparing young men for the NFL and, more importantly, for life."
"I have a great job and great respect for Fresno State, Dr. John Welty, Athletics Director Thomas Boeh and, most importantly, the players and coaches. Because of that, I have told the NFL teams I've spoken with that they have a 10-day window in which to interview me for their head coaching position. That time frame was well thought out and will close in time for the Fresno State football program to move forward with both recruiting and team preparations for the 2006 season. Because that window does not meet the schedules of some of the NFL teams, I will not be interviewing with every team that has expressed an interest in me. There are, however, some teams that I have spoken with and will continue to have discussions with until that window closes. That window will not be extended, however, and if that means it will remove me from consideration for a head coaching position in the NFL, then so be it."
"I have been upfront with the NFL teams and they all understand the importance of the recruiting process in college football and that prolonging the interview process would be detrimental to Fresno State and team preparations for the 2006 season, which remains my primary focus."
"I want our fans and alumni to know that I'm very happy and proud to be the head coach of the Bulldogs and that I'm looking forward to the 2006 season. There is still much work that needs to be done and we have not achieved all of the goals that are available to this university and the Valley."
"However, like I said before, the opportunity to become an NFL head coach is something I must consider."
"Out of respect for the NFL teams, I'm choosing not to discuss any specifics of the interview processes that I've been involved with at this time and I will continue to honor that. Additionally, I will not take further media inquiries regarding any NFL head coaching opening until an appropriate time."
Statement from Fresno State Athletics Director Thomas Boeh:
"I certainly can appreciate the Bulldog fans' concerns and anxiety regarding the future of our head football coach. It is my sincere hope that Coach Hill will remain at Fresno State and he is well aware of our continued commitment to him as well as the further advancement of the Bulldog football program."
"It is my hope that fans will understand that it would be inappropriate for me to address the specific dynamics and details regarding this issue. However, it should seem reasonable to most folks that after nearly a decade of exceptional service to Fresno State, Coach Hill has earned the right to fully explore and evaluate his career options so he may determine what is best for his family in the years ahead. With that in mind, I can report that Pat is keenly sensitive to the possibility that an excessively prolonged process could negatively affect his football team."
"In short, I have been in continuous contact with Coach Hill and please be assured that both Dr. Welty and I remain highly satisfied that he is proceeding in good faith and - as one would expect from a person of Pat's character - he remains extraordinarily vigilant regarding the continued well being of the Fresno State football program and department of athletics."
