Thoughts on the Turner Gill KU Press Conference

Here are my thoughts and first impressions from watching the press conference introducing Turner Gill as KU's next head football coach.

1. At the start of the press conference, Lew Perkins had current KU player Brad Thorson read a note that he (Thorson) received from a current University of Buffalo player. That was cool and very supportive of Turner Gill as a coach and person. Obviously a PR technique by Perkins and I think it played well.
2. Perkins gave flowers, hugs and kisses to Gill's wife and two daughters. Kinda cheesy and a bit awkward, but a nice gesture that was obviously also a PR technique.
3. Turner Gill seemed pretty nervous during the interview, which is to be expected. Some of his comments and responses to questions were a bit awkward. One reporter asked him what he would say to sell himself to KU people that are doubting his ability to take over a program like KU. Honestly, I thought his response was somewhat underwhelming.. as though he didn't anticipate getting that question. Another reporter asked him what he knew about KU and the current players and, again, it seemed like he wasn't really prepared to answer that question. I am chalking this up mostly to nerves because I'm guessing this was a pretty intense experience for him.
4. He confirmed he has Chuck Long as the new Offensive Coordinator and Carl Torbush as the new Defensive Coordinator. Also said he's bringing a Tight Ends coach with him from Buffalo.
5. Perkins said the only person he ever offered the job to was Turner Gill. Said he did not offer it to Harbaugh. I'm not sure I believe him, but it doesn't matter at this point.
6. I definitely thought Gill lacked some polish in talking to the media. You can tell he's not used to having so much interest and media around him.
7. His honesty and sincerity came across and I feel that he is definitely a good quality person. That is consistent with everything I've read or heard about him. There is no debating that Gill's communication style and personality are considerably different from Mark Mangino.
8. Time will tell whether Gill can recruit the kind of players we need and what kind of program KU will be under him.
9. There is always optimism when you have a new coach. I'm excited for KU and excited for Turner Gill. I really hope it works out. For now, as a fan, I'm going to be a rational optimist. I'm encouraged by what I've seen, heard and read....but the proof will be in the pudding....and the pudding is how his teams play on the field and handle themselves off of it.

Keep Rockin and Chalkin,

Mic