New head football coach Terry Bowden speaks to reporters and fans on Wednesday, promising a brand of football that would be “exciting on offense and relentless on defense.”
Calling it "an absolutely beautiful day," University of Akron President Luis M. Proenza opened the press briefing that introduced new head football coach Terry Bowden to a room packed with reporters and fans. Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill called Bowden "the right leader at the right time. He's won everywhere he has been and he already has Akron in his blood."
Bowden, second from left, is welcomed by (from left), Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill, University President Luis M. Proenza and Provost W. Michael "Mike" Sherman.
Then Coach Bowden took to the podium with energy, enthusiasm, and a welcoming "thanks to y'all." He was direct in answering all questions about his plans for cultivating a winning team. He said his Zips would be “exciting on offense and relentless on defense.”
“I will begin by setting great expectations for success,” said Bowden, who holds a 140-62-2 record as coach. “The foundation for success is in the X’s and O’s, the blocking and tackling, the fundamentals of football. I'm going to call the plays and run the offense. It's going to be a fast-paced offense. Hold onto your hats. It's going to be fun."
Return to Akron
This was not Bowden’s first time on campus, as he was an assistant with the Zips in 1986.
Bowden, who coached for the Zips in 1986, said he and his coaching staff will find a winning formula for the Zips and bring the Wagon Wheel back to Akron.
“The last time I was here, you could still drive through the middle of campus,” he said. He remarked how impressed he was by the transformation of campus and by the facilities available for football, assets that will boost recruiting.
Bowden said he has talked with several candidates for staff coaching positions, and that he wants a few to be well connected within the region
“We’re going to find the formula for us to be a winning program,” Bowden said. “I don’t know what it is yet, but we’ll find it and we’re going to bring the Wagon Wheel back to Akron.”