AFM RSS Feed Follow Us on Twitter       
AMERICAN FOOTBALL MONTHLY THE #1 RESOURCE FOR FOOTBALL COACHES
ABOUT |  CONTACT |  ADVERTISE |  HELP  



   User Name    Password 
      Password Help





Article Categories


AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


A Look Inside Coaches Office: Troy Morrell

by: AFM Editorial Staff
© More from this issue

Click for Printer Friendly Version          

AFM: What was it like the first time you stepped into your office knowing that you’re in charge of Auburn football?

TT: When I first stepped into the office I was amazed at how large it was... it’s probably bigger than all the offices I’ve had as an assistant coach combined. It was built by Coach (Pat) Dye and the complex itself houses everything. With all the windows, I’m able to see the indoor practice facility we have as well as other facilities. There’s a part of the office that serves as a reception area for recruits – a round table – as well as a book case for momentos and a work station where I can be on the computer or watch tape.

AFM: Tell us how the office is used? Do you have staff meetings, reception visits, normal administrative phone and computer work?


TT: We don’t have staff meetings there – we use a conference room for team and position meetings. It’s used for guests-parents of our players and other coaches that visit. I also use it for answering e-mails in which I have a printer and access to the internet. Also, the television is used that’s in the cabinet often for both screening recruit tapes as well as opponent game tape.

AFM: Have you had any interesting or unusual visitors over the years?

TT: Once in awhile we’ll have some interesting people stop by... the singer Lionel Richie comes by – he lives in a town nearby. Also, Evander Holyfield has stopped by the office – one of his son’s is on the team... another team member is the grandson of the CEO of Chick Fillet.... and both Nancy Lopez and Ray Knight visit every once in a while – their daughter is a student here.

AFM: What’s the media scrutiny been like at a major SEC institution?
TT: It’s been all media, all the time... I have my media briefing and press conference every Tuesday at 11:30 am but also talk to a group – usually between 15-30 members of the press, radio, and television-after every practice.

AFM: What coaches that have influenced your career have visited with you in your office?

TT: Probably one of the most influential is Larry Lacewell – the Player Personnel Director of the Cowboys. He usually comes by at least once a year and was very instrumental in my career as a coach. Also, I’ve coached for both Jimmy Johnson at Miami and R.C. Slocum at Texas A & M, and they have stopped by.

AFM: What are some of your personal memorabilia...the treasured items in your office?

TT: I have a number of coaching staff pictures with the assistants through the years I’ve worked with... I also have photos of some of the players over the years I’ve recruited like Ray Lewis when he was at Miami... it’s as an assistant that you have more time to build relationships both with fellow coaches and players. As a head coach your time is very limited.

I also have pictures of my wife and children as well as four front pages of the newspaper the day after we beat Alabama... there are also some photos of golf events I’ve taken part in for alumni and charitable events... I love golf and am glad Steve Spurrier is back in the league so I can take him to the woodshed.

AFM: If you were allowed to take one item from your office, what would it be?
TT: It would be the picture of my wife Suzanne and our children Thomas Tucker and Troy Allen.

AFM: If you could invite three coaches into your office for a meeting – living or dead – who would they be?

TT: Probably three of the most influential people in my life: former coach Tom Landry of the Dallas Cowboys, Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson, and legendary Arkansas coach (and now athletic director) Frank Broyles.

AFM: If you could go back and be a GA and learn from one coach, who would it be?
TT: Joe Paterno of Penn State... I admire and respect him for all that he has done for college football... I have a picture with him at the Citrus Bowl when we played Penn State.

AFM: What thoughts or advice would you give to the person that will eventually replace you?

TT: I think it’s to stay with your philosophy... believe in something and stay with it and believe in your decisions. I have a saying on the wall that Jimmy Johnson said to me many years ago: ‘Press on... perseverance is the number one ingredient if you’re going to survive in this business... everyone gets hired and fired.’








NEW BOOK!

AFM Videos Streaming Memberships Now Available Digital Download - 304 Pages of Football Forms for the Winning Coach



















HOME
MAGAZINE
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE COLUMNISTS COACHING VIDEOS


Copyright 2024, AmericanFootballMonthly.com
All Rights Reserved