SMU Mustangs - "The Pony Express returns to Big D"

[Valdarix]

Golic: So yesterday was an interesting day in Dallas. Jerry Jones proclaims that Phillips will lead the 'Boys to the Super Bowl in their home stadium. The Mavericks blow a 22 point lead to the Clippers and June Jones bolts town for what he calls his "Dream Job"

Greeney: Well Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones obviously have things they both need to fix in their organizations before either wins a title. No matter how close they may be. Now as for June Jones, this is a guy who just bolted Hawaii for several reasons, while he may not have been coaching for titles he was successful non the less. Just when you think he's turning this SMU team around he bolts for Ole Miss.

Golic: Greeney what I find odd about this whole thing is that he announced it out of the blue, I mean no one even knew Mississippi was looking for a new head coach. Then there is his short speech, made from the SMU PR department. Here take listen....

[Golic Reading]
Jones: "The job at Ole Miss is something that no man can pass up. This is my chance to coach on college football's biggest stage, and to show the nation that the Run & Shoot offense can and will work in the best conference in the NCAA. I am happy with my time in Dallas, but now is the time to move on. Thank You!.

Greeney: First off he makes no sense in that interview. There is no doubt the run and shoot works. He's proven it in years past. His response was very short and callous to say the least.

Golic: I agree, I'm not sure what's going on in June Jones land, I guess someone at SMU wasn't drinking his Kool-aid....the bigger question is what does SMU do now?

Greeney: Mike that is a very good question, and we will discuss that more with Lee Corso after this break ...stay tuned folks.

[Valdarix]

Re: SMU Mustangs - "The Pony Express returns to Big D"

Coaches Spotlight
w/ Mike Hall

Mike Hall: Hello and welcome to ESPNU Coaches Spotlight. It's not often that we get to break news on this show, but today we have a major announcement. This is literally breaking news as I just overheard the phone call myself no more than 10 minutes ago. What is this big news you ask?

Craig James Named Head Coach at SMU

Mike Hall: Thats right ladies and gents, EPSN's own Craig James and former member of the Pony Express has been named the new head coach of the mustangs. Catch the Press Conference late today on ESPN2.

[Valdarix]

Re: SMU Mustangs - "The Pony Express returns to Big D"

LIVE: Craig James Press Conference from Dallas, TX

Coach James: "I want to thank everyone for coming out today, and will answer all your questions shortly. However, before I do I want to introduce you to the new offensive coordinator of the SMU Mustangs. A man many of you here in Dallas know very well and the only man I trust to help me put this offense back in the category of the elite. I shared the most dynamic backfield in college football with this man and now I am proud to share the sideline. Mr. Eric Dickerson."

Coach James: "Ok, first question"

Question 1:"Kate Hairopoulus, Dallas Morning News. Coach James, many are rather surprised by this move on your behalf. While the University offering you the job is no surprise, you accepting it is a major shock. What does this do to all your political hopes."

Coach James: "Great question. As for my political aspirations, I may still pursue that in the future. However, this is the time to give back to to Southern Methodist University Football. I received a call shortly after the AD called me. from Lance McIlhenny, he and I talked at length and he made a very clear point to me. Eric and myself came out of the Death Penalty era with our reputations in tact. Many guys didn't have that luxury. Lance has admitted to accepting anonymous money in his playing day and that keeps him from being able to do this job, but boy is he capable. Eric and I have the name recognition in the state of Texas get the recruiting job done and the football knowledge to make it happen on the field. "

Question 2: "Will Lance have any role in this team? Also, you've been an analyst since retiring, Eric has bounced around doing this and that since he retired from the NFL. What makes you guys qualified to coach a major program in college football?"

Coach James: "Lance will serve as special assistant to the coaching staff. This is volunteer position and he will be working with QB coach and OC to develop the offense. As far as our qualifications go Eric and I have a long history of coaching at low, less prestigious levels. The fact is, while we may not have dedicated our lives to coaching we both have the aptitude for it."

Question 3: " Sophmore QB Kyle Padron showed a lot of promise under June Jones. Some rumors are he will transfer to Ole Miss. What do you think of this kid and what can you see happening?"

Coach Dickerson: "I got this one. I spoke to Kyle last night at length about the changes. Went into great detail about where we plan on taking this team and what role he will play in that. I also have contacted a man we plan to bring in as QB coach to help mold this young man into a star. Kyle is a very talented kid and was on his way to becoming another "JJ System QB". We feel he has more talent than that and while learning a new offense will be challenging we think he will be better for it."

Question 4: Who is this QB coach and what offense do you plan to utilize?

Coach James: The young man we are bringing in is, Ryan Leaf. We feel that Coach Leaf can be an asset to this staff and our young QB's. Ryan has a lot of personnel baggage he has been working through and we will not be taking questions about his hiring. We feel that his issues are in the past and have hired him based on his work at West Texas A&M. As for the offense we will be running a Balanced Run attack, expect to see 3, 4, or 5 guys with multiple carries in a game, but also expect to see Kyle sling the ball for quite a bit too. The goal is to be a very balanced yet run oriented team. One last question"

Question 5: "When can we expect to hear the rest of the staff, because to be honest this staff is shaping up to be one that the football world will be following."

Coach James: "I still have a few calls to make, expect to see the press release later today or early in the morning."

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Re: SMU Mustangs - "The Pony Express returns to Big D"

2010 SMU Mustangs Team Data

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Head Coach: Craig James (49) [0 Experience]
OC/RB: Eric Dickerson (50) [0 Exp]
DC: Tyrone Nix (37)[14 yrs]
QB: Ryan Leaf (34)[2 yrs]
Special Advisor:Lance McIlhenny

Offensive Scheme: Run Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 3-4

Note: This is an SMU dynasty. Should a HC be fired a new one will be made and put in his place to continue the SMU story.

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Re: SMU Mustangs - "The Pony Express returns to Big D"

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