Gophers New Head Coach On Turning Program Around
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The winds of change are blowing in Gopher Nation. New coach Jeff Horton has the monstrous challenge of trying to revive Minnesota's dormant program.
"We owe it to this University, this community and, more importantly, these kids. And give them every opportunity to be successful in these last five games," said Horton.
Changing coaches is just a start. Minnesota's defense, which allows over 30 points per game, needs to change for the better.
"We've had problems on defense and we know it," said Gophers defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey. "It's just all about executing and getting in your face."
No matter what happens in the next game against Penn State, Horton is a bridge between Tim Brewster and the next coach. Horton knows his chances of sticking around beyond 2010 are remote.
"I lived in Nevada 18 years. I don't know what the odds are -- like if somebody posted them right now of me being the head coach here -- but if you put $5 down, I could retire if that happened," said Horton.
Brewster may be gone, but his players haven't forgotten his passion and energy.
"That coach, that man gave everything he had to this program and to our players and to our school," said quarterback Adam Weber. "He poured his heart and soul into everything."
Horton says Weber will keep his job as the starting quarterback.
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