Prince on front page of ESPN College Football page

[kougar24]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/index

[Houstoncat93]

Anybody got insider access?  Anything interesting in the article?

[fatty fat fat]

Yeah...Prince is a weird guy


Don't report me to the ESPN police:

Catching up with Ron Prince
posted: Thursday, February 16, 2006 | Feedback

Ron Prince, who grew up in Junction City, Kan., which is about 20 miles outside of Manhattan, is heading to Kansas State to take over for Bill Snyder. The offensive coordinator at Virginia for the past three seasons, Prince won over athletic director Tim Weiser and Snyder with his enthusiasm, preparedness and articulate nature. In the seventh of my 10-part series with the head coaches taking over at Division I-A schools in 2006, Prince touched on a wide range of topics, including his first meeting with Snyder, opportunities for black coaches, Fat Joe and NASCAR:

Schad: So, how did your first recruiting class turn out?

Prince: Well, it was one of the things I was most concerned about. We came in on Dec. 6 and there were a lot of parallels with [Virginia] coach [Al] Groh in taking over for a legend [George Welsh] who made his decision to retire. One of the biggest things we wanted to do was make sure we got some high-character kids. Really having the high-quality kids in that first class is important because they're going to tie in with the older players.

Schad: How do you identify a kid who is not high character?

Prince: You have to ask a lot of very probing questions of which the answer is not yes or no. Just like you guys [reporters] do. They are questions that give you a sense of the young man -- by speaking with him, his parent and his coach -- about what his values are. Both parties have to have the same values. They have to make a connection. Then, both parties have to decide if the connection is right.

Schad: What was the moment you realized you wanted to be a coach?

Prince: Probably my first year at Dodge City (Kansas) Community College. I was volunteering to help Tim McCarty, who is now my assistant head coach, and we had success. We went to a bowl game. We won a game and had a few players go D-I. I thought I had the talent for it. Until that point, I thought maybe I'd go to law school. But I got bit by the coaching bug. Then it was, "How do I break into this coaching business?"

Schad: What is the coaching bug?

Prince: Well, when you're a competitor and you've been involved with organized sports your entire life and you have an opportunity to help a young man and see the excitement in their face when they get it right, and they come back to the sideline and say, 'It's just like you said it would [be], coach,' that's a rewarding feeling. That's coaching. It's like hitting the sweet spot on a golf ball. You want to replicate that feeling over and over again.

Schad: What approach did you take going into the Kansas State interview?

Prince: We had just finished up our last game at Virginia, and I had to quickly let go of the disappointment of that game. I took the rosters from the last five or six years of each of the teams in the Big 12 and compared the signing classes to the rosters and tried to get a sense for what our team looked like and why it had performed the way it had. I did an analysis of statistics and tried to find trends of teams that were doing well in the standings and how Kansas State fit into it. All that said, for 13 years I had been preparing to be a head coach. This is a unique situation for me because I have been preparing for the Kansas State job my whole life. I am from here. My parents grew up in the same house they're in now. I knew what it was like before coach [Bill] Snyder. So this is my school, so to speak. I didn't attend school here. That's because coach Snyder did not offer me a scholarship.

Schad: You wanted that scholarship, huh?

Prince: I would have loved to have played here. I had a chance to go play for coach [Jerry] Moore at Appalachian State, and I'm very proud to have played for him. I wasn't quite talented enough to play here. I have always been a fan of Kansas State. I just felt I was uniquely qualified because I know the people in the state of Kansas. I understand the Big 12 and the Big 8.

Schad: What was it like to sit down with coach Snyder for the first time?

Prince: Well, as you know, he is iconic in our business. He is as close to coaching royalty as you can get in this state. He is detailed and serious. There is a reverence towards him in this state. So while I wasn't intimidated by him -- as I wasn't by my Dad or any other strong male in my life -- there was a pure amount of respect for the job that he did here, the history and tradition that he basically created from himself. It was interesting to share our values. And it was interesting and flattering that we shared many values.

Schad: What part of that conversation will you take with you into this job?

Prince: Some of those things I would like to keep private. But he looked at me and said, "You're a good man and I like the things that you're about and I think you're going to do very well here." You can't go in and try to impress someone like that. He's seen it all and done it all. All you can do is be yourself and share from the heart, and it should be good enough. One thing I don't try is to tell people what they want to hear.

Schad: At what moment did you realize what it means to be the head coach at K-State?

Prince: Well, press conferences and interviews don't win any games. We've tried to really make a connection with our fan base and cooperate with the media. There is a very compelling story in Manhattan. Out here it's known as the miracle in Manhattan. We think the coach being a small-town guy is a compelling story. We've tried to tell that story in the media. We will have tactics and strategies. And obviously we want to make a connection with our players and recruits. It's just been busy. There really hasn't been enough time to reflect on the moments.

Schad: What does it say that there were only 10 positions filled and that the average age was around 40?

Prince: I have no idea. I really don't. I don't know how to evaluate that. It's probably like what Ronald Reagan said [in a 1984 debate] when opposed by Walter Mondale. He said, "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit my opponent's youth and inexperience." That was perfect. Look, I know Al Golden [first-year coach at Temple]. I can't imagine anybody that is more intelligent than Al Golden, so really, age doesn't matter. He is a true peer of mine. And despite our age, I can't imagine anybody that would be more prepared than Al will be.

Schad: What is it like in Junction City, Kan., where you grew up?

Prince: Junction City is a military town. Fort Riley dominates the landscape. At one time, it was the largest infantry base. I was born in Omaha, Neb. I was adopted at 7 months old. My dad was a military man for 26 years. Junction City is a small town, a military base town. It was a tough place when I was young. And it's a very unique place for a Midwestern town. Junction City is on the west side of the base. … In this area, you have a lot of toughness and a lot of street-smart people.

Schad: What are your parents like?

Prince: My dad was drafted in World War II and served in Korea. My mom worked on the military base in the officers' quarters as a maid before she retired and stayed home. They're very down-to-earth people. They're Midwestern people with strong values about hard work. There is no hype to them. They're very humble people and believe in working hard. I am an only child. When my dad came back in 1966, they adopted me. Now, I am able to stop by at least once a week and have coffee. I had them over for dinner on Sunday. It's wonderful, but in truth, I've been so swamped…

Schad: What is something specific you learned from observing Al Groh?

Prince: Wow. I learned so many things from coach Groh. … When he hired his staff at the Jets and then came to Virginia, he hired the youngest coaching staff in the country. He's had four or five assistants go on to the NFL, and just this year, three new college head coaches [are from his staff]. He is very good at knowing what he is looking for and taught us how to do more than just our assignment. I really feel blessed that he took such an interest in each one of our careers. He taught me how important it is to truly coach your team when you become a head coach, not just be on the outside, but really be involved in all the aspects of your team. It's recruiting and evaluating. He related to our players. And he is very intelligent.

Schad: What did you pick up from your time with Tom Coughlin?

Prince: In 1996, I did an internship with the Jaguars. Being with Tom Coughlin really opened my mind. I also worked with Dick Jauron, Kevin Gilbride and Randy Edsall. The next year I went to the Redskins with Norv Turner and Mike Martz. And in 1998, I had a similar opportunity with Dan Reeves and Art Shell and Rich Brooks [of the Falcons]. So many terrific coaches. In 2000, I had an opportunity with the New York Giants and Sean Payton and John Fox. You know, the Giants organization has really had a tremendous influence on me. I had really good role models.

Schad: What is the reason there are not more than five Division I-A African-American coaches?

Prince: Well, it seems to me that the natural progression had something to do with it. If a job is open, you're either a former player, a former assistant, you're from there geographically or a school decides they want an assistant from a program they want to emulate. Now, when that seems to be the criteria and someone who isn't a good fit gets the job, that's when people raise an eyebrow. So it's the people who set the criteria who have been setting the tone. I think as more black coaches get an opportunity to work for guys like Al Groh, who are interested in mentoring, there will be more opportunities.

Schad: Where do you see this headed?

Prince: I am confident that [as] more young black guys get in front of athletic directors and have a chance to run a program, you'll have more and more assistants making their way. The fact you bring up about youth is a testament to the fact that it's not just about race, but also age. So there are numerous factors.

Schad: Interesting.

Prince: You know, I think a lot of people see the NFL as being much more opportunity-oriented. And I thought, frankly, that maybe my chance would come in the NFL. I thought maybe I'd have to be an NFL assistant for a number of years first, before I got this opportunity. Here's something else I've noticed. It seems to me that, in the NFL, the minority coaches are from the defensive side. In college, it's mostly offensive coaches. In the NFL, it's Herm Edwards and Lovie Smith. Marvin Lewis and guys who get mentioned a lot like Ted Cottrell and also Romeo Crennel. Guys like Art Shell would be the exception. But in college, it appears to me it's been offensive minds like Ty Willingham, Karl Dorrell, Jim Caldwell, Sylvester Croom and Bobby Williams. I don't know why, but that's just the sense I have. There seems to be a set criteria. Overall, I've noticed some of the hires in college don't always follow that natural progression we talked about. In the NFL, they fall into those lines more often.

Schad: What is your view on a Division I-A college football playoff?

Prince: I tell you what. That's tough only because of the divisional play that we're in right now with the championship games. If you add the playoffs on top of it, you would have an NFL schedule on your hands. I find the bowl system very fascinating now. It gives you the opportunity now to end the season the right way.

Schad: What do you listen to in your car?

Prince: Mostly, I listen to books on tape. "Built to Last" and "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. Both are business-type books. When there is music in there, I love rap and hip-hop. I love Fat Joe and Juelz Santana. And Mike Jones and Paul Wall.

Schad: Favorite vacation spot?

Prince: Kiawah, South Carolina. It's near Charleston. Absolutely beautiful. A private island with golf courses. When we were at South Carolina State, we fell in love with the place. They really preserve wildlife. On the other hand, I also love New York City. My wife grew up in Westchester. She worked on Madison Avenue. We like to go to Carmine's and the Rock 'N Roll Deli on Central Park South.

Schad: What do you like to read?

Prince: I like to read the New York Times, the first section and the metro section. I don't read many sports stories.

Schad: Why?

Prince: I think if you're willing to look at all the good stuff people write about you, you'd better look at the bad stuff, too. So I like to treat both of those impostors the same, by ignoring them. Things are never as good or as bad as they seem. I know all those sports stories keep us in check. I get that. I understand that. But I don't have to read it.

Schad: What else do you like to do?

Prince: Play golf. I'm a huge golf fan interested in anything at all to do with Tiger Woods. And I also like NASCAR. Go figure. Ryan Newman is my guy.

Schad: Interesting. So how do you hope this all unfolds?

Prince: That's simple. I hope to be the Joe Paterno of the high plains. I want to be here forever.

Monday's blog will be a Q&A with new San Diego State head coach Chuck Long.

[Andy]

nice read, thanks for posting that.

[michigancat]

Prince: Mostly, I listen to books on tape. "Built to Last" and "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. Both are business-type books. When there is music in there, I love rap and hip-hop. I love Fat Joe and Juelz Santana. And Mike Jones and Paul Wall.

Back then hoes didn't want me, now I'm hot hoes all on me"
"Back then hoes didn't want me, now I'm hot hoes all on me - I SAID"
"Back then hoes didn't want me, now I'm hot hoes all on me"
"Back then hoes didn't want me, now I'm hot hoes all on me - I SAID"

[Mike Jones]
Mike Jones!!
Befo' I came up in the game these hoes didn't show no love
They see me in the club and used to treat me like a scrub
They wouldn't holla cause my dollars wasn't swoll enough
I bet they change they mind when them 80 4's come rollin up
They see that I'm a star, now they wanna sit in my car
Now they wanna count my G's, smoke my weed and sip my bar now
They used to love to me diss me, now they rush to hug and kiss me now
They tellin all they friends when I leave how they miss me now
2 8 1, 3 3 0, eight zero zero 4
Hit Mike Jones up on the low cause Mike Jones about to blow
Befo' the ice was in my grill, befo' I got my major deal
These hoes wouldn't give a damn if I was here, shea
Befo' the ice was in my grill, befo' I got my major deal
These hoes wouldn't give a damn if I was here, shea
Befo' the ice was in my grill, befo' I got my major deal
These hoes wouldn't give a damn if I was here, shea - because

[Chorus]

[Mike Jones]
I remember back den, most of them hoes couldn't stand me
But now them same hoes beggin me to pull down they panties
A couple of 'em said I was cute but I was just too chubby
Same size a year later the same hoes wanna &@#% me
Because they see me paid, pimpin pens, workin my jelly
And I ain't trippin cause my pockets stick out mo' than my belly
They know I'm paid, livin laid in the shade
2 slabs in the Escalade with fo' or five estates
Then know that I got it made, I'm a mother&@#%in baller
She would want a african american now but I ain't got no time to call her
I'ma stall her like she stalled me, now she tryin to call me
Bitch I'ma dog yo' whole ass like you dogged me
I'm Mike Jones, don't act like you don't know the name
Ain't nuttin changed but my change, I'ma stay the same
I'm Mike Jones, don't act like you don't know the name
Ain't nuttin changed but my change, I'ma stay the same

[Chorus]

[Mike Jones]
Befo' my paper came, befo' I got my fame
These hoes that's poppin on me now didn't even know my name
They said my flow was lame, they said I had no game
I told 'em all I was fin' to blow they thought I was insane
But then my name started blowin up quick, now they jumpin on my dick
Cause they see me on the rise and know now my paper thick
But then my name started blowin up quick, now they jumpin on my dick
Because they see me on the rise and know now my paper thick

[Chorus - 2X]

[kougar24]

On a semi-related note, Good to Great is an excellent book. I'd recommend it to anyone in any field.

Good is the enemy of the Great, remember that.

[Fausto]

Woo Hoo!  KSUFans.com Premium Information!

[Houstoncat93]

Woo Hoo!  KSUFans.com Premium Information!

Best money I ever spent and worth every dime!!!!!!!

[Saulbadguy]

Oh boy! Prince is getting us exposure!  He is really hard at worK!   

[GoldbrickGangBoss]

He's selling himself as much as he possibly can. Ksu = stepping stone should he be able to do well.

[mjrod]

ku fans now quivering at the thought that Prince will continue Snyder's dominance of the Squawks.

LOL!