DURHAM — Duke coach David Cutcliffe doesn't think he's crazy for taking on the reclamation project that was Duke football after the 2007 season. Even now, with Duke 3-2 and 1-1 in the ACC, some of his coaching friends do.
"I've already had some coaching friends call me crazy," Cutcliffe said Wednesday during the ACC coaches' teleconference. "I've already had some people call me about [NFL] coordinator jobs. But I say, 'Listen, I am right where I need to be and I'm thrilled to be here."
Cutcliffe said the quality of his life in Durham has been great, especially working with the nine men he asked and accepted coaching positions on his staff. All but one, receivers coach Scottie Montgomery, knew Cutcliffe at previous stops.
"We felt we could do something significant here," Cutcliffe said. "We'll definitely either succeed or fail. Obviously because we were at flat rock-bottom as a team. It's a chance to build from the ground up. That's exciting to anyone regardless of the business. I'm competitive. I love people who tell me I can't do something."
Comments
From what I understand,
Sat, 10/18/2008 - 02:00 — route66From what I understand, Coach Cut was fired for being too loyal to his assistants (many of whom are now at Duke). He won an SEC Championship, and then went something like 7-5 the next year and the chancellor wanted him to can some coaches. Cutcliffe refused to do it, and was fired.
I'm not happy that Cut was fired, but I am so glad that he and his family are here in Durham. Great guy, and he can flat out coach, too.
How did the stat of Mississippi ever let him go?
Thu, 10/16/2008 - 13:56 — Anonymous (not verified)I don't understand why he was fired down South. Something in the equation does not add up. I am happy he choose to try his skills in Durham.
Cutcliffe
Wed, 10/15/2008 - 21:43 — Chris S. (not verified)I'm a UNC fan but I love Cutliffe at Duke. He makes Duke football better, which makes the ACC Triangle teams stronger which will hopefully push ACC to be a stronger football conference in the next couple of years.
Cutcliff has been a breath
Wed, 10/15/2008 - 15:51 — Anonymous (not verified)Cutcliff has been a breath of fresh air, not only as a football coach but as a person. Very interesting guy who seems well grounded.
duke job
Wed, 10/15/2008 - 15:50 — george32i think it is a great opportunity for cutliffe and for duke. with his history of developing quarterbacks like the mannings and duke's academic reputation he should be able to recruit as well as spurrier did during his time there.