A Brief Interview With Jeff Tedford
by HydroTech on Mar 31, 2009 11:15 PM PDT
in California Golden Bears Football
Email
PrintAuthor note: This post has been a few days in the making but only written up until now (Tuesday night). Sorry, blame it on culinary school and having to work late nights at restaurants.
Lately, as you know, we've been trying to get a press pass or get media credentials (are those the same thing?) from Cal Media Relations. Time after time we've been turned down. However, of all the avenues that we've pursued, there was one last pitch which we didn't try. Me.
Our usual course of action was to have one of the other Marshawnthusiasts send an email or call the Cal Media Relation dudes and politely asked to meet with them to discuss getting legitimate access to Cal Football. Basically, we've always dealt with the front-desk; always going to the lower peons and asking for permission to speak to the higher-ups. But after all those failures, we've decided that I had do the pitch and aim for somebody in middle - somebody above those in Cal Media Relations. Afterall, I, unlike my fellow Marshawnthusiasts, once worked for the team. So, I decided it was time that I give it a try.
I've been hesitant to expose myself to Tedford. Frankly, I'm kinda scared of the guy and I don't know how he feels about me writing about his team and breaking things down for everyone to see. But I figured since all our previous attempts had failed, it was time for me to take that big step forward and expose myself to him in order to secure an interview.
So I called one of my ball-boy friends, who put me in touch with the equipment staff. I explained the situation, and asked when Tedford might be around the Stadium. It turns out that he was actually around the stadium that day (the day I called), and that I could probably speak to him over the phone for a few minutes.
That's when my heart started to race. Holy hell. I was just about to explain who I was, and that I ran some blog, and that I write about his team like I actually know something about football. I kept thinking he's going to think I'm an idiot.
Anyways, I got a bit of the runaround. A little bit of, "wait, let me see where he is." To: "okay, call his secretary," to "he's not here right now but leave a message."
Haha, okay.... leave a message on Jeff Tedford's office phone? Okay. Just try not to sound like an idiot, I told myself. So long story short, I left a message. I explained who I was. What I do now (blog stuff, culinary school, etc.), what I did in the past (team stuff), and asked him if I could do a very brief interview with him. Then I hung up and waited.
About 20 minutes later, my phone rang. It was God.
I greeted him, and again explained things to him in a little more detail. I told him he probably doesn't remember me. He didn't remember me. I explained that I've seen him at Coach's Tour events and he's given me that "I recognize" you face before, so although he doesn't remember my name he may recognize my face. I name-dropped the few people who I knew who still work for the team to give myself a little more legitimacy. God knew who I was talking about and seemed satisfied with who I was.
So then I started asking a few questions. I really hadn't prepared much so I was fumbling to think of good questions. I apologize for my lack of preparation. But I did have my handy interview-mic thing with me (that I use to record my culinary school lectures), so I turned on my cell phone speakerphone, turned on the interview-mic thing, and started to ask away.
Please enjoy.
CGB: How are the QBs looking?
JT: They're all looking good. I'm pleased with the progress they are making. I think we have a very talented group of guys who all are capable of leading the team.
CGB: Is Riley's experience going to give him an edge over Mansion and Sweeney?
JT: Well, anytime you have a guy who is experienced, he's going to have an advantage. But experience isn't everything. The quarterback has to be able to manage the game well ... [unintelligible] ... good grasp of the offense, and make all the throws. If the most experienced player still can't do all those other things, then he won't start. So to answer your question, Riley does have a slight edge but that doesn't guarantee him anything.
CGB: What new elements of offense is Ludwig implementing into the offense?
JT: I don't want to get into much detail, but he's bringing a lot to our offense. He and I share the same philosophies and ideas so he's not going to be completely different - not a complete change from what we have now, but he is bringing a few new things to the table.
CGB: Last year Cignetti changed the pass protection schemes. Are the pass protection schemes going to be changed again this year? Is that something Ludwig would do? Or is that Marshall's call?
JT: Yeah, Cignetti did change the pass protection schemes... [unintelligible]. Right now we're tinkering with things. I think we are going to change a few things. These changes, for the most part are changes which Ludwig will implement. But Ludwig is working closely with Marshall on the offense.
CGB: Speaking of Coach Marshall, does bringing him on board help in recruiting because he's coached in the NFL?
JT: Oh definitely. Recruits really respond well to the pitch that we have an offensive lineman coach who has spent time in the NFL. Recruits really like that.
JT: There are rumors that Syd'Quan will be playing offense next year? [Laughs] Well, those we can put to rest. Syd will strictly play corner next year. We are considering Tyson [Alualu] on offense though. With our lack of experience at TE, Tyson can actually come right in and contribute and help out there.
CGB: Are you glad to have Tepper back?
JT: Certainly. It's always great to have back another experienced and talented player. Tepper has been getting even stronger. I think he's benching around 390 (pounds) now, and running a sub 4.9 (forty-yard dash time).
JT: I think that's Chris Guarnero. All of our players have been doing yoga and other flexibility exercises. Actually, many of our linemen can do the splits. It's actually somewhat of a requirement that our players achieve a certain level of flexibility to play.
JT: I don't want to talk about it! I miss Dumpster Muffin so greatly. Come back to me, dearest Dumpster Muffin. Come back to me! I'll never cut down the trees of our love in my heart!
CGB: What made you give up on Diante Jackson?
JT: We really did like Diante's skill set and we think he'll be a fine player. But there was this one Internet poster who loved him so much that it scared us away from him. I dunno much about the Internet, but I know that you should never listen to people on there.
CGB: Thank you for sharing your time with me. Good luck in 2009, Coach.
JT: Go Bears!
69 comments
|
5 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
You fucker, you had me going there . . .
I guess the only true part of the story was that you “exposed yourself” to God , , , hence no media credentials.
Good job!
If you're aiming for April Fool's Day...
You’re just a tad early for the West Coast! ;)
twig = “cotton on”
I’d forgotten that I’d never heard it used in the US the whole time I was there….fail for me.
I also don’t know what cotton on means!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I was much too tired
to be able to quickly process what was going on. You got me pretty good, Hydro.
Alright, fine, I admit it! "Hydration Technician" really DOES just mean "water boy!"
Had me fooled until the last few questions….anyways, I have a legitimate question that’s been on my mind and this fake interview made me think of it again:
Why doesn’t Cal ever get many spring commitments? I assume they recruit just as hard as everyone else (especially since under Tedford the recruiting classes always turn out pretty good), so why the lack of early commitments? Does Cal just not push its recruits to make an early commitment? Is Cal just not willing to make a scholarship offer this early in the game since a spring commitment isn’t very meaningful anwyays? Is it because unlike some schools coughSECcough Cal actually has academics to worry about and is waiting to see if the players have the grades/SATs? I’m curious – anyone have any insights?
Historically, Tedford and company have put a lot of weight into senior year tape and summer camp evaluations for the guys who aren’t can’t-miss prospects. Also, to paraphrase a recruit at our only true junior day thus far, the coaches don’t pressure for verbals at this time of year; they bring guys in to learn about everything, meet the people they’d be playing/working with, and just have a good time. We’ll have some junior days after Spring Ball (which is usually when recruiting kicks into high gear again), and you may expect a few verbals then…. but a lot of the name guys we’re going after right now have offers from every Pac-10 school and high-profile programs across the country. They have huge decisions to weigh, so committing early to one school would be kinda ridiculous. As a program, we have been winning, but we haven’t separated ourselves enough to be an “it” school.
In the recent past, the tree-sitter fiasco also really hurt us in recruiting…
Plus, there really aren’t that many programs that get a ton of early verbals before the summer starts. I mean, at this point, USC only has two verbal commitments… Texas recruiting is a special case because they recruit solely from the Texas talent pool, and since it’s such an honor to TX HSers to play for the Longhorns, the kids want to ensure they have a spot on the team. They really only have that power by committing early for those few scholarships available.
HYDROTECH IS FREE!
by Thoroughbred on Apr 1, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Good interview, but...
I think you really should have followed up on JT’s feelings for Ms. Muffin. That’s the true “human interest” angle that us blog-followers really want more details about. Hydro, you really should prepare more next time, and be ready for those crucial follow-ups.
Hydro is back, all is right with the world.
Well, this will just make Twist’s DBD seem useless and unfunny now!
JAI HO!
by Rishi on Apr 1, 2009 7:43 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I think he's SOOO clever!
I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day all Bear fans big and small, short and tall......will have the Nyan in them!
Hold up, I don't get the April Fool's day thing, is it the part that
you are in culinary school?
by 33SwisherSweet on Apr 1, 2009 10:55 AM PDT reply actions
APRIL FOOL’S!!!! WE TOTALLY GOT YOU GUYS!!!! YOU THOUGHT WE HAD THE CLASS AND PROFESSIONALISM TO SCORE AN INTERVIEW WITH COACH TEDFORD!! BUT WE DON’T! AND WE NEVER WILL!! EVER!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAH! CGB 1! READERS 0!!!!!
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Full price for gum?!
That dog won’t hunt, monsignor.
by Face in Brock's Armpits on Apr 1, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL, you son of a gun you! I almost fell for that. Too funny.
"I look forward to a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose."
John F. Kennedy
SETH
Where have you been?
Still happy over the fact that the Nets signed Ryan Anderson. Now if only they can sign Leon Powe after this year...
Well, pretty much just working and trying to survive in this dreadful economy. I have sobered up and no longer drink, which makes blogging a whole lot less fun. I still miss you guys and check in often. I am glad to see everyone seems fine. Can’t wait for the season to roll around! Miss you guys…
Go Bears!
"I look forward to a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose."
John F. Kennedy
Got me, too
I even believed the Jahvid “Bestest” part, although I did figure JT was pulling your leg with the comment about Alualu on offense. Until, that is, it became clear whose leg really was being pulled.
Go Bears!
I didn’t think I’d fool this many people.
At what point did you guys realize it was fake?
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
So, you genuinely believed that tedford missed Dumpster Muffin???
I am the Tyrant Boy King Of UC Eugene! An endless cavalcade of worthless inanities is my currency!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
When I saw the thread
It would’ve been more believable if I hadn’t read the suggestions post minutes before
In other words, Go Bears!
when he called you back, like 20 mins after your message.
Go Bears Go
by Rocksanddirt on Apr 2, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Author note: This post has been a few days in the making but only written up until now (Tuesday night). Sorry, blame it on culinary school and having to work late nights at restaurants.
Lately, as you know, we’ve been trying to get a press pass or get media credentials (are those the same thing?) from Cal Media Relations. Time after time we’ve been turned down. However, of all the avenues that we’ve pursued, there was one last pitch which we didn’t try. Me.
Our usual course of action was to have one of the other Marshawnthusiasts send an email or call the Cal Media Relation dudes and politely asked to meet with them to discuss getting legitimate access to Cal Football. Basically, we’ve always dealt with the front-desk; always going to the lower peons and asking for permission to speak to the higher-ups. But after all those failures, we’ve decided that I had do the pitch and aim for somebody in middle – somebody above those in Cal Media Relations. Afterall, I, unlike my fellow Marshawnthusiasts, once worked for the team. So, I decided it was time that I give it a try.
I’ve been hesitant to expose myself to Tedford. Frankly, I’m kinda scared of the guy and I don’t know how he feels about me writing about his team and breaking things down for everyone to see. But I figured since all our previous attempts had failed, it was time for me to take that big step forward and expose myself to him in order to secure an interview.
So I called one of my ball-boy friends, who put me in touch with the equipment staff. I explained the situation, and asked when Tedford might be around the Stadium. It turns out that he was actually around the stadium that day (the day I called), and that I could probably speak to him over the phone for a few minutes.
That’s when my heart started to race. Holy hell. I was just about to explain who I was, and that I ran some blog, and that I write about his team like I actually know something about football. I kept thinking he’s going to think I’m an idiot.
Anyways, I got a bit of the runaround. A little bit of, “wait, let me see where he is.” To: “okay, call his secretary,” to “he’s not here right now but leave a message.”
Haha, okay…. leave a message on Jeff Tedford’s office phone? Okay. Just try not to sound like an idiot, I told myself. So long story short, I left a message. I explained who I was. What I do now (blog stuff, culinary school, etc.), what I did in the past (team stuff), and asked him if I could do a very brief interview with him. Then I hung up and waited.
About 20 minutes later, my phone rang. It was God.
I greeted him, and again explained things to him in a little more detail. I told him he probably doesn’t remember me. He didn’t remember me. I explained that I’ve seen him at Coach’s Tour events and he’s given me that “I recognize” you face before, so although he doesn’t remember my name he may recognize my face. I name-dropped the few people who I knew who still work for the team to give myself a little more legitimacy. God knew who I was talking about and seemed satisfied with who I was.
So then I started asking a few questions. I really hadn’t prepared much so I was fumbling to think of good questions. I apologize for my lack of preparation. But I did have my handy interview-mic thing with me (that I use to record my culinary school lectures), so I turned on my cell phone speakerphone, turned on the interview-mic thing, and started to ask away.
Please enjoy.
CGB: How are the QBs looking?
JT: They’re all looking good. I’m pleased with the progress they are making. I think we have a very talented group of guys who all are capable of leading the team.
CGB: Is Riley’s experience going to give him an edge over Mansion and Sweeney?
JT: Well, anytime you have a guy who is experienced, he’s going to have an advantage. But experience isn’t everything. The quarterback has to be able to manage the game well … [unintelligible] … good grasp of the offense, and make all the throws. If the most experienced player still can’t do all those other things, then he won’t start. So to answer your question, Riley does have a slight edge but that doesn’t guarantee him anything.
CGB: What new elements of offense is Ludwig implementing into the offense?
JT: I don’t want to get into much detail, but he’s bringing a lot to our offense. He and I share the same philosophies and ideas so he’s not going to be completely different – not a complete change from what we have now, but he is bringing a few new things to the table.
CGB: Last year Cignetti changed the pass protection schemes. Are the pass protection schemes going to be changed again this year? Is that something Ludwig would do? Or is that Marshall’s call?
JT: Yeah, Cignetti did change the pass protection schemes… [unintelligible]. Right now we’re tinkering with things. I think we are going to change a few things. These changes, for the most part are changes which Ludwig will implement. But Ludwig is working closely with Marshall on the offense.
CGB: Speaking of Coach Marshall, does bringing him on board help in recruiting because he’s coached in the NFL?
JT: Oh definitely. Recruits really respond well to the pitch that we have an offensive lineman coach who has spent time in the NFL. Recruits really like that.
Star-divide
CGB: Regarding Jahvid, “Best RB”, or “Bestest RB”?JT: Bestest. The players call him: Jahvid Bestest.
CGB: I’ve heard rumors that Syd’Quan will be playing offense next year? Are they true?
JT: There are rumors that Syd’Quan will be playing offense next year? [Laughs] Well, those we can put to rest. Syd will strictly play corner next year. We are considering Tyson [Alualu] on offense though. With our lack of experience at TE, Tyson can actually come right in and contribute and help out there.
CGB: Are you glad to have Tepper back?
JT: Certainly. It’s always great to have back another experienced and talented player. Tepper has been getting even stronger. I think he’s benching around 390 (pounds) now, and running a sub 4.9 (forty-yard dash time).
CGB: Who do we have along the offensive line who can fill in Alex Mack’s shoes and do a split?
JT: I think that’s Chris Guarnero. All of our players have been doing yoga and other flexibility exercises. Actually, many of our linemen can do the splits. It’s actually somewhat of a requirement that our players achieve a certain level of flexibility to play.
CGB: Are we keeping Ludwig more than one year?
JT: No. In fact, I don’t anticipate keeping him through this year. I’ve heard of a hotshot QB coach up at Oregon, who’d love to get a chance running the offense. It could be his big break, but then I whistled for a cab and when it came near the license plate said fresh and it had dice in the mirror. If anything I can say this cab is rare but I thought ‘Naw forget it’ – ‘Yo homes to Bel Air!’ I pulled up to the house about 7 or 8 and I yelled to the cabbie ‘Yo homes smell ya later’ I looked at my kingdom I was finally there, to sit on my throne as the Prince of Bel Air.
CGB: Thank you for sharing your time with me. Good luck in 2009, Coach.
JT: Go Bears!
Blockquote Ambassador For Hire
Inquire Within
SBN erased that I added "Fixed" to the bottom.
Way to ruin my punchline, SBN, way to ruin my punchline.
Blockquote Ambassador For Hire
Inquire Within
You had me til Dumpster Muffin...
the Ludwig bit, i actually thought Tedford got candid and funny with you. Sad, i know.
I haven't seen that many tear-stained dollar bills since my dad hired a stripper for my uncle's funeral.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
GoldenBlogs' FAQ and Community Guidelines
Related FanPosts on California Golden Blogs
Related FanShots on California Golden Blogs
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
I recorded the entire last out as Cal clinches the first ever PAC12 Softball Title! It was also a...
Pac-12 On SBN
Pacific Takes (Pac-12) NORTH AddictedToQuack: (Oregon)
UW Dawg Pound: (Washington)
CougCenter: (Washington State)
BuildingTheDam: (Oregon State)
Rule Of Tree: (Stanford)
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: (Cal)
SOUTH
BruinsNation: (UCLA)
ConquestChronicles: (USC)
HouseOfSparky: (ASU)
Arizona Desert Swarm: (Arizona)
TheRalphieReport: (Colorado)
Block U: (Utah)
Golden Bears Football Schedule
| Fresno St. | Sat 09/03 | W 36 - 21 |
@
Colorado
|
Sat 09/10 | W 36 - 33 |
| Presbyterian | Sat 09/17 | W 63 - 12 |
|
@
Washington
|
Sat 09/24 | L 23 - 31 |
|
@
Oregon
|
Thu 10/06 | L 15 - 43 |
|
USC
|
Thu 10/13 | L 9 - 30 |
|
Utah
|
Sat 10/22 | W 34 - 10 |
|
@
UCLA
|
Sat 10/29 | L 14 - 31 |
|
Washington St.
|
Sat 11/05 | W 30 - 7 |
|
Oregon St.
|
Sat 11/12 | W 23 - 6 |
|
@
Stanford
|
Sat 11/19 | L 28 - 31 |
|
@
Arizona St.
|
Fri 11/25 | W 47 - 38 |
|
@
Texas
|
Wed 12/28 | L 10 - 21 |
