At Monday's Bay Area Media Day, Tedford acknowledged that his high-intensity style can keep him (and his players) from enjoying the game as much as they could. This season, Tedford pledges to loosen up, have more fun, and create a more enjoyable environment for his players.
Tedford rightfully acknowledged that his intensity can maybe go overboard at times, and that he wants to establish a culture where a little more fun is being had.
"I need to change my attitude a little bit, too — making sure that we’re having fun and we’re not stressed out every day of the year," Tedford said. "I have a tendency to get a little stressed out from time to time. I need to loosen up for the team’s sake as well."
There’s no question Tedford is intense and wound up during the season. In my three years covering the team, I’ve noticed a stark difference in his personality between in-season and offseason. He’s much more relaxed in the offseason, and he may be figuring out that he needs more of that during the season.
...
If Tedford really loosens up a bit this season — he said yesterday that they will be doing some new things at practice to make it more fun (without disclosing what they were) — it could have a positive effect on the team. A loose but focused team may do better in big games than that is strictly all business all of the time and may tighten up because of it.
After the jump Cal introduces Stanford to ESPN's House of Pain, JO and Ted Miller review the defense, Lowell Cohn tries his hand at comedy, and more.
Cal Football
- Cal introduces Stanford to ESPN's House of Pain. The 1982 Big Game came in at 20th in ESPN's rankings of the most painful losses in college football history.
- JO has provided a transcript of what Tedford said at Bay Area Media Day. It's mostly details you heard from Pac-10 Media Day, but it's nice to have them in quote form.
- Just as Tedford intends to lighten up this season, John Crumpacker says some Cal fans should lighten up, stop expecting 10-11 wins per season, and enjoy the tenure of one of the three best coaches Cal has ever had.
- CalBears.com previews the 2010 season.
- After losing two starters, Cal is still in "good shape" with its linebackers according to Ted Miller.
- Ted Miller says no Pac-10 cornerback tandem is "great shape." Cal is in "we'll see" territory. Speaking of which, JO explores how Cal can rebuild the secondary. The safeties should be fairly certain heading into fall camp, but figuring out the starting cornerbacks should be a continual work in progress.
- JO examines the OLB position. Browner and Price seem to have the edge heading into fall camp.
- Lowell Cohn makes a big deal over Tedford's supposed complacency. Nothing to see here, unless you're looking for some comedy.