TUCSON – Kevin Sumlin projected a calm confidence during his introduction as University of Arizona football coach Tuesday, saying he intends to guide the program to its first Rose Bowl.
“It’s going to happen,” Sumlin said, reflecting on a conversation with Athletic Director Dave Heeke. “It’s just, ‘What time is that going to happen? And why not now? And why not us?’ ”
Sumlin, who took questions for about an hour, established connections to the past, discussed his plans for quarterback Khalil Tate and separated himself from Arizona State’s newly hired coach Herman Edwards.
Former UA players crowded an auditorium in the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility and applauded Sumlin’s no-nonsense style.