UC students welcome Tommy Tuberville as head football coach

CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati students welcomed their new football coach Tommy Tuberville to campus during a news conference at Fifth Third Arena Saturday night.

"In 36 hours to get this big of a hire, it just speaks about how great of a university we're at and how excited we are to have him take us to the next level in the football arena," senior Aaron Pontsler said.

"We wish coach Jones the best at Tennessee, but in our eyes, this is an upgrade," senior Andrew Vehr said. "You can tell everyone is so excited."

Since Jones is moving on to the University of Tennessee, students hope Tuberville is here to stay.

"Just having seen him speak, from his words his motions, I believe he'll stay here throughout the length of his contract, as long as he does well," senior Joe Boizzard said. "I'd love to see him stay here as long as possible."

Brittany Zeigler, a member of the band, agrees.

"He acts like he wants to do stuff, for the University of Cincinnati and that's what we need, and a coach that's not in it for himself, but really for our school," Zeigler, a junior, said.

The University of Cincinnati has gone through three football coaches over the past 10 years.

Zeigler said she is looking forward to being on the field to cheer on Tuberville and his team in the Big East.

"If it's a good move for him and his family, I don't think that regardless of our conference or where our football team stands," Zeigler said. "It's a personal decision and I know we're happy to have him."

Tuberville's hiring ends a streak of Cincinnati getting its head coaches from smaller conferences.

Students said this is the most significant hire the football program has ever made.