Do you feel like you are a step ahead of where you were at this point last season?

I don't know about the kids, but it's amazing. I went up to coach (B.W.) Holt after last season. I shook his hand and I said, 'I want to apologize for every negative thing I said about you when I was working for you.' I had no idea what a head coach had to do. I have some great assistants. I don't have to do a lot of coaching during practice. I make sure the coaches know what we're doing, and they run it. I sit back and take notes. I learned from a really good one, and that's what he did.

What did you learn about yourself after last season?

I learned a lot about faith. It was a humbling experience. At the same time, I've got my faith in God, and for some reason, the Lord's given me faith in myself. I know it's going to work. I'm used to people coming up to me and liking me. When I got here, I had to ruffle some feathers. I had to bite the bullet and make some people mad. I'm a confrontational person, but I don't like to be.

When did you let last season go?

I don't think I'll ever let that go. I don't have a very short memory.

Do you have to work any harder this season?

My experience changed and the way I think about things changed, but the work's always been there. You can't really work any harder than I am. My wife and I talk about it all the time. I have two little kids at home that I don't get to see during the summer and football season. That's the sacrifice you have to make. I really feel like this is my calling. I feel like I'm making a difference in those young men's lives.

Did last season's team lose faith in themselves, or were they often frustrated by the outcome of games?

I feel like some of last year's team did not know how to win and I feel like some of last year's team did not want to let go of old habits. I don't have to worry about that this year.