Here are a few quotes from Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay following today’s Q&A session with the media:
On if he ever thought over the past 6 years there was a possibility he would return
“I wouldn’t say I thought of it as a possibility. I think there were days where I regretted leaving. The day I left, Jesse Sanders who I love dearly, Kyle Ohman, I thought I was missing out on a great opportunity to be a part of their lives. I’ve reconnected with them and I’m excited they’re alums. I didn’t really think it was a reality until Jeff and I started the process just under a month ago.”
On how to reconcile the hard feelings from the fan base with the way he left 6 years ago
“Reconcile, I’m not sure because I can’t control the way other people feel or think. The reasons that I left, those that support Liberty or the mission, they would know that when you feel called to do something, and it was a burden to go and serve. At the time, especially when I first got there, I think there was some doubt that had crept in that I did the right thing. But I think as time moved on, I’m just telling you I learned so much. I’ve got a Ph.D. in defense. I got to watch a man who I think is as good as any coach in America. I did life with a friend, and probably most importantly I learned to serve rather than be served. Those that wonder if my words are authentic or sincere this time, I just hope they give us a chance. I can understand their frustrations, but we just want to build a great program at Liberty.”
On learning defense under Bennett and bringing the pack-line to Liberty
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I bring the pack-line? It’s proven. It takes a little bit of time to implement, but I think there are good players here. I think they are coachable from what I can see, we will evaluate that a little bit later in the process. I think it’s the best way to play defensively. I used to think I knew it because Dick Bennett was a mentor of mine, but having been in it every day you really get to grasp the essence of it. So, I’m excited about that.”
On his vision for the program
“I see excellence. Look around you, this is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. The facilities are off the chart. I want our program to be first-class. I want it to be aesthetically pleasing by the venue and equipment, but more than that I want our guys to be committed to the mission. In the way we play, the way we conduct ourselves, the pursuits we have that would make me proud of the program.”
