http://m.lasvegassun.com/news/2016/apr/16/its-great-to-be-home-beard-introduced-at-texas-tec/
Despite leaving UNLV abruptly, Beard had nothing but positives to say about the program. UNLV administrators have received harsh criticism from local fans and media over their handling of the university's coaching search, which came after former coach Dave Rice was fired mid-season.
“I need to thank the people at UNLV,” Beard said. “In a difficult situation, I walked away with the utmost respect for the character and class at that university, and I wanted to publicly thank (President) Len Jessup, Tina Kunzer-Murphy (athletic director) and Darryl Seibel (deputy athletic director, external relations) — three people that I have grown to have a lot of respect for.”
Beard alluded to Hall of Fame football coach Bear Bryant as part of his explanation for leaving UNLV for Texas Tech.
“When I contacted and communicated with the team at UNLV, I explained to them why I was leaving,” Beard said. “One person that I’ve always admired and studied over the years was the legendary Bear Bryant. I have a little bit of Bear Bryant in me as you can see by my (broken) right hand. It was like when he left Texas A&M to go to Alabama and he said, 'You know, when mama calls you gotta go home.' Texas Tech is my mama and I’m home, and I’m so glad to be here.”
Despite leaving UNLV abruptly, Beard had nothing but positives to say about the program. UNLV administrators have received harsh criticism from local fans and media over their handling of the university's coaching search, which came after former coach Dave Rice was fired mid-season.
“I need to thank the people at UNLV,” Beard said. “In a difficult situation, I walked away with the utmost respect for the character and class at that university, and I wanted to publicly thank (President) Len Jessup, Tina Kunzer-Murphy (athletic director) and Darryl Seibel (deputy athletic director, external relations) — three people that I have grown to have a lot of respect for.”
Beard alluded to Hall of Fame football coach Bear Bryant as part of his explanation for leaving UNLV for Texas Tech.
“When I contacted and communicated with the team at UNLV, I explained to them why I was leaving,” Beard said. “One person that I’ve always admired and studied over the years was the legendary Bear Bryant. I have a little bit of Bear Bryant in me as you can see by my (broken) right hand. It was like when he left Texas A&M to go to Alabama and he said, 'You know, when mama calls you gotta go home.' Texas Tech is my mama and I’m home, and I’m so glad to be here.”
