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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Meet New Assistant Football Coach Keith Burns
1/28/2011 | Football
Jan. 28, 2011
"Voice of the Rebels" David Kellum sits down with new Ole Miss secondary coach Keith Burns to discuss his arrival at Ole Miss. Upon the announcement of his hire last week, Burns also took part in a media teleconference. The following is the transcript of that event.
Opening Comments
I can't wait. It's one of those great things about dealing with Houston is you have an appreciation for him and how he does his job when you're around him on a day-to-day basis, but when you are gone from him, you certainly appreciate and respect the way he handles the day-to-day operation of the football program at a major university like Ole Miss. It's great to be coming back to that. I'm coming in knowing what to expect with Markuson, Vaughn, Lee and Danny Nutt. It's like coming back home to some good friends, and I can't tell you how excited we are to have that opportunity.
Q: Didn't you give Chris Vaughn his first full time job when you were at Tulsa?
Yes I did. That was a great indication that Chris was smarter than I was. He was there for maybe two weeks and then headed back to Houston back to Arkansas. I know Chris and I look forward to working with him. He's an outstanding, young coach but certainly one that has matured and developed in his time away from me. He's a young man that I certainly thought a lot of obviously when I hired him, and that appreciation has only grown.
Q: What kind of contact have you had with Tyrone Nix?
I saw Tyrone in the junior college national championship game. We were at the game and saw Shibest and had a chance to visit. I've known his work for a while. I respect his work certainly and what he's been able to accomplish as a defensive coordinator and defensive coach. It's something I've admired the way he's gone about doing his job, just all the plays he's able to put forth with his defenses. I visited with him probably 10 minutes, and it's funny how things work now getting the chance to work with him.
Q: What has Houston told you about what your role will be as far as day-to-day practices and role on gameday?
I think obviously I'm going to work with the secondary and have some say in what we do with pass concepts defending the pass. I'm looking forward to learning that system. As far as day-to-day, we haven't really talked much other than that. As far as game operation when I was with him before, I was on the sideline as coordinator of defenses but hopefully I'll be heavily involved with the secondary defenses. I'm looking forward to working with all the guys on the defensive staff.
Q: Have you looked at any film of the players coming back?
I have. It's funny, obviously, Oklahoma State is in the Big 12, and I was able to watch the film of the Cotton Bowl from last year and watch how they played. Other than that, I watched some of the games that we were able to catch on TV from time to time, but as far as real study, I did have a chance to look at a film and try to break out a roster to see who is who and put a name with a number. As far as more detail, I haven't had a chance to do much.
Q: Describe your style.
I've got great passion for the game, and I understand the game of football. The thing I've never lost sight of is that it is a game, and games are meant to be highly competitive and there is certain strategy involved. I've always loved and enjoyed getting a guy that's passionate about football that loves being around the players. I enjoy the relationships I've been able to have with players. Just prior to coming on with you guys, Dwight Lowery who plays safety for the New York Jets texted me after hearing about my opportunity to go to Ole Miss. We practiced in the Jets facility when we were preparing for the Pinstripe Bowl at Kansas State and I saw Dwight there. Those kinds of relationships that you have with players are what makes this job so special and unique, and I think you'll get a guy that cares a great deal about his players, loves to win, loves to compete at the highest level. That's why the opportunity to be back on Houston's staff and back in the SEC is just a great opportunity.
