New University of Arizona Wildcats head football coach Kevin Sumlin, center, poses with UA president Robert Robbins, left, and athletic director Dave Heeke, right, during Sumlin's introductory press conference at the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility on Jan. 16, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. Sumlin succeeds Rich Rodriguez, who was fired in December 2017.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
Walking into the Lowell-Stevens football facility at Arizona Stadium was different than in years past.
Former and current Wildcats entered the building smiling and cheerful for the official start to the Kevin Sumlin era at Arizona. And the first blurb from Sumlin's introductory press conference as the head coach: "Good morning, Bear Down" with a grin on his face.
UA president Robert Robbins quoted the late Stuart Scott by calling Sumlin "cooler than the other side of the pillow." And he was cool, calm and collected during the whole press conference, because he knew that while this was a breaking-the-barrier day for Arizona athletics, he still has his work cut out for him. It's more than shaking hands and kissing babies. Sumlin is on a mission to morph his coaching staff and hit the ground running in recruiting and being familiar with current players.
From the man of the hour, to ex-Wildcats, to Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke, here are the best moments from Sumlin's introductory press conference.
