Mike Simmonds Quotations

Getting the kids to college is what I'm most proud of. I was here for the kids more than anything. I always told our guys to be goal-oriented, and I now I'm doing the same thing, being goal-oriented.

(USF) coach (Jim) Leavitt contacted me, which he has done before, and this time I decided to take the opportunity. South Florida is a very stable environment with a program on the rise. My future aspiration is to help USF win the Big East, get in the BCS and go for the national title.

I've talked to Mike, and he said he's ready for that challenge. I most certainly think he is. I think we have a good thing going here, and we should keep the continuity. Keeping Mike and the rest of the staff intact would keep that continuity.

This was a tough decision, but I felt the timing was right for this. I'll miss Jefferson and everything we've built here. But I look forward to helping USF win the Big East title, get in the BCS and go for the national title.