OxfordPress.com

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Following is a brief question-and-answer session with Miami University's new football coach, Mike Haywood, who was introduced to the local media and public Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Miami's Voice of America Learning Center:

Q In the week since you were named as Miami's new head coach, have you learned much about the school, been able to do any research about its athletics and tradition?

A Prior to coming in, prior to my first interview, I was able to put together a team and do a lot of research and to learn about the school's academics, not so much from an athletic standpoint. Then, later, I was able to start looking at the school's storied football tradition.

Q Have you met with any of the Miami players yet?

A I've only talked to a few players. I've spoken with the recruits.

Q Have you learned anything about the program from the few players you have talked with?

A The players are excited and they're hungry. It's a great opportunity for us to come in and start from the ground up and continue the great tradition of Miami University football.

Q Since you were hired, several people have told me they have wondered about your hiring since you are Notre Dame's offensive coordinator and this year the Notre Dame offense was up and down (The Fighting Irish were shut out by Boston College on Nov. 8 and scored only three points against USC on Nov. 29, but erupted for 49 points against Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 24.). How do you rate Notre Dame's offensive performance this season?

A (The inconsistency) really wasn't due to the players. Our major problem was that we made the offense too complicated late in the season. In the time we had off before the bowl game we were able to repair the confidence the quarterback had in our offense, and also the confidence all the other players had.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.