I talked with him last week. But I had no idea the Indiana thing was going down.

It takes on some special meaning. It's the national stage. One of those surreal things. Our guys, man, I've got to give them credit. They were really composed. There was no doubt from the get-go that we belonged.

Obviously if things work out, the sooner I can jump on with recruiting the better. But I think they've done an excellent job with the process, the way they've set it up, and it's gone quick ... I'm appreciative of the opportunity and hopeful that things end up in a good way for me.

We had back-to-back, 21-win seasons, and there was great excitement. We need to start building the pride and tradition back up where it needs to be.

I'm excited to be a finalist. It's great to see the direction some things are going there, and I hope I'm a part of it.

One of the first things he said to us the first day we met him was that he wasn't going to be dealing with any prima donnas. He's a no-nonsense guy and a great coach.