ForumsThis edition of the VN Interview features Tennessee great Tee Martin, who is entering his first year as the quarterbacks coach at New Mexico. I would like to thank Coach Martin for his participation and Alfredo Moreno of the UNM media relations department for his help in coordinating the interview. Hope you enjoy reading Coach Martin’s comments.
1. How are you and your family adjusting to Albuquerque? “It’s great. Albuquerque is a beautiful city.” Coach Martin, in describing how his entire family loves football said, “When football starts, the world changes.”
2. When did you start to seriously consider entering the coaching profession? “It’s always been a dream.” Coach Martin stated that he actually started to retire from the NFL two years ealier than he did, with an eye toward starting his coaching career.
3. Did your work with the Elite 11 camp and the Nike Combine give you a good insight to the recruiting component of the profession? “No doubt about it. It allowed me to meet coaches and players. I was able to make the connections that are so important in coaching.”
4. How are the Lobos progressing to this point? “Things look good.” Coach Martin went on to explain that the new staff is installing the spread offense, which represents a change from the power game UMN has run recently. He said the “players have responded” and the coaches are “very excited” about the approaching season.
5. What kind of boss is Coach Locksley? “He trusts me and lets me coach the quarterbacks my way.” Coach Martin cited that freedom as one of the main reasons he chose the position at UNM over the opportunity to coach wide receivers at Oregon.
6. Which former UT teammates do you stay in touch with? “I talk to Joey Kent and Mikki Allen all the time. Joey Kent is probably my best friend.” Tee went on to say that he “keeps up with a number of other guys via Facebook.” Among those he mentioned in that group were Peerless Price and Al Wilson.
7. On the prospect of Al Wison getting into coaching. “People remember his physical play on the field, but Al was also one of the smartest players I’ve ever seen.” Coach Martin believes Wilson is perfectly suited for coaching, if he so chooses.
8. What is the one piece of advice you’d give the new UT staff? “Embrace the tradition and continue to build on it.” Coach Martin emphasized the need to “leave something for the guys who follow.” He also said, “There are a lot of guys who have worn that orange jersey and the program means a great deal to them.”
9. Have you looked to any of your former coaches for advice? “Yes. I talk to Randy Sanders and Woody McCorvey all the time. I’m probably closest to Coach McCorvey.” Tee mentioned that his relationship with McCorvey dates back to when Woody on the staff at Alabama and recruiting him out of high school. Coach Martin went on to say that he corresponds with David Cutcliffe and Phillip Fulmer on a fairly regular basis.
10. Is being a head coach your ultimate professional goal? “Definitely. Right now, I want to be the best quarterbacks coach in the country and make sure my players are always prepared.”
That’s all for this edition of the VN Interview. See you next time.
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