Former Alabama Coach Mike Price Announces Fresh Contract with…
*June 15, 2024*
In a surprising turn of events, former Alabama head coach Mike Price has announced his return to college football, signing a fresh contract to become the head coach of the Texas State Bobcats. This move marks a significant comeback for Price, whose coaching career has been marked by both notable achievements and controversy.
Mike Price, 78, is best known for his brief and tumultuous tenure at the University of Alabama in 2003, which ended before he coached a single game. Despite the infamous end to his stint with the Crimson Tide, Price has a long and storied career in college football, having previously led programs like Washington State to national prominence.
Price’s new role with Texas State represents a new chapter in his coaching journey. The announcement was made during a press conference held at Texas State University, where Price expressed his excitement and readiness to take on the challenge. “I’m thrilled to be back in the game and to join the Texas State Bobcats,” Price said. “This is a program with tremendous potential, and I’m eager to work with these young men and help them achieve their best both on and off the field.”
Texas State, a member of the Sun Belt Conference, has been looking to revitalize its football program after several seasons of struggle. The hiring of a seasoned coach like Price is seen as a bold move aimed at injecting new energy and expertise into the team. Athletic Director Don Coryell expressed his confidence in Price’s ability to lead the Bobcats to greater success. “Mike Price brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing competitive teams,” Coryell stated. “We believe he is the right person to guide our program to new heights.”
Price’s coaching career spans over four decades, beginning as an assistant coach at various schools before landing his first head coaching job at Weber State in 1981. He made his mark at Washington State, where he led the Cougars to two Rose Bowl appearances in 1998 and 2003. His offensive prowess and ability to develop quarterbacks were hallmarks of his tenure.
However, Price’s career hit a major roadblock in 2003 when he was fired from Alabama before the season started due to off-field controversies. Despite this setback, he managed to rebuild his reputation with successful stints at UTEP and other coaching roles, demonstrating resilience and a deep passion for the game.
In his return to the sidelines, Price is expected to bring his extensive knowledge and experience to a Texas State team that has struggled to find consistent success in recent years. His offensive strategies and quarterback development skills are anticipated to be key factors in turning the program around.
Players and fans have expressed a mix of excitement and cautious optimism about Price’s appointment. Senior quarterback Tyler Vitt said, “Having someone with Coach Price’s background is huge for us. We’re excited to learn from him and see what new strategies he brings to the table.”
Price’s appointment also sparked conversations among college football analysts and commentators. Many view this as a redemption story, highlighting Price’s resilience and enduring passion for coaching. Paul Finebaum, a well-known college football analyst, remarked, “Mike Price’s return to coaching is one of those great second-chance stories in sports. His knowledge and experience are undeniable, and it will be interesting to see how he transforms Texas State.”
The new contract reportedly includes a competitive salary package and performance-based incentives, reflecting Texas State’s commitment to building a winning program. Price’s first tasks will involve assembling his coaching staff, evaluating the current roster, and hitting the recruiting trail to bring in new talent.
As Price embarks on this new chapter with the Texas State Bobcats, the college football community watches with keen interest. His journey is a testament to perseverance and the enduring love for the sport, and many are hopeful that his experience will help lift the Bobcats to new levels of success. With the new season on the horizon, Texas State fans eagerly anticipate the impact of their new head coach and the potential for a bright future under his leadership.
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