Haden on his handling of the Sarkisian situation...
This decision was given careful thought after conversations with medical professionals and trusted staff members. We developed a confidential plan going forward. Steve has discussed the counseling part of it, which he has already started. He has told me that it has been helpful, and he has approached it with an open mind. I understand that some people disagree with my decisions, this happens all the time. I believe this course of action was in the best interest not only of our university and Steve Sarkisian, but especially of our players, who have really rallied around their head coach.Haden on the NFL coming to the Coliseum...
I have not spoken directly with the NFL in some time, but from all accounts, I absolutely believe the NFL will be here in 2016 or at the latest 2017. It could very well be two teams, but we would welcome one team in the Coliseum, and we have told that to the NFL. They would be a tenant of ours for likely two seasons, while they built their own stadium. And, we would use those dollars as part of the money that we need to remodel the Coliseum.
Haden previews the fall sports...
Women's volleyball is off to a terrific start with a new offensive and defensive system, and they have already surged up the national rankings to No. 8. I watched the wins over North Carolina and BYU on Pac-12 Networks and came away very impressed. Women's soccer is 2-1 with its only loss to the No. 1 team in the country, so we are optimistic about what Keidane McAlpine is doing with that program. As always, we expect big things from men's water polo, one of our most decorated programs.Haden previews football...
I am really excited about the younger players, but you always start with the veteran core, and we are lucky to have a senior quarterback in Cody Kessler, who had sensational numbers last year. Adoree' Jackson has a chance to be the most exciting player in college football. He is going to get a lot of touches in a lot of different ways. The biggest change, though, is that when I watch us practice, I see four guys at every position. We should be a lot better team by midseason after these young players gain some game experience.
Haden on men's basketball's trip to Italy...
I got a lot of positive reports from the trip. Andy Enfield's team looks a lot better. All our young players are not so young anymore, and the two freshmen, Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu, are going to be special. I know it has been hard in basketball the last few years, but we are really encouraged about the trajectory of the program.
