The Elder Statesman

By Jordan Moore on July 26, 2012 10:56 AM | No Comments

Using Pac-12 Media Day as a benchmark, Lane Kiffin's public perception has come a long way. Just two years ago, the new kid at the podium was chastised for his eyewear and the supposed brash attitude that hid beneath the shades.

"Winning solves a lot of problems," Kiffin told Jeff Miller of the OC Register.

So does time... A third of the Pac-12 head coaches are new this year, which puts Kiffin in the middle of the pack in terms of conference tenure and the comfort of experience is evident.

Kiffin also wears the role of favorite well. While he admits to acting outside of his true personality to get attention for an upstart Tennessee program, the Pete Carroll protege preached both confidence in his team and the "prep not hype" mantra in response to the myriad of questions about handling expectations.

"These players have come here to be in these conversations," Kiffin said. "Our staff came here to be in these conversations. This is exactly what we expected."

The Elder Statesman

The Elder Statesman

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