JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) - Arkansas State University's new hire comes roughly a week after former head coach Gus Malzahn left for Auburn. Wednesday, fans let Region 8 News know how they feel about the newest Red Wolf, Bryan Harsin.
In Wednesday's press conference, fans were excited about the newest leader of the pack from his very first "howl yes." Fans filled the ASU Convocation Center Wednesday afternoon for their first chance to hear from head coach Bryan Harsin.
"Well, I'm just tickled to death that he's here," Tom Akers said. He and his wife live in Higdon, Arkansas. Akers told Region 8 News they drive two and a half hours to each home football game and they made that same drive for the press conference
"I've known Bryan for a long time through his father," Akers explained, "and I've watched his coaching career for the past 10-15 years and it's been great that he's here and we've got the right man."
Hunter Hinton, a senior at ASU, agreed. He has been through the many coaching changes the football program has seen since 2009. He said this choice though, seems right.
"He definitely brings a lot to the table. I like his past experiences. Offensive minded like Freeze and Malzahn were, so it's good to keep this thing rolling," Hinton said.
But it wasn't just Freeze and Malzahn's offensive style people were talking about at the press conference. At the event, questions arose whether or not Harsin would become yet another "one and done" coach for ASU.
Harsin addressed the crowd, saying "you can look at my track record at Boise State, and you can see that there were opportunities."
He went on to say that he is all about the process. "I am all about the opportunity to build and continue success and have a chance to sustain that and be a part of something," Harsin said.
Fans and ASU officials don't seem to think he'll leave so quickly either.
"Athletic director, Mohajir, seemed pretty confident that he would be here longer than a year," Hinton said. "So hopefully we won't have to go through this process again next year."
"This gentleman, Bryan Harsin, he's committed," Akers told Region 8 News. "He wants to see the program grow and he wants to have his name on it."
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