Head Coach Kevin Stefanski (12.13.24)

Opening Statement:

“We’re excited for this opportunity in front of our fans against the two-time Super Bowl champs. So, we’re excited about it.”

 

How was Joel (Bitonio) moving around okay?

“Yeah, first time this week getting him out there. Moved around okay but just have to see how he responds over the next 48 hours.”

 

Kevin, what about Ced (Cedric Tillman) and the decision to rule him out?

“He’s just not all the way through the protocol just yet.”

 

So, the door is open with (David) Njoku then?

“Yes.”

 

With a guy like David, who gets so many targets, especially lately, if he can’t go, how do you kind of replace those targets?

“I think that’s part of football, as you guys know, is you design plays where one guy is the primary, but there’s four other eligibles on those plays. So, I think it’s our job as coaches to design the system so that you put player X or Y or Z at that primary position, but you trust that the quarterback makes the proper decision based on how the defense deploys on that play. So, for us, regardless of who’s in there, we expect every single one of those guys to do their job and potentially get the ball.”

 

Did Khaleke Hudson get hurt in practice today?

“Yesterday.”

 

Is the plan still for (Mike) Hall and (Myles) Harden to come up tomorrow?

“Yes.”

 

Jimmy (Haslam) at the owner’s meetings told ESPN that he’s got the right pieces in place with you and Andrew (Berry). What’s your reaction to that and does he have the same discussions privately?

“Obviously, I keep all of our discussions with ownership or Andrew or anybody private. I will tell you that between Dee (Haslam), Jimmy, JW (Johnson) and Whitney (Haslam Johnson), they’ve been constantly supportive throughout my entire time here, our time here. They give us the resources we need. So, yeah, very supportive.”

 

Tommy Rees was linked to the North Carolina job. I know you don’t want to get into speculation but for a young guy, he’s had a lot of high-profile jobs. What makes him good?

“Well, I think one of the most high-profile jobs he had was quarterback at Notre Dame. So that just comes with the territory. Obviously, he’s a coach we think highly of, other people think highly of.”