In college football, the coach is the face of the football program. In the past, we have not seen the UConn Huskies football coach out doing appearances like new head coach Bob Diaco.
When he was hired, he said he was going to change the culture of the football program in Storrs, CT. And that’s all he’s been doing since he started.
It’s not just what he’s done with the players, which along with some help from his staff have transformed the way they eat, think and play. For those of you who don’t get to see them like the media does, trust me when I say they’re not the same players you saw last year even though they are the same player.
But what Diaco has done outside of the football part has been beyond phenomenal. He’s made radio appearances left and right touting the program and the new culture. He’s behind the push with selling tickets. He even invited the students to watch a practice and had a pizza party for them afterwards.
He is what you would call a man of the people.
For the month of June, Diaco will be spending Thursday night’s at Buffalo Wild Wings talking about the program and trying to bring excitement about it to the fans especially after a trying 2013 season, one in which the Huskies failed to make a bowl game for third straight year after going to a BCS game against Oklahoma in 2010.
He spent last Thursday night at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Windsor, CT where a very good sized crowd was on hand to listen to Diaco speak about the program. Once he was introduced, he spent the hour and half talking with many different fans about the 2014 season and what he expects from the players.
There were also giveaways for the fans in attendance. Tickets for the opening game against BYU, mini-football helmets, an autographed ball from Diaco and the big prize last week was four tickets to any game with the seats being in the club level.
Tonight, Diaco will be on hand at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Manchester, CT from 5:30-7 p.m. where I expect many of the same things from last week to happen. I can’t say whether or not the prizes will be the same.
But I can say that you’ll come away with a different perspective of the UConn football team after listening to Diaco speak.
If you can’t make tonight’s event, Diaco will be making two more visits to Buffalo Wild Wings this month.
Next Thursday, June 19, he will be at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Milford, CT and on June 26, he will be at the Buffalo Wild Wings in North Haven, CT. Both appearances will be between 5:30-7 p.m.