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Houston Nutt
University of Mississippi

Division IA

Your father coached basketball at the Arkansas School for the Deaf and was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. How has his legacy guided your coaching philosophy?

My father was a great influence for all of us. As a teacher, he taught us patience, love, and a great work ethic.

Throughout your career, you have established a reputation as a responsible coach academically. To what extent should coaches be involved in how players perform in the classroom?

That's why we coach. We go into that living room and sell the parents about the importance of education. We let them know that we will provide a support staff to assist in that process and that we will hold them accountable.

What coach did you most admire growing up and why?

My father and Coach Frank Broyles. They were great communicators.

What are the top three things you demand from your student-athletes?

Effort in the classroom and weight room, attitude, and discipline.

Tell us about a favorite charity that you support.

We support the Boys and Girls Clubs of America as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

If you could add any collegiate head coach past or present to your staff, who would it be and why?

Jimmy Johnson. He's fun and knows how to win at all levels.

If you were evaluating game film of yourself as a high school senior, would that player be recruited to play for Ole Miss today?

Yes.

Outside of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, what is the most electric atmosphere you've played in?

South Carolina.

What sports did you play in high school? What was your best?

Football, basketball and baseball. Basketball.

Fill in the blank. If I weren't coaching football, I'd be a _________.

Teacher.

Vacations for a head coach are probably few and far between, but where does Houston Nutt go to relax in the off-season?

Destin, Fla.

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