Q&A: McCall 'honest' with UMass officials about UTC slide

Matt McCall coaches the UTC men's basketball team during a SoCon game against Wofford at McKenzie Arena in January. McCall was hired as head coach at UMass on Wednesday after two seasons leading the Mocs.
Matt McCall coaches the UTC men's basketball team during a SoCon game against Wofford at McKenzie Arena in January. McCall was hired as head coach at UMass on Wednesday after two seasons leading the Mocs.

Matt McCall was introduced late Thursday afternoon as the new head coach for men's basketball at the University of Massachusetts. Before walking into that spotlight, the former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach was a guest of "Press Row" on Chattanooga's ESPN 105.1 FM.

Q: When Winthrop's Pat Kelsey accepted then turned down the UMass job a week ago, was this opening even remotely on your radar?

A: "To be honest with you, no. When that happened last week, I knew how good of a job this was, but I was completely focused on Chattanooga. I spent Sunday with my family and then jumped on a plane Sunday night to go recruiting. I met with two prospects on Monday, and then it was, 'Can you get to Boston on Monday night for a 9 o'clock meeting Tuesday morning?'

"That's what happened. I got to Boston at 1:30 Tuesday morning and met at 9 with the athletic director and his staff for about four hours. Once I saw the infrastructure and the resources, it really kind of juiced me up as far as what can be done here."

Q: How did you handle UTC's late-season slide in the interview process?

A: "I think I was completely honest. One of the things I said in this process was that adversity makes you stronger and only makes you grow as a coach. I don't really like talking about mistakes or things I would have done differently. I like talking about the next time.

"I talked about how I needed to spend more time on getting our team connected, and that's something I think I've really learned and grown from. The first 90 days of a new job can go by really fast, but it's more important to take your time, take a step back and evaluate your program. I was very up front and honest in this process with the things we went through this year, and I think they respected my honesty."

Q: Will it be challenging having to compete in a new region of the country?

A: "That was a question they wanted answered, too. UMass has a national brand just like the University of Florida, and I think Chattanooga has a national brand as well. We've always recruited nationally no matter where I've been, and when I was at Florida, we got into the prep schools in this area."

Q: How backed up are you in terms of returning congratulatory calls and texts?

A: "Right now, we're sitting at 216 text messages that I haven't been able to return yet. I will get to every single one of them. Coach (Billy) Donovan and (former Florida athletic director) Jeremy Foley are both through-the-roof ecstatic for the opportunity that's been provided for me here. I've heard from former players - guys like Matt Bonner, who is from this area and can't wait to come to a game - colleagues and friends.

"The most difficult ones I've received are from the ones we're having to leave in Chattanooga. We're not leaving the relationship behind, but obviously we're moving on from that place. (UTC athletic director) David Blackburn gave me an opportunity, and I will always be indebted to him, and not just for the opportunity but his friendship. I also would not have been in this position had it not been for the players there."

Q: UMass has been to just one NCAA tournament in the last 19 seasons. How steep of a climb do you have?

A: "I took over a situation in Chattanooga that was on the up-and-up, and there is obviously a different challenge here, and that's exciting. You have a chance to put your stamp on something and get this program at a point where it can compete for at-large bids. There have been some terrific players here, like Julius Erving and Marcus Camby, and there are a lot of positive things that we can recruit to."

Q: Can the Mocs compete for 20 wins next season, or will your successor have too big of a rebuilding chore?

A: "Obviously there is going to be a little bit of a rebuild when you lose five seniors, but I think that will be exciting for whoever they end up hiring, because he will be able to hit the ground running and bring in some recruits who can really start to establish and drive your team. There are some good players in the program, no doubt about it, but whoever is hired will have an opportunity to start fresh.

"There is an enormous amount of players still available right now, and David Blackburn has done an unbelievable job of hiring coaches. He'll get the right guy, and with the resources and fan support there, there is no question they can compete for 20 wins and a championship."

Q: Turning to our rapid fire, what was (older daughter) Brooklyn's reaction to the relocation?

A: "Excited that she's closer to Grandma now."

Q: What will be your first splurge with your bigger paycheck?

A: "Saving for two weddings way, way down the road."

Q: What staff members are coming with you?

A: "I'm still trying to figure that out and piece it together. Obviously those guys who were with us in Chattanooga did a tremendous job, and there will be some conversations in the next seven to 10 days."

Q: What was your favorite game during your time at UTC?

A: "It's hard to argue the (2016 Southern Conference) championship against ETSU, but I would say that winning at Dayton and breaking that win streak was a great win, as was winning at Tennessee."

Q: What was your toughest loss?

A: "ETSU at home this year."

Q: What will be the Chattanooga eatery you miss most?

A: "If it's a date night with Allison, then it's Alleia. If I'm going by myself somewhere, then it's Sugar's Ribs up on the hill."

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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