UTC head coach Russ Huesman directs players on the sidelines during the Mocs’ home football game against the Gamecocks on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn.When it comes to wisdom, former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football player and assistant coach Joe Lee Dunn has imparted a lot of it over the years.
The sockless savant of sic-’em defense, Dunn has had a cup of coffee in more outposts than the Travelocity gnome, changing jobs as often as some people change their socks, which may be why he’s never worn them.
But at least one bit of advice from Dunn always has stuck in current UTC coach Russ Huesman’s head, even if difficult scheduling always hasn’t made following it possible.
“Joe Lee always told us, ‘Win your first game of the year, your last game and homecoming,'” said Huesman, who had Dunn for an assistant coach during his own Mocs playing days.
Thanks to visiting such places as Nebraska, South Florida and Central Michigan, the sixth-year coach is just 1-5 in openers. Thanks to closing at such landmines as Alabama and Wofford, he’s only 1-4 in season-enders.