Ole Miss Football: Know Your Coaches, Matt Luke, Head Coach
Although three weeks have passed since Ole Miss football found itself under the reign of a new head coach, Matt Luke is not a new face.
Six weeks before the beginning of football season Ole Miss football fans were astounded by the sudden resignation of former Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze. Ole Miss administration wasted no time in naming Matt Luke as the interim head coach for the upcoming 2017 football season. Matt Luke was the obvious choice for Vitter and Bjork given the situation.
At first fan reactions were mixed about the young head coach. Many Ole Miss fans had mixed emotions over the new hire. Although his family has long been a mainstay with the Ole Miss football program, some Rebel fans were skeptical. However, most were still in a state of shock over the sudden Freeze departure.
Given the circumstances and having had some time to adequately process what has happened, now many Rebel fans are relieved. When Matt Luke says, “It’s time for Rebel Nation to come together!” he has my attention. Soon he will have the attention of the SEC and the nation.
What He Brings
Ole Miss Rebels Football
Besides the last name ‘Luke’ and the part of Ole Miss history the name brings to Rebel Nation, Matt Luke brings longevity and stability. He also brings a passion to the Ole Miss football which has lacked since the Brewer era.
Being a player and coach for Ole Miss for 14 years of his life, Matt Luke has lived Ole Miss all his life. His dad Tommy played football at Ole Miss. His brother Tom played quarterback at Ole Miss. Coach Luke himself speaks of growing up in The Grove. Matt Luke is a product of Ole Miss, plain and simple.
Matt Luke is a Ole Miss Rebel thru and thru. His coaching experience speaks for itself as he takes over the helm as Ole Miss football skipper. Of course, he has been at Ole Miss for quite some time as offensive line coach and has been a dominating force in the Rebels offensive success.
It’s The Matt Luke Show
He realizes this is his show now and he has a chance to shine in front of the Ole Miss football family. Seldom does a coach get the chance he is getting and even more rare is to have the chance with the talent level he has in Oxford. This stands to be the most prolific offense in recent Ole Miss history.
Matt Luke has demonstrated his style of coaching will be wide open and that’s exactly what many of us worried about. I for one was worried we might see the end of the fast-paced offense many of us had become accustomed to. However, his commitment to his offensive coordinator’s style of play is apparent.
Also very apparent is Luke’s love and commitment to the University of Mississippi. Right now, this is exactly what Rebel nation needs and deserves. Thank you head coach Matt Luke and good luck on the upcoming season. Hotty Toddy!