Ole Miss football fans have anticipated the hiring of a permanent head coach in Oxford. Well, await no longer. Matt Luke has been chosen as the Rebels 38th head coach.
Family is an important part of Ole Miss football and always has been. Once a part of the Ole Miss family there is a part of you which burns for Ole Miss. Matt Luke embraced his legacy within the Ole Miss family when he jumped at the chance to become interim head coach. In the wake of Hugh Freeze’s resignation in July he took his place for the school and the football program he loves more than any other.
It was a rough year for the interim head coach. The learning curve for a new head coach in the SEC is never easy and it comes with it ups and downs. Such was the case for Matt Luke as he faced the scrutiny of many Ole Miss faithful week in and week out.
However, Luke managed to gain the respect and trust of his players throughout the season and chiseled out a 6-6 record after the dust settled. Of course, the final win of the season over Miss State may have been the icing on the cake. Welcome Ole Miss head coach Matt Luke to the official helm of the Flagship football program in the State of Mississippi!
Ready, Set, Go
It really didn’t take long for the wheels to be set in motion. As soon as the fat lady began singing in Starkville Thursday night there were already rumors swirling about the interim tag being removed from Matt Luke’s name. There were many Ole Miss football faithful who wanted to see him stay and of course there were his players. There were a number who showed their support and dedication to their head coach. They should be happy now that coach Matt Luke is the guy.
Earlier today Ole Miss Chancellor Jeff Vitter and AD Ross Bjork took to the podium to announce Matt Luke as the new permanent head coach of the Rebels. Some Ole Miss faithful were shocked while others were happily surprised. It’ really not a bad choice when you consider the simplicity for this administration. It was an easy hire, so let’s look at what Matt Luke brings to the table.
Luke Brings Legacy
Ole Miss Rebels Football
Mainly head coach Matt Luke brings a tight-knit group of players back on the field in the 2018 season. He has kept this team together thru a very very tumultuous season which has been full of very emotional up and downs.
He also brings his own Ole Miss legacy at stake with his official head coach status. Not only did he play and win in the Egg Bowl but he also coached in the Egg Bowl and won it.
When you consider the effect a head coach has in recruiting when he can say he played in Oxford, it’s an edge. Not many candidates I recall could say such. The advantage he has in convincing a mother her son should spend his football playing days in Oxford will be one of his biggest assets.
Above all he is a good coach and has served his time in the SEC trenches. Of course, coach Luke served as offensive line coach and assistant head coach under former coach Hugh Freeze. When you consider those teams and the impact players he coached then you know he has the stuff it takes.
The Matt Luke Era
Now Matt Luke is the official head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels. There is no reason to not give him the reins of the program. The attitude of players, coaches and fans is a reflection of the head coach and how he produces on the field. Once you factor in his being 6-6 with a shocking Egg Bowl win over Miss State. It would seem more unnatural to not give him a chance. Instead of leaving a mark on Ole Miss football he will be allowed the opportunity to make his mark on Ole Miss football.
Next: Luke In OHT's Coaching Picks?
Congratulations on the season head coach Matt Luke and congrats on losing the interim tag! Now let’s make a mark on recruiting and look ahead to making some great Ole Miss football teams. Oh and thanks for bring the Egg back home. Hotty Toddy!