TU's New Football Coach Emphasizes: 'Faith, Family And Football'

He comes from Waco where he was Baylor University's offensive coordinator. Under Montgomery's leadership, the Bears have averaged 48.8 points and 581.3 yards per game this season.

Athletic Director Dr. Derrick Gragg introduced the new coach, saying it's a great day for the university - that Montgomery "fits" better than any other candidate they interviewed.

The news conference started as an emotional experience for Coach Montgomery, who spent two decades at Baylor.

"I've always wanted to be a coach, ever since I was in junior high," he said. "I was locked down and ready to roll. It was always a passion of mine to work with young people. That's why I do the job I do.

"We're in the kid-saving business. That's what we do. That's why we do it."

Montgomery started by thanking the TU administration and his family, his wife and children. He choked up when saying his parents were unable to be at the news conference but were a big part of his life.

He thanked the Baylor University but said he and his wife are eager to put down roots in the Tulsa community.

December 11, 2014 Related Story: Baylor OC Philip Montgomery To Coach TU Football

"We look forward to volunteering and being a part of this university here," he said.

Coach Montgomery said he met with the players last night and told them they need to play with a chip on their shoulders.

He wants to play fast, fun, physical football and put people in the stands. It takes school and community support to get championship rings on players' fingers, he said.

Montgomery discussed the importance of recruiting players that can make things happen, be physical, create momentum and still maintain the school's academic standards.

He expects busy weekends in January recruiting and using social media to the school's advantage. He feels there are advantages to being a smaller, private university and plans to use those in his recruiting.

"You won't be a number," he said. People will know you when you walk across campus."

Finally, the coach said he wants players and staff to have fun as they work hard.

His motto off and on the field is "faith, family, football," he said.

"I'm blessed to be here; my family is blessed to be here. When this opportunity came up, I knew this was the place for us."