REDHAWK CHAT: Football Assistant Coach Lance Guidry

Miami defensive backfield coach Lance Guidry stopped by Wednesday to talk about the football team.

Guidry, a 1995 graduate of McNeese State (La.), spent the previous season as the defensive secondary coach at McNeese State. A veteran coach in Louisiana football's high school ranks, Guidry served as secondary coach at Leesville High 1995 and '96, helping lead the Wampus Cats to the state championship game. He also coached defensive backs at Carencro (La.) High School for three seasons (1997-99), then returned years later to serve as the Golden Bears' head coach (2005-07). In between his stints at Carencro, Guidry served as defensive coordinator and coached the secondary at McNeese State (2000-04). The Cowboys won three straight SLC crowns during that stretch, making it to the finals in the FCS Championship Series.

For those that missed the chat, here is a transcript of what was discussed.

MURedHawks.com: Coach Guidry has arrived. Let's get started.

Glynn Flugence: Coach Guidry how is your coaching experience in Ohio ?

Lance Guidry: Not as well as I would like it to be right now. But hopefully it will become much better after this weekend.

Tank from Piqua: In laymen's terms, what are the responsibilities of a safety and those of a cornerback?

Lance Guidry: Safeties have to be able to line up the secondary with calls. They are run support and pass players. Cornerbacks are primarily pass defenders and must have speed.

Bobby (Phoenix, AZ): How have you adjusted to life in Ohio? What is the biggest difference between being back in Louisiana and life in Oxford?...No cheating we already know the food is worlds apart!

Lance Guidry: Actually, it's not because Jungle Jim's has all the spices and seasonings I need to cook. The people in both places are friendly.

Harry (Milford): What are the keys to stopping the Kent State offensive attack?

Lance Guidry: In every game we set out to stop the run, to force their offense to pass. However, when you don't, they can do both and you do not know what to expect.

Dave (Hamilton, OH): Anthony Kokal has done a nice job stepping in as a new starter this season. Are you working other younger players in to build depth?

Lance Guidry: Anthony has done a good job so far, especially after losing Peris Edwards (injury). We are using two true freshmen in different packages to build depth: Justin Bowers and Pat Hinkel. Pat sat out the last couple of games, but will return this week.

Bill (Millville): Someone told me that your son plays college football. What's his name ... where does he play ... and how is he doing this season?

Lance Guidry: His name is Janzen Jackson and he plays for Tennessee. He's the starting free safety and he's doing well. I talk to him often and he really likes Monte Kiffin.

Evanston, Illinois: What positions on defense have the highest recruiting priority?

Lance Guidry: We have focused our recruiting on corners. We feel we need an abundance for the teams we play in this conference.

Dave (Hamilton, OH): Do you cover your old stomping grounds of Louisiana for recruiting? How's it going this year?

Lance Guidry: Yes. And I'll also cover parts of Texas.

Nate (Traverse City): What has Jeff Thompson meant to your secondary as far as playing ability and senior leadership?

Lance Guidry: His ability to make defensive checks and adjustments will be a big attribute for the season.

MrG: Is it tough to compete w/BCS now that you're in the MAC recruiting too?

Lance Guidry: It is very tough to recruit against BCS schools, however we will not lower our standard of getting recruits.

Chuck Walker: Welcome to Miami. What are realistic goals for Miami fans this season? How about next season?

Lance Guidry: Anytime there's change sometimes things get worse before they get better. But as a staff Coach Haywood is very demanding and expects only the best out of players and coaches.

Matt (Eaton): What are you looking for in recruits for our defensive secondary in the future?

Lance Guidry: We are looking for young men that can run!! And they also need to be tough mentally and physically.

Thomas (Cincinnati): Jordan Gafford seems to be a great leader for your defense. What are your thoughts about him?

Lance Guidry: He is not only a great leader on the field, but off the field he is a great person with great character. He will be successful in life no matter what he chooses to do.

John, Chicago: How many scholarships do we have for next year?

Lance Guidry: I do not know the exact number, but we will be signing at least four defensive backs.

MrG(Middletown): What are the chances of you and the rest of the staff of getting a real BBQ place or a Cajun restaurant to open in Oxford instead of another sandwich shop or Mexican food place soon? :)

Lance Guidry: I told my wife to stop working and open up a Cajun food restaurant in Oxford.

Greg (Dayton): Of the teams we've played thus far, which one had the best passing attack?

Lance Guidry: Boise ... hands down. They have big receivers that can run after the catch as well as running their routes. The quarterback doesn't take sacks or throw very many bad balls.

MURedHawks.com: We've got time for one more question ...

Jim (Oxford): You've been on the road for four straight games, are you looking forward to finally playing at home on October 3 against UC?

Lance Guidry: Yes. It will be great playing at home at our stadium. The Kentucky game did not feel like a home game at all. Our players really seem to be looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd.

MURedHawks.com: Thanks for attending today's chat ... next week we hope to have another football guest. See you then ... GO REDHAWKS!

REDHAWK CHAT: Football Assistant Coach Lance Guidry

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