When Bailiff was introduced at the news conference by Athletic Director Chris Del Conte he said,"This morning I got up over at the Marriott, got down in a three-point stance .. went hutt, hutt and I was ready to get over to Rice!."

Later in the news conference Bailiff was asked why he didn't apply for the job last year, after leading the Texas State University Bobcats to the national semi-final game in Division 1-AA. His reply,"Because I had a contractual obligation that's why."

Quarterback Chase Clement and Defensive End George Chukwu were part of the search committee and they gave a big "thumbs up" for the hire. They feel like Bailiff will build on the momentum that the Owls started in 2006.

The players I talked with are excited about the offensive and defensive schemes Bailiff will bring to campus. He'll run the exact same spread offense that the Owls ran last year .....the terminology will even stay the same. His offensive coordinator will come with him to Rice from Texas State. The defense will switch to a 4-2-5 base formation.

After talking with the search committee members it was obvious the choice came down to Bailiff and former Miami coach Larry Coker. Coker was as likeable and personable as ever during the interview ....reportedly ..... but the committee just couldn't get around the fact that things hadn't changed much at Miami during his tenure. It was considered an outlaw program before Coker took over and it still is today. Plus one committee member told me the fact that Coker won the national championship was impressive but he felt like Coker did it with Butch Davis' kids.

Bailiff's contract is for 5 years and interestingly enough ... of all the coaches who were considered for the job only one didn't call and apply for it. His name is David Bailiff. After being left in the lurch by Todd Graham last week ...... Del Conte sought Bailiff out, asked him to go through the interview process and then sealed the deal.