Heird Addresses the Future of the Football Program
December 05, 2022 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville Vice-President/Director of Athletics Josh Heird met with the media Monday afternoon to discuss the future of the football program after the departure of Scott Satterfield to the University of Cincinnati.
Â
Heird appointed former UofL wide receiver Deion Branch, who is currently serving as the Director of Player Development, as the interim head coach for the Wasabi Fenway Bowl on Dec. 17 versus Cincinnati.
Â
"For me, it was who could be dedicated to the guys in the locker room, unequivocally for the next two weeks," Heird said. "While there is a very good staff and we have some very good assistant coaches, I think the one guy that could without a doubt give every minute over the next two weeks to the guys in the locker room, that was Deion."
Â
Branch, whose No. 9 jersey is one of UofL's Honored Jerseys, played for the Cardinals from 2000-01. In those two seasons, Branch's numbers rank up there with some of the finest wide receivers in school history. He totaled 143 passes for 2,204 yards and 18 touchdowns. He stands seventh all-time in receiving yards with 2,204, ninth with 143 receptions and tied for fourth with 18 touchdowns.
Â
"I am super grateful and super thankful for the opportunity to represent the University of Louisville," Branch said. "This means so much to me. When Josh gave me the phone call, trust me, I was super overwhelmed. I deal with these young men on a daily basis. I know exactly what these guys are going through on a day-to-day basis. I understand it. Â It speaks volume for Josh and his staff to select me to do this. I am super grateful for that."
Â
Heird reiterated that he will initiate a national search for the next UofL head coach immediately.
"I want to say that this is, in my mind, a great opportunity for us to find the next leader of this football program," Heird said. "I think this is one of the better jobs in the country and we are going to do everything we can to find the best leader for this football program that will work well with the department, the university, the community.
Â
Â
Â
Heird appointed former UofL wide receiver Deion Branch, who is currently serving as the Director of Player Development, as the interim head coach for the Wasabi Fenway Bowl on Dec. 17 versus Cincinnati.
Â
"For me, it was who could be dedicated to the guys in the locker room, unequivocally for the next two weeks," Heird said. "While there is a very good staff and we have some very good assistant coaches, I think the one guy that could without a doubt give every minute over the next two weeks to the guys in the locker room, that was Deion."
Â
Branch, whose No. 9 jersey is one of UofL's Honored Jerseys, played for the Cardinals from 2000-01. In those two seasons, Branch's numbers rank up there with some of the finest wide receivers in school history. He totaled 143 passes for 2,204 yards and 18 touchdowns. He stands seventh all-time in receiving yards with 2,204, ninth with 143 receptions and tied for fourth with 18 touchdowns.
Â
"I am super grateful and super thankful for the opportunity to represent the University of Louisville," Branch said. "This means so much to me. When Josh gave me the phone call, trust me, I was super overwhelmed. I deal with these young men on a daily basis. I know exactly what these guys are going through on a day-to-day basis. I understand it. Â It speaks volume for Josh and his staff to select me to do this. I am super grateful for that."
Â
Heird reiterated that he will initiate a national search for the next UofL head coach immediately.
"I want to say that this is, in my mind, a great opportunity for us to find the next leader of this football program," Heird said. "I think this is one of the better jobs in the country and we are going to do everything we can to find the best leader for this football program that will work well with the department, the university, the community.
Â
Â
The Card Tape: Boca Raton Bowl
Friday, December 26
FB: Bush's Boca Raton Bowl Postgame Press Conference
Wednesday, December 24
The Card Tape: Kentucky (2025)
Monday, December 01
FB: Highlights vs. Kentucky
Sunday, November 30
