Grant Teaff, former Baylor head coach and currently the director of the American Football Coaches Association, on John Goodner:

“First, John is one of the finest men I’ve ever been around. He has impeccable integrity and is a great family man. He is, literally, loved by the Texas high school coaches. He’s just a tremendous person. “Second, John is one of the top two or three coaches I’ve been around in my lifetime of coaching. He has the ability to analyze what people are doing offensively, then design the concept that will counter that offense. Players love him and really respond to him.”

What the Kentucky players had to say Monday afternoon, following the initial team meeting with Coach John Goodner…

Linebacker Ryan Murphy:

“I’m very impressed with the way he spoke to us and handled the changes. He is anxious to get us on the winning track. I’m very excited, ready to go out and start hitting right now.”

Safety David Johnson:

“I’m excited. Coach Goodner is a very up-tempo guy. His defensive scheme looked great on the board. I’m excited to play for him.”

Defensive End Otis Grigsby:

“Everybody thinks Coach Goodner is a guy who commands respect. He knows what he wants and how to get it.

“He has a good system. I’m from Texas, and I’ve seen Texas Tech’s defense. You don’t have to tell me the stats, I know what they did and the defensive system they had.

“Coach Goodner has a great positive attitude. He reminds me of our high school coaches. Everybody’s excited.”