Jeff Tedford (2015)
Jeffrey R. "Jeff" Tedford is an American football coach. He is best known as the former head coach of the California Golden Bears, where he was twice named Pac-10 Coach of the Year and holds Cal records for most wins, games coached, and bowl game victories. Tedford played college football for Fresno State before playing professionally at quarterback in the Canadian Football League. In his first head coaching position, Tedford inherited a Cal team that had won only one game in its 2001 season. He was named conference coach of the year in his first season in 2002 after winning seven games. Cal was ranked No. 2 nationwide midseason in 2007, the school's highest ranking since 1951. However, Tedford's teams struggled later in his Cal tenure, particularly from 2010–2012, and he was fired after the 2012 season. He was the highest paid state employee of California as of 2011.
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About the Jeff Tedford Interview
I'm Jeff Tedford, new head coach of the BC Lions.
We just wrapped up our three-day mini camp with the offence and we're excited for Training Camp in June and our home opener on July 10th! I'll be back at 6:30pm to answer your questions.
My team is helping me out tonight. AMA
https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/593584838390599680
https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/593585686097174528
Alright, everyone. I'm signing off for the night. Thank you so much for all your questions. Looking forward to the new season. Go Lions, Go!
Jeff Tedford Apr 30, 2015
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Sorry to go off topic from your CFL team, but you were my first coach at the Cal Bears, so I just wanted to thank you for your years of service and for getting the program back on track. Any fun story you can share from your time in Berkeley? Go Bears!
adsfew
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Great to hear from you! Many great times, many great people, and memories to carry for a life time there. Thank you, and Go Bears!
Jeff Tedford
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Hi Coach, hope all is well with you! CAL Alum here, hope you don't mind a CAL question, but what are your views and thoughts on Jared Goff? Is he a potential NFL QB in the future?
Crabs8888
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Yes. Jared is a great talent and a tremendous young man and has a bright future. I wish him all the success.
Jeff Tedford
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Hi Coach Tedford,
Cal alum here, just wanted to say thanks for all you've done for the university and the program. CMS to me will always be the House that Tedford Built.
As for my question: What's your favorite Top Dog??
plink_plink
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Thanks for that! Kielbasa for sure. Awesome.
Jeff Tedford
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Hello couch Tedford,
My name is TJ. I have been a life long Cal fan and a huge fun of yours. I was very disappointed when Cal let you go. My question today is how will your outstanding time at Cal impacted your new job coaching the BC Lions?BADCOWTJ18
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College football and pro football are obviously slightly different but it still always comes down to caring about the players on and off the field and trying our best to put them in a position of success.
Jeff Tedford
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COACH TEDFORD SPELLS LIKE A CANADIAN NOW?
CanadianGladiators
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Canadian spellcheck. ;)
Jeff Tedford
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Love the addition of former bear Brendan Bigelow, from what we saw in college you put him in situations to use his explosiveness and breakaway speed, what are your plans to use him here? Also any other former bears on the radar to join you in BC?
707GoldenBear
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Brendan is very explosive and it will be a goal to utilize his skills on this big field.
Jeff Tedford
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Coach Tedford, thank you for bringing Cal football back to relevance. I remember going to games during the 1-11 season before you started and I can't describe how exciting Cal football became after you came on board. I was just wondering what was the most rewarding thing about coaching at Berkeley? Go Bears!
y_u_heff_to_be_mad
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To see the transformation of the fans and the players and witnessing the pride and tradition of those players and fans that all played a role.
Jeff Tedford
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Back in 2003, the famous locker-room video pre-game speech against USC was AMAZING, what are your thoughts and views about today's college game vs 10+ years ago? Also, have you tried poutine yet?
Crabs8888
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Even though college football strategies have changed with no-huddle and spread approaches it's still about the players experience, growth, and development, which is something I really enjoyed as a college coach.
No...I haven't tried poutine yet. I haven't been out much and I just had to ask what that was?? Haha! But ketchup chips are the bomb!Jeff Tedford
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Things in Tampa sadly didn't work out due to your health. Do you feel as though Vancouver is a better home for you, both on and off the field?
Wyvol
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I've always enjoyed Vancouver, and that played a large role in deciding to make it my new home.
Jeff Tedford
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Coach, what do you miss most about Berkeley?
TheGoldenBear
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The players, the fans, and game days at Memorial Stadium. Of course the student section! Go Bears!
Jeff Tedford
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What's one thing you enjoy about being a head coach rather than coordinator?
What did you enjoy about being a coordinator?mel_to_the_core
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I enjoy both but I particularly enjoy the relationship with all the players on the team as opposed to just one side of the ball.
Second question: as a coordinator, I really enjoyed the strategy and game planning.Jeff Tedford
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I refuse to believe Coach Tedford just used the phrase "the bomb"!
adsfew
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I'm not THAT old!
Jeff Tedford
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What is your favorite team in the NFL? Also, what is the primary rule difference between the CFL and NFL that you like the most?
politicize-me
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Don't really have a favourite team, but mostly teams where any ex Cal players are playing.
Second question: I like the ability for multiple motions in the CFL.Jeff Tedford
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Long time Cal supporter Coach.
How much different is recruiting talent at the college level from finding talent at the professional level? Do you prefer one over another?ErnestoMontoya
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Sometimes it's harder recruiting college talent because there are so many variables: speed of the game, competition level, away from home for the first time - 17 year olds - where pro football, while very competitive, you're able to have gathered more information from their college experience.
Jeff Tedford
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What is going to be the main reason behind us going 18-0 and then winning the Grey Cup?
YourLocalCrackDealer
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I'm not predicting 18-0, but our obvious goal is always to win the Grey Cup and creating a strong foundation, team work, discipline, and execution will be major factors in accomplishing that.
Jeff Tedford
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Best outdoor activity in British Columbia?
bob_ryan
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I know there are many...but haven't had a chance to take part in any yet. Been busy!
Jeff Tedford
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With the signing of Cameron Morrah are we going to see more of a Tight End/H-back in the offense?
The_AlbinoRhino
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Cameron provides the flexibility with his skill set to play as a tight end or a very effective wide receiver. Nice to have that luxury and flexibility.
Jeff Tedford
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Hi coach, last few seasons the OL has been shaky. With the release of Hardrick, what do you have planned to shore up the line?
jjames2b
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We will focus on fundamentals, playing physical, and strong competition to put a productive offensive line together.
Jeff Tedford
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Of course BC fans are hoping that Travis Lulay will take the field, but his injuries have been problematic and there is at least a reasonable chance that he will not be able to play, either at the start of the season, or if another injury occurs.
If Travis Lulay is unable to continue as starting quarterback, who do you think has the best shot at taking the reins?
mattbin
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Yes; Travis is our guy, but a backup is hard to say right now. There will be strong competition throughout camp to make an educated decision.
Jeff Tedford
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What is your coaching philosophy?
IKingJeremy
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My coaching philosophy is is to play fast, physical, smart, disciplined, and have fun. Oh yeah...and win.
Jeff Tedford
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How do you see the rule changes affecting your in game decision making?
Derosa6037
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Not so much decisions, but I really feel the game will be more exciting with a no-contact rule after five yards on the receivers. This will help limit sacks because the quarterback will be able to get the ball out of his hands due to potentially more open receivers.
Jeff Tedford
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Welcome to beautiful BC Coach Tedford! After the training sessions this week, what has surprised you the most?
amsjams
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I wouldn't say "surprised", but was pleased with the focus and work ethic. Seems to be a strong foundation heading into Camp in a month.
Jeff Tedford
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Would you and the Lions please consider posting video of say, an offensive and defensive series after each game, walking the hardcore fans through what you see? We don't want secrets revealed, but it would be awesome for longtime fans to take our knowledge of the game to the next level, and to try and see the game through the coach's eyes.
FPNo1
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Sounds like an off-season clinic that we would be happy to do if interested.
Jeff Tedford
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How far is Andrew Harris from being 100%? Do you think he will be ready to start the regular season?
The_AlbinoRhino
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Very close to 100%. I believe he will be 100% to start the season. Looked good the last few days.
Jeff Tedford
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Is Travis Lulay your undisputed #1 QB heading into camp if healthy? If not, who is? Thanks!
Dnarbo6
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Yes. Travis is the proven leader of our team and is working hard to recover and resume to form.
Jeff Tedford
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I've always thought that added a huge dynamic to play calling that the NCAA and NFL doesn't have.
politicize-me
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Agreed.
Jeff Tedford
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With Geroy being back with the organization, what does bring he to the table? Any chance he straps on the pads if we have injuries in the receiving corp?
Thanks!
marthedestroyer
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I've been blown away by Geroy's popularity. I keep telling him I need to go back and watch his film to see what all the hooplah's about. Haha!
It's great to have him with us. Pads???Jeff Tedford
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Hey coach! Just moved from Surrey to Vancouver. Stoked to see more games, as a new season ticket holder, but I'll miss seeing all the practices out in Whalley. What has been the biggest change for you coming up to Vancouver, as compared to Cali?
PS - are you going to bench Lulay this season?
Citymike
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The rain. But it's all good.
Jeff Tedford
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WHO ON YOUR TEAM IS HELPING YOU TONIGHT? CAN WE TAKE THEM OUT FOR POUTINE?
CanadianGladiators
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Sure! Come to the office and ask for Kadie.
Jeff Tedford
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What do you think your most important role as a coach is?
hcchasing
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I need to put players in a position to be successful. To the point.
Jeff Tedford
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Jeff have you got a chance to check out kamloops training camp facility? Also what do you enjoy doing in your down time?
Lions4Life87
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Not yet, but plan to check it out in the next couple of weeks. Downtime, hanging out with my wife and dogs and seeing new things around the city.
Jeff Tedford
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Hey Coach, how do you plan on getting fans back into BC Place this season and making the games more exciting? Last year the CFL suffered low scoring and some unexciting games.
9lettername
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We are looking to play an uptempo, exciting brand of offence and fast and physical defence/special teams, while playing with enthusiasm and having fun. The bottom line is, success on the field and winning is the main ingredient for fan support.
Jeff Tedford
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How do you feel about having to live up to Wally Buono's legacy?
FujiKitakyusho
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This is the first time I've thought about that. I'm not really looking to live up to anyone's legacy I just have to be myself. Plus I'm not sure that anyone could match Wally's success and reputation.
Jeff Tedford
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Do you plan to attract more NFL players to the Lions in the future?
BalesofNay
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We are always evaluating and look to bring the best talent possible, be that college, or NFL prospects.
Jeff Tedford
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