Derek Dooley and Cuonzo Martin are important parts of the Missouri Tigers’ athletic department now, with Dooley taking over as the football team’s offensive coordinator and Martin serving as the men’s basketball head coach.

Interestingly, they also spent some time together when both were at Tennessee, before they were unceremoniously fired by the Vols and forced to leave town.

As the Tigers began spring football practices on Tuesday, Dooley spoke about his relationship with Martin, saying he has a great deal of respect for Mizzou’s basketball coach (via STLToday.com):

“They ran us both out at the same time,” Dooley quipped Tuesday after his first spring practice as the boss of Mizzou’s offense. “I love Cuonzo. He and I were tight. We shared that ‘kicked to the curb’ (experience). I’ve always had a lot of respect for Cuonzo and really what he represents, the way his teams played hard, tough, physical. And the kind of family he has. He has an awesome family. Our kids were friends with their kids. You can tell a lot about a man by his family.

“I just have the utmost respect for him. It’s no surprise he’s having the success he’s having.”

Martin has his team on the verge of an NCAA Tournament berth in his first year at the helm of the program. Meanwhile, Dooley is taking over a team that has a potential first-round pick in QB Drew Lock.

Both have landed on their feet at Mizzou, and now it’ll be up to them to make the most of their second chances in the SEC.