Missouri coach Gary Pinkel: 'I've never worked a day in my life'
Here are the highlights from Missouri coach Gary Pinkel’s press conference following the announcement of his resignation on Friday due to health reasons.
As expected, the long-time coach of the Tigers was showered with support, not just locally but nationally.
GP: I've gotten a lot of calls and messages from around the country from players and coaches. I'm so appreciative of that.
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) November 16, 2015
Pinkel got a visit from former Mizzou wideout Jeremy Maclin, who now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pinkel: Jeremy Maclin visited him at team hotel in KC Friday night. "He put his arms around me and told me he loved me."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 16, 2015
Pinkel’s passion for football has always been crystal clear. He might not be on the sidelines, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a coach from the couch.
Pinkel: "I don't think I'll ever quit coaching." Said he was yelling at the TV during the Seahawks game last night.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) November 16, 2015
Pinkel on coaching: I've never worked a day in my life.
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 16, 2015
Pinkel got choked up as he started talking about his players during the head coaching stints in his career. They’ve always been his top priority.
GP: The most important thing is my players at Toledo & here at Mizzou. I'm going to miss interacting with them, scolding them & hugging them
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) November 16, 2015
GP: My responsibility is to win football games to keep my job, but my responsibility is also to develop young men, to impact their lives.
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) November 16, 2015
Pinkel says there’s no cure for his form of lymphoma.
GP: I've been blessed with good health my entire life, but at the end of May I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma.
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) November 16, 2015
Pinkel says you don't cure his disease, "you manage it." Also mentioned again that there are people with cancer much worse than him.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) November 16, 2015
Pinkel has said he will make the most of his current health and prepare to fight the disease later.
Pinkel: "I decided at that time I was going to embrace the healthy times and battle when the tough times come."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 16, 2015
Pinkel said he told athletic director Mack Rhoades of his decision on the Wednesday during the team’s bye in Week 9.
Pinkel told Rhoades late last month about decision to give him enough time to make plans for his replacement
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 16, 2015
Pinkel planned on telling his staff privately on Sunday before telling his players, but his decision to resign was leaked sooner, so he rushed to make sure they knew first.
Pinkel said he planned on telling his players later, but got a call from his secretary Friday afternoon saying it was out.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) November 16, 2015
Pinkel said his daughter sent him the postgame celebration at Arrowhead Stadium after the win over BYU. His daughter sent it to him.
Pinkel on what his players have taught him: "I've got to hang around just to be cool. Obviously I don't dance very well. We all know that."
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) November 16, 2015
The press conference was very emotional, and he received plenty of support from the media and others who attended.
Pinkel wipes away tears as he receives a standing ovation from fans, family friends upon finishing his prepared remarks.
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) November 16, 2015
He was also asked about life after football.
Pinkel on future: "I've got to do something." Says he wants to work a "normal job" but also wants to spend time with 8 grandkids
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 16, 2015
