Brown Era Begins for 'Cuse Football

Syracuse football began the 1997 season at the Kickoff Classic in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Kevin Johnson returned the game's opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown and the Orange never looked back in a 34-0 victory against Wisconsin and 1999 Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne. Fran Brown sat in the stands in East Rutherford that day and his connection with Syracuse was born.

"When I was in ninth grade, we just got to high school, they got all the kids from the city of Camden, all the little league, we all got on a bus, and we rode to Rutherford Stadium," Brown said. "Donovin Darius was playing. So, we all got the chance to go see Syracuse play against Wisconsin. We were all happy to see Donovin, got the chance to meet Donovan McNabb, got to meet all these great coaches. So, as you're going to continue to hear me, that's my envision of Syracuse. That's what I saw, that's what I want."

Brown was formally introduced as the 31st head coach of Syracuse University Football on Monday, Dec. 4 in front of a standing room only crowd in the Ferguson Football Auditorium in the George R. Iocolano and William C. Petty Football Wing at the John A. Lally Athletics Complex.

Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud welcomed the gathering and as well as Coach Brown and his family to Central New York.

"I had the opportunity to spend time with Coach Brown last week," Chancellor Syverud said. "I went into the conversation knowing that he is an outstanding coach, an incredible recruiter, and a widely respected leader. What I really wanted to know more about what his relationships with and attitude towards the students. And I learned this: Coach Brown is passionately committed to his players winning in all aspects of life. He talked about his players growing as men, personally and professionally. About them embracing this community and about them being successful on and off the field. And it's clear this is not just talk. After last week's announcements so many of Coach Brown's current and former players have been talking about how he impacted them on and off the field and contributed to their success in life.

"I'm just so glad Coach Brown and his family now call Syracuse home."

'Cuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack officially introduced Coach Brown to those in attendance as well as fans watching on ACC Network and around the nation on Cuse.com.

"What stood out about Coach Brown – number one, his detailed vision for all aspects of the program was incredibly impressive," Wildhack said. "When I say detailed, I mean it was down to minute details. His vision matched his passion and his commitment. His commitment to developing the young men to achieve their full potential at Syracuse as people and players and prepare them for life after Syracuse.

"A new era of Syracuse football begins today."

Brown takes over the helm of the Orange program after spending the past two seasons at the University of Georgia, helping the Bulldogs to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons and the 2022 College Football National Championship. Under the leadership of the defensive coaching staff, the Georgia defense ranked among the national leaders in rushing defense, scoring defense, red zone defense and total defense.

In addition to his time in Athens, Brown has made stops at Rutgers, Temple and Baylor. During his career, Brown has worked with some of the top coaches in the country , including Georgia's Kirby Smart and University of Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule. Those experiences have prepared Brown well for his first head coaching position.

"I know how to win, but it's hard," Brown said. "It is really hard. We need the support of (everyone) on social media, everywhere you can constantly be on us. To win, it's hard. It's not just those 120 guys on the team, or the 10 fulltime coaches, or the 35 assistants. It's the entire fan base. You have to dig in. We have to lock in and all be ready for this. For us to go win, we all have to do something that we've never done before. We can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results. So, let's just make sure that we lock in and we're willing to change. If you want championships, let's be all together. Let's be on the same page. God willing, this thing works itself the way it's supposed to be and we're going to go out and win."

In addition to speaking to Orange Nation, Coach Brown had a special message to Orange football lettermen.

"If you played here or you're an alumni, I don't need your money," Brown said. "I need your presence. I need those guys to see the history that was before them. I need them to want to be able to mimic what happened before them. The money and all those things will come when the time is right. I want your guys' presence. I want your heart. Because you're going to get my heart. You're going to get every bit of me that you can get for the entire time I'm here."

Fans can click here to watch today's press conference in its entirety.

Syracuse University Athletics

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