Caldwell’s Winning Everyone Over

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I’m not the only one impressed by Caldwell’s good ol’ boy personna.

ESPN’s Pat Forde says he “May get a standing O” from the assembled media.

Tim Tucker of The AJC tweets that “No one seems happier to be here” than Caldwell.

Here’s another example of his chat.  When asked if he’d had a “welcome to coaching” moment, Caldwell said no.

“I got asked on the radio, ‘Well what about all the coaches, have they congratulated you?’ And I said, ‘No, not a one.’”

Laughs from the crowd.

“I said, ‘They don’t know me.’  And they will.  I got to see Coach Spurrier today, Coach Richt… so they had no idea who I am.”

More big laughs.

Sadly, I wonder if some of the pointier heads in Nashville will be disappointed in having such a downhome feller representing Vandy with his thick Southern drawl.  I certainly hope that’s not an issue because Caldwell is winning over everyone in his media session.

UPDATE — Forde just tweeted the following:  “Forget the standing O.  Caldwell might get a group hug from the hacks.  Fabulously unguarded and Deep South funny.”

And Caldwell just drew howls with another “I’m so excited” tidbit:

“Think about it.  I go from linin’ the field to I’m a head coach in the SEC.  I’m telling ya what a thrill.  It’s a dream.  I can still walk in places and nobody know me.  Last night I was opening a door for people and they gave me a tip.”

Huge laughs.

Sorry, Richt… Caldwell’s going to be the week’s winner in terms of his media session.  Impossible to top this.