Ball State University Athletics
Q & A with Football Coach Keith Gaither
March 22, 2011 | Football
Q: You coached with Lembo for a year at Elon, how important was it to you to make the transition with him to Ball State?
A: Well I've been with Pete for the previous two years and we've had some success. Coach Lembo is regarded as one of the top up and coming coaches in the country so I'm very excited and eager to have the opportunity to join him at Ball State.
Q: Personality wise, what's the biggest difference between playing on the defensive side in college and coaching wide receivers as your career?
A: Personally, I was a very aggressive player. When I started coaching offense, I had to tone down my personality to the kids, they're a little bit more passive. A lot of receivers want to catch the ball more than block. I had to tone down my coaching style to the players.
Q: How much film have you watched on the team from last year and the guys in your position group?
A: I watched two complete games. I had the opportunity to watch all of the players that played this previous year. I think I'm inheriting a pretty decent group.
Q: What do you think of your wide receivers as you enter the spring practice season?
A: As we go into spring ball we've got 11 guys right now. We've got six guys with playing experience, so I'm pretty excited. But at the same time it's going to be a challenge because we're going to start a new offense, which is a pretty receiver-friendly offense. I'm pretty excited. I think we have a good core group. We're bringing in four good players as well.
Q: Are you excited about the opportunity to tutor Briggs Orsbon who excels in the classroom and on the field?
A: I'm very excited about Briggs. He's like having a coach on the field. He's great in the meeting room and on top of that he has some ability. I'm very excited to have Briggs. He's going to be a big asset to our receiving core.
Q: What is it like working with Coach Lembo?
A: First thing you say about Coach Lembo is that he's very organized, very detailed. When you know your head coach is like that you have to try to follow that lead also. He's very detailed, very organized and demanding at the same time, but fair.
Q: What influenced your decision to become a college football coach?
A: I want to have an impact on changing young people's lives. Plus through sports you can teach life lessons.
Q: You've been at Ball State for almost three months; do you finally feel at home here?
A: I do. The only thing I still haven't got to do is adjust to the weather. Other than that, I feel pretty good about Muncie, Indiana and Ball State.
