“Sacrifice. Work. Self-discipline. I teach these things, and my boys don’t forget them when they leave.”

There is a big difference in wanting to and willing to.

I can reach a kid who doesn’t have any ability as long as he doesn’t know it.

Football games are generally won by the boys with the greatest desire.

The first time you quit, it’s hard. The second time, it gets easier. The third time, you don’t even have to think about it.

There is no substitute for guts.

I don’t hire anybody not brighter than I am. If they’re not brighter than I am, I don’t need them.

Don’t tolerate lazy people. They are losers.

If you don’t have discipline, you can’t have a successful program.

You must learn how to hold a team together. You must lift some men up, calm others down, until finally they’ve got one heartbeat. Then you’ve got yourself a team.

Be aware of “yes” men. Generally, they are losers. Surround yourself with winners. Never forget – people win.

In life, you’ll have your back up against the wall many times. You might as well get used to it.

You never know how a horse will pull until you hook him to a heavy load.

If they don’t have a winning attitude, I don’t want them.

I ain’t never had much fun. I ain’t never been two inches away from a football. Here guys go fishing on the day of the game, hunting, golfing, and all I want to do is be alone, studying how not to lose.

If there is one thing that has helped me as a coach, it’s my ability to recognize winners, or good people who can become winners by paying the price.

Don’t talk too much or too soon.