Healing Mistakes and Chasing Championships: Inside USF’s New Game Plan

SNC: Doctor Coach Bryan, Doctor Coach Bryan! Saturday Night Chronicle here. Can we ask you a few questions leading up to the 2025 opening and your USF squad?

Dr. Coach: Sure thing.

SNC: You must have been excited to receive the news that you were given the head coaching job at USF after being named the interim head coach for the bowl game. How did the players respond to the news?

Dr. Coach: First off, I’m really excited to start the season with such a special group of guys. And to answer your question, it’s always a good sign when the fellas are just as excited as you are to get to work and make something special happen. I feel like the program is set up to reach new heights after a solid end to last season. I saw a lot of things that I’m happy with and a couple that we worked on during the offseason. The biggest focus was decreasing the number of silly mistakes that can be costly.

SNC: You’re taking the helm of a team in a tough conference that had two playoff teams, a Heisman Trophy winner, and three teams that finished the season ranked. How do you plan to bring USF forward to join the elites of the AAC?

(At this point, Doctor Coach Bryan responds with a very intense, almost intimidating video that sends a chill through the room. The intensity of his expression and tone makes everyone feel like they are suddenly in a high-stakes game situation, with a palpable sense of both excitement and fear for their lives.)

Dr. Coach: The only way to be the best is to beat the best. So I am excited for the challenge. I’m confident in the guys we have in our program, and we’re gonna make some waves this season.

SNC: Being in South Florida, you are surrounded by talented players. How much will recruiting play into your vision for the future of USF football?

Dr. Coach: Recruiting is about looking toward the future, so during the season, the main focus will be on each game first and then recruiting. Of course, we want the best guys to come to our school, and I made sure to make as many moves as possible before last season ended. There will be a lot of kids who are here this year and probably won’t be next year, but that’s showbiz, baby.

SNC: How big of a factor were academics in your decision to take the USF job? U.S. News has USF ranked as the #1 non-Power 4 school for academics.

Dr. Coach: We’re an academically elite university system, and along with the location, this is a huge recruitment draw that I considered before taking this job. With USF Health opening a new anesthesiology program, the medical center over at Tampa General has never been in better shape. You know, not every single individual is going to play at the next level—that's just a fact of life. So it’s great that here, our guys can get a quality education and set themselves up for success for the rest of their lives. Of course, as a program, we are gonna work our butts off to make it so that NFL organizations can’t afford to ignore our players.

SNC: Incredible answer to an incredible question, Coach. Last question for you: fill in the blank. People should expect ___ from USF in 2025.

Dr. Coach: A championship.

SNC: Thank you for your time, Coach. Good luck this year.

As the 2025 season approaches, Doctor Coach Bryan and the USF Bulls are ready to make their mark in the American Athletic Conference. With a fierce determination, a focus on reducing costly mistakes, and a commitment to both athletic and academic excellence, USF is poised to compete with the best and build a championship-caliber program. The intensity and passion of Coach Bryan are unmistakable, and with a talented roster and a clear vision for the future, the Bulls are gearing up for a season that could bring them closer to the elite ranks of college football. Buckle up, because USF is ready to make waves.