John McKay’s birthday was yesterday. The renowned quipster who many believe was USC’s greatest coach ever, died at age 77 on June 10, 2001 in Tampa, Fla, from diabetes-related complications. His ashes were spread on the field of the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. He would be 96 today.
My three favorite McKay quotes:
— Following a Buccaneers loss in their early seasons, McKay was asked what he thought of his offense’s “execution.” He replied, “I’m in favor of it.”
— After the Buccaneers won their first reg-season game against the New Orleans Saints during the 1977 season 33–14, McKay mused, “Three or four plane crashes and we’re in the playoffs.”
— After receiving harsh criticism from the media about McKay’s coaching skills in the NFL, McKay replies “You guys don’t know the difference between a football and a bunch of bananas.” In the next interview, members of the media left bananas for McKay. He then replied, “You guys don’t know the difference between a football and a Mercedes Benz.”
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