CALAIS CAMPBELL Q&A

Q: Several years ago players lobbied to hire coach Larry Coker. Are players lobbying now for Randy Shannon?

Campbell: I think coach Shannon is a great coach. I love him as a coach. I have the most respect for him of all the people I know. I think he's a great guy. If he was to become the head coach a lot of guys would like that a lot. He's a genius in my eyes. It would be great to have him, but whoever they bring in, I'm willing to play for whoever. As far as I know there's nothing (in terms of players lobbying for Shannon with Paul Dee).

Q: Do you think it's important for UM to keep the coach in the family with Shannon?

Campbell: He played here, is a die-hard Cane. He wants to be a head coach. He definitely has the qualities. But if they brought somebody else in here we'd be just fine. Hopefully whoever it is can develop that Cane family in him. Whoever it is will, because once you get here you become part of the family.

Q: Coker's coaching his last game at Miami in the bowl Dec. 31.

Campbell: Coach Coker's one of the best guys I met in my life. He's trying to make the best of the situation. I think he's doing a good job keeping it positive and encouraging everybody to play their best in a bowl game. He's a great coach. I hate to see him go. I think he's a wonderful guy. The team loves playing for him, and I think they're going to go out and play their best for him. I'm going to miss coach Coker. I'm looking forward to this bowl game right now and am just glad to play another game and I'm happy coach Coker's going to be coaching.

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