Photo Credit: Bradley Walker NGSC Sports
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The second day of American Athletic Conference Football Media Days shifted the spotlight to Commissioner Tim Pernetti before each coach addressed the media. Pernetti outlined the conference’s direction, while every coach shared goals, challenges, and expectations for the 2026 season. Innovation, player development, and conference growth remained common themes throughout the day.
Commissioner Tim Pernetti opened the event by highlighting innovation, grit, and service as the three pillars of the American Athletic Conference. He said college football changed his life and continues to provide opportunities for countless student-athletes. Furthermore, he voiced support for President Donald Trump in efforts to protect college football. Pernetti also discussed the proposed Protect College Sports legislation, which aims to create fair NIL guidelines for every program. He announced new three-year sponsorship agreements with StubHub and LLH Healthcare. Additionally, he revealed that the conference championship game will air on ABC in primetime. Pernetti also introduced the conference’s new mascot, Soar, which former NFL coach Jon Gruden unveiled. Finally, he stressed that college football remains one of America’s most popular sports while noting the transfer portal and conference expansion remain major priorities.
East Carolina head coach Blake Harrell reflected on former Pirates star Chris Johnson and his battle with ALS. Harrell praised Johnson’s impact on the ECU community and football program. He also discussed important additions to his coaching staff that should strengthen the Pirates this season. Harrell expressed how much he enjoys leading East Carolina and appreciates the university’s support. He also noted that he ranks as the conference’s second-longest tenured head coach, trailing only Army’s Jeff Monken.
UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor enters his seventh season with the Roadrunners. He compared today’s transfer portal environment to cooking brisket in a microwave instead of slowly preparing it over time. Traylor admitted he has adjusted his approach and accepted responsibility for the previous two seasons. He joked about his summer tan before turning serious about football. Although he believes the defense trails behind entering fall camp, he praised an experienced offense. Traylor also shared heartfelt memories of the Cure Bowl after losing his father before the game. Despite the loss to Troy, he said the event remains special to him.
Rice head coach Scott Abell described the difference between his first and second seasons. He explained that Year One required him to operate like a chief executive officer. Now, he can focus more on coaching football. Abell emphasized the program’s “WE” mantra and praised both players and assistants for embracing that culture. He also acknowledged a difficult non-conference schedule but believes the Owls have built a much stronger team entering 2026.
Tulsa head coach Tre Lamb called the American Athletic Conference one of the nation’s toughest leagues. He praised Tulsa’s academic reputation and believes the Golden Hurricane closed the gap after several difficult losses in 2025. Lamb returned 90 percent of his coaching staff, which should provide continuity. He wants a stronger running game without sacrificing tempo. He also believes his running back room ranks among the program’s best. Lamb admitted frustration after missing a bowl game with fewer than six victories, yet he believes Tulsa can compete for a conference championship.
Temple head coach K.C. Keeler pointed to one-point losses against Army and Navy as valuable learning experiences. He said keeping players in the program remains vital because he likes the nucleus returning for 2026. Keeler also dislikes cutting players and prefers developing talent already on campus. He praised his recruiters for strengthening the defensive line and stressed that his team must compete until the game clock reaches 0:00. Although he likes the progress from 2025, his full attention remains on the season opener against Rhode Island.
North Texas head coach Neal Brown inherited significant roster turnover with more than 70 new players, including 50 transfers, along with a new coaching staff. Brown believes that hunger will fuel the Mean Green throughout 2026. He also praised the surrounding North Texas high school football talent and noted his program stands as the area’s only Group of Five school. Brown understands the challenge awaiting his team against defending national champion Indiana in the season opener.
Navy head coach Brian Newberry believes his team can build upon last season’s success. However, he acknowledged replacing key contributors on both sides of the football remains a challenge. Newberry praised his players for balancing military duties, academics, and football responsibilities. He called the Naval Academy a transformational experience for young men. Furthermore, he compared assembling this year’s roster to rebuilding a 500-piece puzzle that already sits about 90 percent complete.
Charlotte head coach Tim Albin hopes the 49ers bounce back after a difficult 2025 season. He even joked about enjoying the cookies following the coaches’ meeting. Albin highlighted Charlotte’s new $60 million Field of the Future project, which includes upgraded facilities and new turf. He said seven players reached 20 miles per hour during testing in 2025, while 40 players achieved that mark entering 2026. Consequently, he believes the roster has become bigger, faster, and stronger. Albin also looks forward to renewing the rivalry with Appalachian State because the schools sit only two hours apart.
Tulane head coach Will Hall reminded everyone that the Green Wave reached the College Football Playoff as the No. 11 seed last season. He also discussed the Son of a Saint organization in New Orleans, which supports children growing up without fathers. Hall described Tulane as a player-led program that reached four straight conference championship games and won one title. He embraces an underdog mentality and still cherishes watching bowl games alongside his father.
Memphis head coach Charles Huff begins his first season with the Tigers after taking over the program. Huff praised the university staff and recognized the importance of Memphis’ partnership with FedEx. He also inherited a roster featuring 71 new players. Huff believes understanding each transfer’s background helps build stronger relationships. Spending quality time together remains one of his highest priorities. Looking ahead, he hopes Memphis earns Power Four membership within the next three years through consistent success.
Army head coach Jeff Monken enters his 13th season leading the Black Knights. Army captured the American Athletic Conference championship during its first year in the league, and Monken feels excited about his current roster. He recalled advice from his father about substance over empty talk. Monken also credited his grandmother, who taught school until age 90, for inspiring his family. He emphasized that games against Air Force and Navy remain the program’s biggest priorities. Finally, he reminded everyone that the service academies develop players instead of relying on the transfer portal. Army also welcomed five new assistant coaches for 2026.
UAB head coach Alex Mortensen shared stories from his nine seasons working under Nick Saban at Alabama. He joked that Saban rarely allowed him to speak during meetings. Mortensen also explained that his father worked in the media, which sparked his appreciation for journalists. He wants stronger connections with the Birmingham community while demanding accountability from every player. Mortensen expects a player-led team that avoids self-inflicted mistakes throughout 2026.
Florida Atlantic head coach Zach Kittley emphasized retention and continuity as the foundation of his program. One reason for that stability comes from having no coaching staff turnover. Kittley also believes recruiting begins with finding the right person before evaluating the player. Therefore, building lasting relationships remains central to every recruiting decision he makes.
South Florida head coach Brian Hartline discussed his excitement during his first season leading the Bulls. He thanked Rob Higgins and Derrick Brooks for their continued support of the program. Hartline praised the growth he witnessed during spring practice and the spring game. He also expressed pride in the coaching staff and roster assembled for 2026. Most importantly, Hartline believes a strong culture requires commitment from everyone. As a result, he continues building a player-led program with long-term success in mind.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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