Eagle Perspective: An Interview With Football Assistant Coach Greg Gillum
April 8, 2004

By Andrea Adame, AU Sports Information

Greg Gillum is in his first year as wide receiver and recruiting coach at AU.

Gillum is originally from Plymouth, OH. He received his bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University in business education and his master's degree from Dayton in educational administration.

He and his wife, Jody, live in Tallmadge, OH, with their three children Tyler, Tanner, and Myriah.

Q: How do you like AU so far?

A: “It’s exciting. It’s a great time to be here and a lot of changes are going on for the future both in education and athletics.”

Q: Has it been difficult recruiting athletes for the fall?

A: “Only difficult because we got a late start from the norm. The people on campus did an outstanding job and sell very well. It has not been a hard sell.”

Q: How do you think the program has adjusted to the new coaching staff?

A: “It’s a total change and there is apprehension from change. The athletes try to get a feel for the new program and have been able to with the winter training and spring ball. They have relaxed and responded accordingly.”

Q: If you could have any job, what would it be?

A: “My wife always tells me I have to grow up and get a real job. My job isn’t one where I have to go, I get to go. If I could have any job I would be a football coach. I get to influence and share memories and build relationships that last a lifetime.”

Q: Why do you like coaching college football over high school?

A: “At the college level there is more strategy involved. You get more time to watch film and study the game. The downside is you are regulated with the amount of time you can spend with players. We can’t be as involved off the field, whereas in high school you see the athletes during the day in the classroom.”

Q: What is the toughest part of recruiting?

A: “Time. It takes time away from your family at night. Every recruit is different and the key is to establish a relationship with them. There is no textbook step-by-step process to recruiting.”

Q: Evaluate the receivers that you have and what you think of Mike Hull?

A: “I have the utmost respect for Mike Hull since he is able to meet the demands of pre-med curriculum and still be devoted to football. I hope that if I ever have to go to the operating room, I look up and see him there. After seeing how he is as a player and athlete I’d have no worries. As a group the receivers are somewhat inexperienced but are making great progress. We have a lot of depth and there is competition for who will play where and that makes all the athletes better.”