Brady Hoke

SI: How long has it been since you last wore red?

BH: That's hard to answer. Over a decade, at least.

SI: Why do you refer to a certain school as "Ohio," not Ohio State?

BH: Simpler to say.

SI: How important was defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's hire?

BH: It was something that was meant to be. I coached with him at Michigan for two years, and I've always stayed in contact with him. Obviously his résumé speaks for itself, but what makes him special is how he teaches and how kids respond. They obviously understand that he's coached at the highest level [with the NFL's Ravens]. It's a great situation for us.

SI: Is it true you don't eat before games?

BH: I do not. I didn't as a player, haven't as a coach. We've got too many other things that day that are much more important.

SI: DO YOU STILL WEAR YOUR 1997 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RING?

BH: NOT A WHOLE LOT. THERE'S A LOT OF RINGS, BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE IS THE NEXT ONE.