What Coach Tiller meant to a fan

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

Prior to Coach Tiller's arrival, I'd listen to scores on the radio or see scores on the TV. It was ho hum. After his arrival, and in the midst of his first season, I couldn't wait to find Purdue playing on TV or read articles. His teams were electric at times and allow people like myself to identify with the Team. It was fun and though we didn't have perfect seasons, we were rarely out of games at the end. It was the first time in more than a decade, that I could enjoy football at my school. I always wonder what the Joe Average players thought of him. As a fan, I thought he was a unique leader. I hope too that they did as well. Note: I was fortunate to be at the Ohio St / Purdue game Brees to Morales, Wisconsin / Purdue Brees vs Dayne matchup see 83 passes 55 completions for 495 yards and coming up a play short, and the Rose Bowl. Not all games were won, but they were fun. To new students and recent fans Brohm might be similar. Joe Tiller was special. RIP Coach Tiller. I'm saddened by this news today. My father is 74 as well and I reflect on the gravity of that.

 

[PaBoiler78]

Prior to Coach Tiller's arrival, I'd listen to scores on the radio or see scores on the TV. It was ho hum. After his arrival, and in the midst of his first season, I couldn't wait to find Purdue playing on TV or read articles. His teams were electric at times and allow people like myself to identify with the Team. It was fun and though we didn't have perfect seasons, we were rarely out of games at the end. It was the first time in more than a decade, that I could enjoy football at my school. I always wonder what the Joe Average players thought of him. As a fan, I thought he was a unique leader. I hope too that they did as well. Note: I was fortunate to be at the Ohio St / Purdue game Brees to Morales, Wisconsin / Purdue Brees vs Dayne matchup see 83 passes 55 completions for 495 yards and coming up a play short, and the Rose Bowl. Not all games were won, but they were fun. New students and recent fans Brohm might be similar. Joe Tiller was special. RIP Coach Tiller. I'm saddened by this news today. My father is 74 as well and I reflect on the gravity of that.

enjoy some time w/ your dad, my mom died at 74 too.

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

enjoy some time w/ your dad, my mom died at 74 too.

Thanks PaBoiler. I need to remind myself all visits are special and should be cherished.

 

[drcrim]

It was Joe's first season and I forget the opponent, but I can't forget the coach. Just seconds before halftime I headed for the bathroom. But I was stopped in my tracks when Joe called timeout. It meant Joe wanted the ball back before halftime - OMG! It seemed like for years the Boilers were afraid of making mistakes at the end of the half. Here was a new coach and new attitude. Wow!

 

[Bizzlepizzle]

I am an Indiana alum but both my parents are Purdue alums. I grew up loving Purdue and as hard as it is to believe, I still do as well as IU. Growing up, I remember Mike Alstott but that was about it for highlights. Then came Joe Tiller. I was a teenager and I know I was not the easiest to deal with but Purdue football under Tiller was a bonding time for me and my dad.

I took the games pretty hard and would yell at the TV. My mom even got me a foam “bad call brick” to throw at the TV. I remember getting so upset when Purdue played Michigan in the Rose Bowl year and they fell behind early. My dad would send me to the basement to cool off and Joe and Brock figured out the defense (I came back upstairs to watch with the family), the offense got rolling and they won.

Of course I remember the OSU game. Then they crushed IU and went to the Rose Bowl. My dad was so happy as was I. Waking up that New Years Day, watching the Rose Bowl Parade knowing Purdue was involved was a day I will never forget.

This is my story and I just want to pay tribute to a coach and a man that created such great memories for me as a young teen watching games with my dad. Thank you Joe Tiller. God bless your family.

 

[Onaway]

Not only did he teach the players to win but he had to change the mentality of the fans. Having been through 13 losing seasons we all waited for the bottom to fall out for yet another loss. I can't remember the exact quote but basically we need to expect a win like we saw happen in so many games. most fans always stayed until the end.

 

[Bob the Boiler]

I remember when he was hired. I called my brother and said "What the hell are we doing? - Hiring a 60 year old man from Wyoming - Give me a break - can't we do better than Wyoming's coach?" Boy did I eat those words. I was a student when Alstott was all we had. Colletto was a major joke. Joe turned it around with Billy Dicken at QB. I knew immediately he was special, innovative, and just a winner. What a fun time when he was the coach. Had season tickets the whole time he was there and couldn't wait for the next game. I was also there for the OSU - Moralles catch. I was so horse from screaming at the game and charged the field afterword. Man - those were fun times. RIP Joe.

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

Age 34 at the time, and my wife and I both rushed the field after that game. Brees to Morales. There were a lot of good times you brought to us fans. RIP coach.

 

[IUfbfan67]

Great coach, good man. I'm an IU fan but I admired coach Tiller from the moment he took over at Purdue. The first quote I heard from him was " these boys are good enough to win right now, and if they don't, it's our (the coaches) fault, not theirs. I knew right then he would turn Purdue around. He did that but he did a lot more than that. He turned the whole Big Ten around.
My cousin played for him at Wyoming and told us he was a great coach and was he ever right. I think you may have another one in your new coach