A Genius Move: Purdue Brings Brees Back To Coach Bowl
In one of the greatest public relations moves a university’s athletic department has ever made, Purdue announced today that all-everything Drew Brees will return to the West Lafayette campus and help his Boilermakers prep for the upcoming Citrus Bowl.
Brees will serve as an assistant coach for interim head coach Brian Brohm’s staff. Brian’s brother, Jeff, left Purdue earlier this month to become Louisville’s head coach.
Brees will return to his alma mater as early as Monday and take part in bowl preparations.
In addition to having the ability to work on-field with Purdue’s players, Brees will also be allowed to take part in recruiting activities.
This should be a gigantic boost to new Purdue head coach Ryan Walters, who was officially named Brohm’s replacement on Wednesday. Walters’ role during bowl preparation will be strictly as a fan.
Brees will relocate to West Lafayette where he will reside for the next few weeks or so as his Boilermakers prepare for a Jan. 2 date with Brian Kelly’s nationally ranked LSU Tigers in Orlando.
Brian Brohm’s interim Purdue coaching staff is greatly reduced since some of the 2022 Boilermaker assistants have already bolted to join Jeff in Louisville.
Brees, however, wants to be a part of bowl preparation and per usual is willing to lend his expertise in helping in any way he can.
“I am extremely excited to work with our team over the next few weeks as we prepare for the Citrus Bowl,” said Brees, who has donated millions of dollars to Purdue University and the John Purdue Club, from the Brees Academy Performance Center that bears his name to the renovation of the football complex and Ross-Ade Stadium. “I see it not only as an opportunity to coach and mentor this group of young men, but represent all the former Purdue players that care so much about our program.
“This is also preparation for the future of Purdue Football with new head coach Ryan Walters. I had a great conversation with Coach Walters last night, and love the energy, passion and detail he will bring to our program. The future is bright, and there is no better time to be a Boilermaker.”
Brees loves his alma mater, having represented the university in a variety of leadership capacities and has been at the forefront of the department’s ongoing Name, Image and Likeness efforts via the Boilermaker alliance.
“Purdue University is fortunate to have alumni who are impactful leaders in industries and careers across a wide spectrum, including professional football,” Purdue Athletic Director Mike Bobinski said. “For more than two decades, Drew Brees has shown the world what makes Boilermakers special. He was an elite football player, but most of all, Drew is an extraordinary leader.
“Gaining his insights on the football field and in our coaching offices during this time of transition will be of great value to our student-athletes and staff. We’re grateful to Drew for his willingness to share his time and expertise in yet another show of support for the Boilermakers.”
Brees, a Super Bowl champion and MVP with the New Orleans Saints, retired from the NFL holding the league’s all-time records for career touchdown passes, completions, yardage and completion percentage. He was a 15-year team captain, who led the Saints to nine playoff appearances and seven division titles.
The 8-5 Boilermakers are coming off a Big Ten West Division championship and will be playing in the program’s 21st bowl game and fourth bowl in the past six seasons.
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