Chris Wilson was an All-Big Eight player and three-year starter for Oklahoma from 1988-1991. Playing both linebacker and defensive end, Wilson had 311 career tackles. The Richardson, Texas, product returned to Norman before last season to coach the Sooners' defensive ends.
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Shortly before fall drills began this week, Wilson was given the additional duties of directing the special teams units. The 37-year-old chatted about his new role after Friday's practice.
Now you're wearing two hats. When did you get named special teams coordinator?
We actually just did that four or five days ago. Coach Stoops called me in to talk about it, and it was something that had been thought out before. We made the decision to do it, and it's been a good experience.
Do you have any background coaching special teams?
I never have coached all the groups together. But every one of the coaches has a phase of the special teams and I'm responsible for pulling it all together, making sure we have a plan and making sure all the information is correct. But everyone else helps out by running their phase.
Are you adept at giving pointers on the art of kicking a football?
Well, I'm fortunate to be able to talk to coach Stoops as well as (receivers coach) Kevin Sumlin. What I do is with the things that I'm not as familiar with, we share ideas and we have a game plan before we go to practice.
You were a starter at linebacker very early in your career (sophomore) at OU. Did you ever even play on special teams?
Oh yeah. Everyone had a role on special teams. Hopefully, your best players want to be out there. You have to have an attitude that you want to be great on special teams. It's a place where you can get on the field and make an impression, so there should be a whole lot of guys champing at the bit to get on the field.
Have you ever tried to kick a field goal?
Never. Never even tried it once. Now, I've punted a ball a couple of times, but I've never tried to put one through the uprights. But you know what they say, "Guys who can't play, coach."
By Justin Harper
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