February 09, 2001
Texas A&M Head Football Coach R.C. Slocum announced two of his assistants have taken NFL jobs. Assistant Head Coach Larry Kirksey, who also coached wide receivers, will take a job with the Detroit Lions coaching wide receivers. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Steve Kragthorpe will take a position with the Buffalo Bills coaching quarterbacks.
"I am obviously disappointed to lose two outstanding coaches like Larry (Kirksey) and Steve (Kragthorpe)," Slocum said. "Not only are they great coaches, but they are quality people. They have done an excellent job for Texas A&M, and for our players during their tenure here. Each feels they now have a career opportunity they must take."
"Wally Groff, our athletics director, has kept our salaries competitive relative to other colleges, but the reality is that a college program cannot compete with the NFL in terms of salary or retirement programs," Slocum added. "Over the past two seasons, Bill Johnson (Atlanta Falcons), Ron Milus (Denver Broncos), Pete Hoener (Arizona Cardinals), Larry Kirksey (Detroit Lions) and Steve Kragthorpe (Buffalo Bills) have joined the NFL after being Aggie assistant coaches. Earlier in January, Shawn Slocum declined the opportunity to become the defensive coordinator at the University of North Carolina. One of my main responsibilities is to make certain our players have quality coaching. From the interest shown in these men, I think the level of respect for A&M's coaching staff is apparent."
"I am working to replace these men and will have announcements as the positions are officially filled," Slocum stated.
Larry Kirksey served one season as the assistant head coach and wide receivers coach at Texas A&M. He helped develop the Big 12's leading receiver in Robert Ferguson. Kirksey had coached six years with the San Francisco 49ers before taking the position at Texas A&M.
"This is a great opportunity for me," Kirksey said. "I worked with Marty Mornhinweg (Detroit Lions Head Coach) for three years with the San Francisco 49ers. He has not hired an offensive coordinator yet, and we are on the same page from an offensive standpoint. My goal is to get the top of the coaching profession, either on the college or the NFL level."
"I had been away from the college game for six years," Kirksey stated. "Texas A&M was one of only a few college jobs I would have left the NFL. R.C. Slocum gave me an opportunity and we had a good working relationship. This (Texas A&M) has been a good experience for me and my family, but this opportunity with Marty is something I can't pass up."
Steve Kragthorpe had been on the Aggie staff the past four seasons, the last three as offensive coordinator. During his tenure, the Aggies developed into a more balanced attack and quarterback Mark Farris set a school record for passing yards this past season.
"I would like to say thanks to everyone for allowing me to be a part of the Aggie family the past four years," Kragthorpe said. "These have been the best four years in my coaching career. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with R.C. Slocum and I appreciate everything he's done for me and my family. I look forward to the opportunity to coach in the NFL, but I will always hold a special place in my heart for Aggieland."