Quote :

"did I say that they had highly touted recruiting classes? no, I said they had talent and as TOB said "stars are for hotels"...just because someone isn't rated as a 5 star prospect coming out of high school doesn't mean they aren't talented...Nate Irving was a three star prospect and he turned out pretty well didn't he?"

you're mixing up arguments here. TOB says stars are for hotels sure, but he's also not even close to good enough to coach at tennessee, so leave that shit out of here. if you don't get stars in the SEC you get killed, plain and simple.

nate irving? are you serious? one player who was midly touted out of hs who has turned out to be a good player in the terrible acc and you're going to act like stars are irrelevant, like they never work out? and yeah, 5stars out of hs DOES mean they're talented. whether they pan out or not, whether they can adjust to the college game or not, is not reflected in scouting. TALENT is about all that is reflected.

and for what we're actually talking about, texas tech does not have anywhere near the talent that you would think mike leach is a bad coach if they finish 6-6 in the big12.

[Edited on November 3, 2008 at 7:54 PM. Reason : quote]

11/3/2008 7:50:48 PM

Quote :

"The Volquest Coaching Hot Board Lane Kiffin Record: 5-15 with NFL's Oakland Raiders Coaching stops: Head Coach for NFL's Oakland Raiders (2007-present), Offensive Coordinator at Southern Cal (2005-06), Receivers coach at Southern Cal (2002-06), Tight Ends Coach at Southern Cal (2001), Offensive Line Coach at Colorado State (1999-2000), Quarterbacks coach at Fresno State (1997-98). Background: Kiffin is probably the hottest or most "sexy" candidate out there for multiple reasons. One he is unemployed and available a horrible experience in Oakland where Raiders owner Al Davis ran him out. Two, Kiffin comes from a successful family of coaching. His brother is on the staff at Ole Miss and his father, Monty, is the long time defensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And thirdly, Kiffin rose to fame at Southern Cal, where his offenses were explosive. In his two seasons leading the attack, USC went 23-3 and his 2005 offense was the first in NCAA history to have a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers and a 1,000-yard receiver. Kiffin also gained plenty of notoriety as a recruiter under Pete Carroll with the Trojans. Pros and Cons: Financially, Kiffin is clean. There are no buyout issues which doesn't hurt. Kiffin's age is a plus. At 33, he has the youth and energy that many athletic directors are looking for. Kiffin has had plenty of recruiting success, which is a huge priority for the Tennessee job. However, he has no ties to Tennessee, the SEC, or the south. In fact, Kiffin, who was born in Minnesota, has never coached east of the Rocky Mountains. Will Muschamp Record: Muschamp has never been a head coach Coaching stops: Defensive Coordinator: Texas (2008-Present), Auburn (2006-2007), LSU (2002-2004), Valdosta State (2000) ... Assistant Coach: Miami Dolphins (2005), LSU (2001), Eastern Kentucky (1999), West Georgia (1998) Background: The fiery defensive coordinator may be known for sideline emotion and YouTube videos. But the fact is that every program where Muschamp has been as a defensive coordinator has improved under his watch . As a coordinator in the SEC, Muchamp's defenses have found themselves in the top 10 in national ranking. As the defensive coordinator at LSU, Muschamp helped lead the Tigers to two SEC championships and a national title. This year, Texas is ranked 39th nationally in total defense and are giving up less than 18 points a game. Muschamp currently makes $425,000 annually and is the highest paid assistant coach in the Big 12. Pros and Cons: Muschamp reportedly has no buyout at Texas so getting out of Austin is by no means an issue. Muschamp has a deep history with the SEC as a four year letterman at Georgia and two coaching stops in the SEC. He knows the league and he knows how to recruit in the SEC and as a Georgia native, he understands the south. Muschamp was set to be the head coach at Arkansas a year ago if Bobby Petrino had declined the job. Many feel Muschamp is ready to be a head coach, but the con to him is simply that, he has not been a head man. He has not run a program at any level. If you are Tennessee replacing a hall of fame coach, can Mike Hamilton take a chance on an assistant. Jim Grobe Record: 50-40 at Wake Forest Coaching stops: Wake Forest head coach (2001-2008), Ohio U. head coach (1995-2000), Air Force linebackers coach (1984-1994), Marshall linebackers coach (1979-1983), Emory and Henry linebackers coach (1978) Background: Grobe has a wealth of experience as he is in his 14th year as a head coach. Grobe has grown to national prominence by turning Wake Forest into a championship program. After three straight losing seasons (2003-2005), Grobe went 20-7 the next two years including an ACC Championship, and a BCS Bowl appearance. Last year, the Demon Deacons went to their second consecutive bowl winning the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Grobe's championship coaching performance in 2006 earned him the Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year award. Grobe makes 1.2 million dollars annually at Wake Forest. Pros and Cons: Grobe has plenty of experience running a program and certainly has a plan for how he wants his program to function. He redshirts nearly all of his freshman signees and builds his team around 5th year seasons. That would certainly be difficult in the SEC with a coach at Florida like Urban Meyer who does not believe in redshirting anyone and uses it as a recruiting tool. Grobe's strength at Wake Forest has been in his staff's ability to develop players once they arrive on campus. The real question is would Grobe be interested. Many have felt for the last couple of years that Grobe at age 56 is not interested in leaving Wake Forest. And you have to wonder if Tennessee wouldn't want a younger coach. Brian Kelly Record: Career record: 148-54-2 Coaching stops: Cincinnati (2007-pres.), Central Michigan head coach (2004-2006), Grand Valley State head coach (1991-2003), Grand Valley State defensive backs, defensive coordinator(1987-1990), Assumption College linebackers coach, defensive coordinator and softball coach (1983-1986) Background: Simply put, Kelly is a winner. He has won everywhere he has been. At Grand Valley State as head coach, he led the Lakes to a 41-2 mark over three seasons which included a 20 game winning streak. He also won a Divison II national championship there. In his third season as Central Michigan's head coach he won the MAC (Mid-American Conference) title sending Central Michigan to the Motor City Bowl. After being hired at Cincinnati, Kelly had 34 days to assemble a staff and coached the Bearcats to a 27-24 win over Western Michigan in the International Bowl. In 2007, Kelly's Bearcats got off to a 6-0 start and finished 10-3 with a win over Southern Miss in the Papa John's Bowl. Kelly employs a spread offensive attack that features more of a running game than many spread attacks. Think more West Virginia than Texas Tech. He currently makes 1.2 million dollars a year. Pros and Cons Proven is the best way to describe Kelly and that is his best asset. Kelly has had success at every level. His teams appear to play with a lot of discipline and people have praised his tough style. The most amazing part of his success at Cincinnati has been his ability to win despite massive quarterback injuries the last two seasons. The one question mark with Kelly would be his ability to recruit at this level. At Central Michigan, Kelly was only there three years and found success with many players that he inherited. At Cincinnati the same can be said to this point. The other concern is that he doesn't have any real ties to the south. Tim Brewster Record: 8-12 at Minnesota in his second year as head coach Coaching stops: Minnesota (2007-pres.) head coach, Denver Broncos (2005-2006) tight ends San Diego Chargers (2002-2004) tight ends coach and assistant head coach, Texas (1998-2001) tight ends coach, North Carolina (1990-1997) tight ends coach, special teams coach and recruiting coordinator. Background: Brewster is known as a recruiting superstar. In 1989, he wanted in the business of college football and drove to North Carolina to take a unpaid job on the Tar Heels staff to get his foot in the door. A dozen years later, Brewster signed a guy by the name of Vince Young and Texas won a national title. To this day, Mack Brown calls him the best recruiter he has ever been around. Brewster's voyage into the NFL took him to San Diego where he drew coaching acclaim for his development of tight end Antonio Gates. In his first year at Minnesota, Brewster's team went 1-11. This year, the Golden Gophers are 7-1 and ranked 20th nationally. Pros and Cons: It's no secret that a huge element to being the head coach at the University of Tennessee is ability to recruit and Brewster has shown the ability to recruit nationally both as an assistant at North Carolina and Texas as well as a head coach at Minnesota. Last year, Brewster and his staff signed the 17th best class in the country. Brewster is known as a salesmen in not only recruiting but in selling his program to the media and fans. Finances do not appear to be an issue as Brewster makes just over $1 million annually. The concern with Brewster is the fact that he is only in his second year as a head coach making people wonder if he is a rising star in college football or if he is just a flash in the pan. "

11/3/2008 7:55:05 PM

Quote :

" Gary Patterson Record: 62-25 at Texas Christian University Coaching stops: TCU head coach (2000-pres.), TCU defensive coordinator (1998-2000), New Mexico defensive coordinator (1996-1997), Navy secondary coach (1995), Utah State defensive coordinator (1992-1994), Oregon Lightning Bolts head coach (1992), Sonoma State defensive coordinator (1989-1991), Pittsburgh State linebackers (1988), Cal Luthern defensive coordinator (1987), UC Davis linebackers (1986), Tennessee Tech linebacker (1983-1984), Kansas State graduate assistant (1982) Background: Successful is one way to describe Patterson who has four 10-plus win seasons in seven full seasons at TCU. The Horned Frogs have finished ranked in the final AP poll four times in his tenure. And it appears his fifth 10 win season will take place this year. Patterson is a native of the midwest. Born in Kansas, Patterson played football at Dodge City Community College and at Kansas State before starting his coaching career. When Dennis Franchione left to go to Alabama in 2000, Patterson took over as head coach and in 2005 was named the Mountain West Conference coach of the year. Patterson has also led TCU to three straight bowl wins. Pros and Cons: Patterson has a wealth of experience and has coached all over the country. And he has certainly taken TCU to a new level after replacing Franchione including a final season ranking of 11th in 2005. From 2005 to 2006, TCU won 4 straight games over Big 12 opponents with three of them coming on the road. The concern with Patterson first of all is would he be interested? Patterson could have had the Minnesota job a year ago with a hefty pay raise, but declined. Patterson is rumored to be on the list at Clemson and many have thought that Kansas State will call him home if that job comes open. Turner Gill Record: 11-21 at Buffalo where he has been since 2006 Coaching stops: University of Buffalo head coach (2006-pres.), Green Bay Packers player development/wide receivers coach (2005) Nebraska quarterbacks and wide receivers (1992-2004) Southern Methodist assistant coach (1991), North Texas University assistant coach (1990), Nebraska graduate assistant (1989) Background: Gill learned under legendary coach Tom Osborne where he found great success coaching quarterbacks like Tommie Frazier and Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch. While at Nebraska, Gill helped the Cornhuskers win three national titles. Since going to Buffalo, Gill has earned praise for taking a doormat program and making it competitive. In his first year, Buffalo went 2-10. A year ago they went 5-7 and this year Gill has his team in first place in the Mid-American Conference. In 2007, Gill was named the conference coach of the year. Pros and Cons: Gill knows winning. At Nebraska, all Gill did was win both as a player and as a coach. Certainly, financially Gill would get a large jump in pay to leave Buffalo and he has taken a Bulls program to new heights, especially offensively. In his first year, Gill's team scored 220 points which was a school record. Gill knows first hand what it takes to win at the highest levels, so the jump to a BCS school would not shock him. However, he obviously has not been a head coach at this level and has no ties to the SEC. Mike Leach Record: 73-37 at Texas Tech Coaching stops: Texas Tech head coach (2000-pres.), Oklahoma offensive coordinator (1999), Kentucky offensive coordinator (1997-1998), Valdosta State offensive coordinator (1992-1996), Iowa Wesleyan offensive coordinator (1989-1991), Pori Bears head coach (1989), College of the Desert assistant coach (1988), Cal Poly assistant (1987) Background: Leach was born in California, but claims Cody, Wyoming, as his hometown. Leach is one of only four current Division I -- Football Bowl Subdivision -- head coaches to have never played college football. Leach, a practicing Mormon, is a graduate of BYU and has a law degree from Pepperdine. While attending BYU he studied the Lavell Edwards/Norm Chow offense and developed his spread offense concepts from that foundation. Obviously, everywhere Leach has been they have thrown the football successfully. At Texas Tech, Leach has turned the Red Raiders into more than just a "fun" offense. Texas Tech has won at least 8 games the last 7 years and they have made 8 straight bowl appearances under Leach, winning five of them. At Texas Tech, Leach's teams have set more than 150 NCAA and Big 12 records. The win over No. 1-ranked Texas to propel his team firmly into the national title hunt has done nothing but enhance his pedigree. Pros and Cons: If offense sells tickets, then Leach is going to make any school money because he is playing basketball on grass, although it has developed a little bit more of a running game and balance over the last couple of years. The question is can that offense be success in an league like the SEC that is so defensive minded and equipped with great speed. Leach has experience in the SEC helping Kentucky to one winning season (6-5) in his two year stint with Hal Mumme. The question is would Leach be interested in making a move. He is slated to make over $2 million in 2010 and is certain to get a raise after this year. Doug Marrone Record: Marrone has never been a head coach Coaching stops: New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator (2006-pres.), New York Jets offensive line (2002-2005), Tennessee offensive tackles/tight ends (2001), Georgia offensive line coach (2000), Georgia Tech director of football operations, tight ends, offensive line (1995-1999), Northeastern offensive line (1994), US Coast Guard Academy offensive line (1993), Cortland State tight ends (1992) Background: A native of New York, Marrone has ties to the state of Tennessee. His wife is the daughter of former MTSU coach and athletic director Boots Donnelly. The Marrone's love Tennessee and someday hope to retire to middle Tennessee where they own a large tract of land. Marrone was in Knoxville for only one year, but proved to be a solid recruiter and a coach that Jason Witten credits for preparing him to be successful in the NFL. With the Saints, Marrone prepares the gameplan and the practice plans for head coach Sean Payton who calls plays. Pros and Cons: Marrone is a self proclaimed recruiting junkie. The one aspect he misses in the NFL is recruiting. In his one year stay in Knoxville, Marrone impressed many with his ability to coach and to recruit. Anyone who talks to Marrone comes away impressed. However, Marrone has never run a program and has never called plays in a game which would make him a dark horse candidate. A graduate of Syracuse, Marrone could be a factor in their coaching search. Charlie Strong Record: 0-1, as the interim head coach at Florida in 2003 Coaching stops: Florida asst. head coach/co-defensive coordinator (1991-pres.), South Carolina defensive coordinator (1990), Notre Dame defensive line (1989), Florida defensive end (1988), Ole Miss wide receiver (1987), Florida outside linebacker (1986), Southern Illinois wide receiver (1985), Texas A&M graduate assistant (1984), Florida graduate assistant (1983) Background: A native of Arkansas, Strong's southern roots make him very knowledgeable about the SEC. At South Carolina, Strong became the first minority coordinator in the SEC. Strong has long been thought of as one of the best defensive minds in the SEC and many have felt for the last few years that the Central Arkansas graduate was ready to become a head coach not only in college football but in the SEC. Pros and Cons: Strong knows the south. He understands recruiting in the SEC and he understands the difficulty of winning in the SEC. While he has not been a head coach and would certainly have adjustments to make with that. Strong would not have an adjustment to what preparing to play and coaching is like every Saturday in this league. As with any assistant, you don't know what kind of staff he would put together. Can he be successful nationally as a recruiter? And can he manage an entire program? It's always the question of someone who has never been in charge before. Mike Locksley Record: Has never been a head coach Coaching stops: Illinois offensive coordinator (2005-pres.), Florida running backs/recruiting coordinator (2003-2004), Maryland running backs/recruiting coordinator (1997-2002), Army receivers/tight ends (1996), Pacific linebackers (1995), U.S. Naval Prep defensive coordinator (1993-1994), Towson University defensive backs/special teams (1992) Background: Through the years, Locksley has been most well-known as a recruiter only--and a very good one--but Illinios' success the last couple of years has landed him on many candidates to watch list. Locksley made quite a name for himself with his development of quarterback Juice Williams. Prior to his trip to the Illini with Ron Zook, Locksley got a taste of the SEC at Florida. And at Maryland, Locksley had great success with Chris Downs, Bruce Perry and Lamont Jordon who all rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Terps. Pros and Cons: The obvious concern with Locksley is that he has never run a program in his career. As with any unproven head coach that's a huge unknown and worry. Locksley's resume has certainly gotten stronger in the last couple of years with the growth of Illinois' offense. Locksley does have a feel for the SEC having two seasons of experience at Florida and he has been recognized by many as one of the country's elite recruiters. Chuck Amato Record: NC State University Coaching stops: Florida State, NC State, Florida State Background: Philip Rivers, weight lifting, facilities Pros and Cons: Discipline, No flags, cool shoes, tacos "

[Edited on November 3, 2008 at 7:55 PM. Reason : d]

11/3/2008 7:55:27 PM

icydt.

also you guys do not want jim grobe. he takes seven years to produce two years of decent football, then starts over, apparently.

[Edited on November 3, 2008 at 7:58 PM. Reason : you'd run him out for sure, and i wouldn't blame you.]

11/3/2008 7:56:18 PM

11/3/2008 8:00:51 PM

^^at wake forest

what he has done there is remarkable and there is no way you can hold one year (where they are still 5-3) against him with the amount of injuries they have had this year

good lord; he is still going to take wake to a bowl game most likely despite the injuries at key positions (josh adams for one, along with a ton of OL). if that is a bad year at wake now and looked at as a disappointment then i think it speaks even more to the type of coach he is that he is able to have a bowl year seem as a bad one at wake forest

[Edited on November 3, 2008 at 8:01 PM. Reason : ^]

[Edited on November 3, 2008 at 8:18 PM. Reason : .]

11/3/2008 8:01:09 PM

i just cant imagine anyone else coachin that football team on Saturdays

11/3/2008 8:16:13 PM

yeah, especially for some of you younger peeps, hes been there your whole life almost

[Edited on November 3, 2008 at 8:17 PM. Reason : d]

11/3/2008 8:17:00 PM

I pour one out for Phil


Locker room speech before he beat Spurrier as an 18 point underdog in 2001



damn I would love to have Henderson and Overstreet back, Overstreet kept every fucker in line

[Edited on November 3, 2008 at 8:22 PM. Reason : d]

11/3/2008 8:20:33 PM

^when you look at his overall record and such it seems silly that they are firing him; i don't really understand it to be honest.

man is like 150-50 or something close and has been to 5 sec champ. games in 17 years; like he said, one out of every 3 years. that is pretty impressive in the sec with fla. and georgia in the same division as you (and with spurrier being the coach at fla. for much of the time)

is this year really much his fault anyway considering cutcliffe left, took a bunch of coaches with him, and fulmer kind of had to hire someone on the run?? why isn't he being given more time to work out the current problem considering his long line of success?

11/3/2008 8:21:12 PM

yeah it really is kindof excessive. UT has been disappointed in fulmer for a while now, though.

11/3/2008 8:27:35 PM

^then that is irrational on the fans part; they played for an sec title last year and barely lost to the team that won the national championship

11/3/2008 8:33:21 PM

I would LOVE for Chuck Amato to go to UT

11/3/2008 8:33:51 PM

most of that success was built up leading to 1998. For a LONG time he had the highest winning percentage of a coach with over 100 victories, hell, I think he still has it, but since 98 a lot of those wins have been against shit teams (Vandy, Kentucky, South Carolina, Arkansas, etc.). His record as of late against Georgia and Florida has been horrible.


Hes won 75% of his games, but since 1998 hes at about 42% against the top teams of the SEC, and that wont do. The prevailing theory is that he got a once in a lifetime guy in Peyton, and for years after that people just wanted to come to Tennessee because of Peyton... about the last year that anyone had any association with Peyton is when they started to drop off. But getting totally ass raped by new coaches who are at the main rivals (Florida, Alabama, somewhat Kentucky) did him in...

[Edited on November 3, 2008 at 8:38 PM. Reason : d]

11/3/2008 8:36:03 PM

But he didn't even win the National Championship with Peyton. He won it with Tee Martin. So for all that Peyton did for UT he still didn't win a National Championship and never beat Florida.

11/3/2008 9:04:48 PM

no, but he brought in a lot of people that did win that championship (according to the theory)

11/3/2008 9:05:58 PM

Quote :

"also you guys do not want jim grobe. he takes seven years to produce two years of decent football, then starts over, apparently."

are you fucking kidding me?

11/3/2008 9:08:28 PM

i'm really not.

say what you want about jim grobe, i don't think he'd last at a place like tennessee.

11/3/2008 9:09:57 PM

^ well considering they just fired a coach with a 150-50 record and a national championship the year after he took them to the SEC title game I would say that there's a good chance that whoever they hire won't last

11/3/2008 9:24:15 PM

anyone who runs a "system" that he'll have to get "his players" in for will not last at tennessee.

11/3/2008 9:33:41 PM

Quote :

"To say that Monday was an emotional day for the University of Tennessee football program doesn't quite do justice to the mood surrounding Phillip Fulmer's press conference to announce that he would not return as head coach beyond the 2008 season. Those in attendance--which included current and former players, the staff, prominent boosters, football support staff, former university president Joe Johnson and John Peterson, the current holder of that post Jon Peterson and a more than ample smattering of media members from around the state. The reaction to Fulmer's announcement--not surprisingly--was a strong one from his team. Any Vol fans wondering how the head coach was viewed inside his own locker room by his own players got a good look today at the respect, and even love, his now former players had for Fulmer. "I just want to say that for me and my teammates it's been a privilege to play for coach Fulmer and actually grow under him. We're talking about a man who has had success, winning 151 games. You're talking about a man who even with the season we've had still has a top-five recruiting class. "You talk about leadership, winning and a foundation? That just left the room," a visibly frustrated Ramon Foster said following Fulmer's time with the media. Foster's sentiments were shared by his teammates. Though only he and sophomore Eric Berry addressed the media (the two captains were the designated spokesmen), it as apparent to everyone in attendance that the players were on hand to support their head coach. Fulmer had met with the team one hour before his press conference was schedule to start. After what was described by some as a moving and passionate meeting, the players decided as a group to attend the announcement in the Neyland Stadium media center. Anger and disappointment over the season may be the prevailing mood of a committed-fan base over today's decision, but the players fet nothing but heartbreak. Berry summed up what many were feeling, pointing out that while there was no casket, it felt like a funeral. "I just feel like I lost one of my ribs or my kidney right now. I feel like I lost a family member. Nobody has died but that's what it feels like to me right now. These last three days will be dedicated to him," Berry reflected. "We're going to play with a lot of emotion, I think you'll see that on the field on Saturday. You might also a little tension out there, there's some people frustrated." Frustration is a word that you're going to hear a lot associated with how the team responded to today's developments, but straight up anger might be closer to the truth. Despite a 3-6 record and a season that has been a disappointment by anyone's standards, the head coach had clearly not lost the respect of his players, as evidenced by the standing ovation he got when he entered his own farewell press conference as well as the statements made by several of the more vocal members of the team. Receiver Josh Briscoe surprised everyone in the room when he made the unprecedented move to fire off his own query to Mike Hamilton when the Vols' athletic director opened up the floor for questions. Briscoe asked, "Why has it become more important to make a dollar than to keep the Tennessee family and the Tennessee tradition that we've had for years?' - WOW, damn Hamilton responded that keeping the tradition in mind would be an important part of the hiring process, but that answer did little to quell the charged atmosphere in the room from the team. Foster continued on that theme established by Briscoe, and left little doubt that his players felt Fulmer deserved far more than the kind of exit he was given by the administration. "It's a shock. It's one of those things where you just feel your body drop. That's how it was. We didn't see it coming. You hear all the talk, but that's a guy who has had his run here. You just don't expect it to come out now. This is just unreal," Foster said of the timing of the move, and the decision itself. "We've got three games left so far, and a bowl game after that is four. It's something you wouldn't expect from the Tennessee program. "That right there was not very stand-up of Tennessee. You have a guy who has worked his butt off, from a student to a G.A., from a coordinator to a head coach This guy spent more than time than some of my aunties and uncles have been alive, coaching and being at this university. This isn't the way for him to go out. He should be able to go out on his own terms. That's how the rest of my teammates feel and this coaching staff." Fulmer made it clear in his comments on Monday that he was not leaving on his own terms, pointing out on a couple of occasions that he firmly believed he and his staff would be able to bounce back quickly from the wreckage of the current season. But his last lesson to his players was one that Berry was already digesting after his head coach left the podium following an address that left hardly a dry eye in the house. "That's just the kind of guy he is. He handles things with class," Berry said. "Even seeing how messed up this situation is, he's still trying to be positive and keep us together as a family because he truly believes that Tennessee is a family. He doesn't want us pointing fingers right now. He wants us to stick together and try to finish this season out well." That task starts this week after what will be a strange week of practice for a football team hurting for its leader."

11/3/2008 9:51:16 PM

that guy from Rutgers sure fell off the map. So much so I cant remember his name...Shiano?

11/3/2008 11:04:11 PM

Mr. Not Going to Get a New Job Anytime Soon

11/3/2008 11:08:25 PM

Heard Beano Cook say last night that if Grobe is offered the job he will take it

11/4/2008 10:09:43 AM

i'm no fat phil apologist, but steve spurrier might be the biggest douche on the planet

Quote :

""He's probably 16, 17 years there, probably long enough. It wasn't working very well, so I think everybody understands when it starts going bad, they've gotta make changes," Spurrier told The State. "But congratulate him on hitting that lottery ticket. That's a big ticket he got," Spurrier said, adding, "I don't know whether to feel sorry for coach or congratulate him for the biggest buyout in the history of college football. He got the best deal ever, I think." "

i mean good lord, sure you owned him, but you could at least mention that he was a good coach and competitor. talk about kicking a man while he's down

11/4/2008 4:30:45 PM

If you saw any of the press conference you saw how bad Fulmer was feeling. He was fighting back tears.

11/4/2008 4:40:37 PM

full press conference



This one gets you...


some players reactions (Ramon Foster and Eric Berry)

Quote :

" Cutcliffe: ‘I’m at Duke, staying at Duke’ By JOEDY McCREARY, AP Sports Writer 2 hours, 42 minutes ago * Buzz Up * Print DURHAM, N.C. (AP)—Duke coach David Cutcliffe quashed any speculation about him returning to Tennessee to replace his good friend and former boss, Phillip Fulmer. “I’m at Duke, staying at Duke,” Cutcliffe said Tuesday. Cutcliffe twice served on Tennessee’s staff and spent eight years as the Volunteers’ offensive coordinator. He came to Duke last December after a two-year stint in Knoxville and has called Fulmer “the best football coach I’ve ever been associated with.” Cutcliffe said he was being proactive because he spoke to recruits who said other coaches had told them that he was headed to the Volunteers."

[Edited on November 4, 2008 at 5:05 PM. Reason : s]

11/4/2008 4:44:07 PM

man i feel bad for fulmer now.

you asshole, jaybee.

[Edited on November 4, 2008 at 9:01 PM. Reason : for firing him, not for making me feel bad.]

11/4/2008 9:01:43 PM

espn saying cutcliffe, spurrier, and davis staying put but i don't read it quite the same way

cutcliffe says i am staying at duke

spurrier says this is my last college gig (referring to south carolina)

davis says unc and he are committed to building a championship program at unc but never says i am not leaving or i am staying. just seems to me that davis is using more coach speak to divert the issue

Quote :

"Cross one protégé, one nemesis and a former NFL coach off any wish list of successors to lame-duck Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer. Duke coach David Cutcliffe quashed any speculation about him returning to Knoxville to replace his good friend and former boss, while Steve Spurrier said his current job at South Carolina will be his last as a college football coach. And later Tuesday, ex-Miami and Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis said he's staying at North Carolina. "I'm at Duke, staying at Duke," Cutcliffe said Tuesday. Cutcliffe twice served on Tennessee's staff and spent eight years as the Volunteers' offensive coordinator. He came to Duke last December after a two-year stint in Knoxville and has called Fulmer "the best football coach I've ever been associated with." Cutcliffe said he was being proactive because he spoke to recruits who said other coaches had told them that he was headed to the Volunteers. The 63-year-old Spurrier, who grew up in Tennessee rooting for the Vols, had great success during the 1990s while coaching Florida against Fulmer's Vols. He once roiled Fulmer when he said "You can't spell Citrus without UT," a reference to Florida's SEC dominance that left Tennessee with a lower-tier bowl appearance. "Maybe five years ago I would've [been interested in the Tennessee job], but it wasn't open five years ago," Spurrier told The State newspaper of Columbia, S.C. "I'm at my last gig right here [at South Carolina]. And we've got a pretty good team if we can get a little offense going." Davis said he is committed to building No. 19 North Carolina's program, even though his name has come up as a possible candidate for the opening at Tennessee. Asked directly about the Tennessee job after practice Tuesday, Davis said, "The long and short of it is, the administration and I are completely and firmly committed to building a championship football program at North Carolina. My family and I are very happy in Chapel Hill." Davis has guided the Tar Heels (6-2, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) into the national rankings for the second time this season, and they are bowl-eligible for the first time since 2004. "I guess the easy answer is, in some respects, obviously, you're flattered a little bit. [It] kind of goes with the territory" of being at a high-profile program, Davis said. "It's kind of an unfortunate thing, all the speculation and stuff, for any coach. There's lots of coaches that deal with that. ... I think coaches today, you just kind of grin and bear it." Fulmer confirmed Monday at a tension-filled news conference at Neyland Stadium that he would not return next season -- and made it clear that it wasn't his decision to step aside after 17 seasons at his alma mater. He will be paid a $6 million buyout. "He's probably 16, 17 years there, probably long enough. It wasn't working very well, so I think everybody understands when it starts going bad, they've gotta make changes," Spurrier told The State. "But congratulate him on hitting that lottery ticket. That's a big ticket he got," Spurrier said, adding, "I don't know whether to feel sorry for coach or congratulate him for the biggest buyout in the history of college football. He got the best deal ever, I think." "

11/4/2008 9:45:40 PM

HAHAHAHA, ok, I have to admit, this is awesome

11/4/2008 11:41:42 PM

wow... very honest quotes from the players... brutally honest

Quote :

"After an emotional show of support that included tears and anger Monday evening, members of the Tennessee football team spoke to the media Wednesday afternoon and the emotions were not subdued 48 hours later. "The decision was unfair, the timing of the decision was unfair, the way it leaked out was unfair," senior Josh Briscoe said. "He has poured his heart into Tennessee and has given everything back to Tennessee. To do it like that, it shows the lack of character and the insecurity that this administration has." Briscoe, who has interned with the athletic department administration the last couple of years, asked Mike Hamilton during the press conference Monday night why the decision was made solely about money. Wednesday, Briscoe said he had spoken to Hamilton about Monday night and regrets the lack of respect he showed the athletic director but not what he did. "I have talked to him and have apologized to him for the way I said the comment and then just walked out. Do I regret saying it? No. I don't regret it. I do regret the disrespect I showed because I was raised better than that," he said. Like all of the players, Briscoe said the focus for the rest of the season was solely on winning for Phillip Fulmer, and the North Carolina native is more than OK with going out with his coach. "I am kind of glad this is my last year because of what has happened. Like I said, I came here to play for coach Fulmer," Briscoe explained.. "It wasn't the facilities or the history of players. I came to play for coach Fulmer. The reason 95 percent of the guys here came was to play for coach Fulmer. He is why we are here. I am kind of glad this is my last year with what has happened and the direction things are going." Quarterback Nick Stephens had tears in his eyes on Wednesday when he was asked to recount Monday. "It's been rough, obviously, and you can tell from the press conference how much we try to support Coach Fulmer," Stephens said. "It's a tough time for everybody. We can tell how tough it's been on him and what he's been through. We don't like to see this for him at all because he's been there for us. We know what we have to do and win these last games and try to support him and try to send him out the way he wants to be sent out. It's pretty obvious to tell how hard it is on us. We're trying to just practice hard and play these last games for him." Practice has actually been a good thing for this team according to Stephens because it's the one place where things still feel somewhat normal. "It's refuge," Stephens said. "It's just a couple of hours a day to go out there and play football and not think about anything else. I think it's a way for the coaches to get away a little bit from what's going on and for us. We take it as a time to go out and do what we need to do and what we came here for." To a man, players spoke of the raw emotions of Monday afternoon – feelings which prompted them to leave the team meeting room as Mike Hamilton prepared to address them. That raw emotion spilled over into Fulmer's press conference Monday night as the team made an impromptu VolWalk from the complex to the stadium. "There was no hesitation for us," Stephens said. "We knew when his press conference was. There was no hesitation from anybody. We were going to walk down there and support him." For junior Wes Brown Monday is a day he will never forget and there is one moment that will live with him forever. "Jacques McClendon and I walked into coach's offense and he opened his arms and gave us a big hug and said this is the hardest part," Brown said. "We fight each other sometimes. We get mad at each other and whatever, but at the end of the day we are all a family." And like Briscoe, Brown admits the news of this week has been a slap in the head notice that college football is a business. "You feel angry," Brown said. "It's a business and at the end of the day, I guess you have to accept that. But when it happens to you and someone like Coach Fulmer and what this place means to him and knowing what kind of man he is, it is frustrating and emotional. You have to at some point sit back and realize that it is a business and it's going to go on without any of us." All alone Wide receiver Gerald Jones has always been outspoken and has been brutally honest since his arrival in Knoxville. For the Oklahoma native, the last two days have been tough as he deals with loneliness. "The main two reasons why I came to Tennessee was for Trooper Taylor and Coach Fulmer," Jones said. "Now they aren't here anymore, It's tough on me. It's a business. It's what happens. You have to deal with it, suck it up and get ready for next year." For Jones, the practice field is not a refuge. In fact practicing every day in some ways makes it worse. "I wish you could get away from it," offered Jones, who learned of the news and went teary-eyed to the office of receivers coach Latrell Scott, with whom Jones has formed a strong bond. "On the football field is when we see coach. Tuesday was weird. It was very weird at practice. Everyone was like it's not going to be like this next year. It's been very depressing especially for me. I am 12 hours from home and I came to this school because I thought he (Fulmer) was going to be here throughout my years and now he is not. I don't know whether to breakdown. I don't know what to do. It has been up and down for me. "This whole year feels like a nightmare to me, just a bad dream starting back in February when players were getting in trouble including myself. Then the offense not executing up to it's potential. With me personally getting hurt and not being able to do what I do and now I have coach Fulmer to worry about. It's been a nightmare. I don't know what to do. I just get on my knees and pray about it." And if you are looking for Jones, next week during the open date, don't bother. The elusive wide receiver will be in hiding. "That's my plan," Jones offered. "I want to get away from football for a second. I want to get somewhere that I can relax. I might go to the lake. I just need to go relax because this has been so stressful to me. I am 19 years old, I don't know what to do with this stuff. I will learn from it, but it's been tough." Trying to focus The obvious question is where is this team's mindset going into Saturday's Wyoming game and the closing stretch of the season. Head coach Phillip Fulmer said given the circumstances his team continues to work hard on the practice field. "I'm sure it's affecting us all," Fulmer said. "But the energy has been good. I think they're determined for a variety of reasons, but mostly for the team, just to put a different face on this season. If we can finish well, like we would like to, then we can certainly do that." Safety Eric Berry said this team is going to work, but no one is happy or overjoyed. "The mood has been so-so," Berry said. "We feel like we have a lot to do this weekend as far as getting things accomplished, getting back on the right track. It's still on our minds that coach isn't going to be here next year, but at the same time we're working extremely hard to send him out on a good note. From that end it's been up-tempo." Hardesty out Running back Montario Hardesty who played only on punt return at South Carolina has not practiced all week and is out for the next couple of weeks after the results of a leg scan. "He has a stress fracture in his leg," Fulmer said. "He's probably going to take this week and the open week off. He should be improved by then and be ready for the last two ballgames. It's a little different (from last year), but it is a stress fracture. He's actually probably played with it for two or three weeks. It's not one of those things you get over unless you stay off it for a couple of months.""

11/6/2008 3:11:09 AM

yeah we had the same sort of falling out when amato got fired

11/6/2008 8:54:03 AM

the thing with Leach... no way he would leave right now right? I mean, he wont leave a #2 team anytime soon and I dont know if Tennessee wants to wait until the end of the year so that might eliminate him right away

11/6/2008 5:37:17 PM

^you could say the same thing about Butch Davis.

11/6/2008 6:21:12 PM

Quote :

"What a surreal week. I honestly never thought I would see the day where Phillip Fulmer would be fired, but he has been and the search is on for a new coach. ? What do we know? ? No one has been to Knoxville to interview for the job. And no one will until Mike Hamilton is ready to introduce him as his head coach. Remember, Hamilton didn't even do baseball interviews in Knoxville. He had Todd Raliegh drive to Atlanta to interview for the job. If Hamilton didn't want to do his baseball search work in Knoxville then you know that he is going to do his football interviews outside of Knoxville. ? So I would not believe the stories that someone is in town playing golf or visiting with someone. That is not the style that this search is going to be conducted in. ? We also know that the search firm has been active the last couple of days.?We believe they have been in contact either directly or those (agents) close to Mike Leach, Lane Kiffin, Tim Brewster and?we think Brian Kelly. It's?our understanding that Kiffin, Brewster, and Leach have all expressed interest. ? As we mentioned earlier in the week, Ed Orgeron, who is with the Saints, would be a name to watch if the choice ended up being Kiffin, and I think there might be some serious consideration by his father to join him. But that is not an absolute. ? Speaking of potential staffs, someone I trust told me that if Leach were the choice to watch for Phil Bennett to join him as his defensive coordinator. Bennett is currently at Pittsburgh as the defensive coordinator. ? Everyone knows about those guys, but who else might be on the list. Jim Grobe is not likely, but still might get a call just to see. Troy Calhoun at Air Force is someone that?we think they might inquire about as well. But, it's unllikely that he would be at the top of the list or in the top pool of candidates. ? Some close to the search have given indication that the preference would be to hire someone who has head coaching experience, not just because they have been in charge on gameday, but because they have assembled a staff and?operated a program. That does not mean that Will Muschamp is a non-factor, but I do think that he is down the list just because he has not been a head coach. ? The NFL experts continue to contend that Jon Gruden is not leaving the league. And I agree. Gruden is making just over $5 million this year and while he likely won't quell the rumor for leverage reasons, I will side with John McClain and Chris Mortensen, who don't see him leaving Tampa. ? Now, what about Butch Davis, another rumor that won't die because Davis has done nothing to stop it. And really, why would he? Davis is having a good year and has a contract with automatic raises built in, but he can use a school like Tennessee to leverage for more money and to speed up the facility upgrades that he has requested. ? Does that mean to wipe him completely out of the equation??We were told this week again that he was not a candidate at Tennessee, but if you offered enough money then?certainly?it's likely?you could get his attention. Enough money would have to be Saban type money and I don't know that Tennessee is going there. But this one is not going to go away. At least it doesn't appear that way. ? Another name that has been tossed about some is Michigan State's Mark Dantonio. Dantonio, who was born in Texas and played football at South Carolina, has a nice pedigree working under Nick Saban and Jim Tressel in his career. He enjoyed a lot of success at Cincinnati and left that program in great shape for Brian Kelly. Dantonio is in his second year in East Lansing, Michigan and only makes around 1.2 million a year. ? While Brian Kelly is believed to be on the Vols' list, don't look for him to be a serious candidate or perhaps to even hang around very long on the prospective list. While Kelly has won at a variety of levels, it's unclear whether he possesses the passion for recruiting to be a viable factor. Further, at least one former college coach this week privately indicated some concerns about Kelly's ability to develop and find his own talent, not to mention raising some questions about how Kelly runs his program. We're currently unaware of any previous NCAA infractions under Kelly's watch or any problems there, but he's a guy who will be thoroughly vetted.? ? Remember that while the search firm is hard at work for the next three weeks, the only interview that could take place right now is Lane Kiffin. I do think you will see some things go pretty quickly once we get to the last week of November in terms of talking to people. Michigan State, Air Force, Minnesota, and TCU all finish their regular season the weekend of November 22nd so Hamilton could talk to those coaches the week of Thanksgiving. Texas Tech, North Carolina, and Wake Forest all play Thanksgiving weekend and Cincinnati finishes their regular season on December 6th. ? I would think that Hamilton would like to have things done by the middle of December, but he by no means has a deadline. ? While the rumors of coaching candidates have been everywhere, some in the VASF office have been everywhere as well. VASF employees have been working the phones and have made face to face visits with donors to inform them on things and to get a pulse for what the donor base is thinking and feeling. ? Hamilton and his staff also have some fences to mend with former players. Obviously many are upset with the actions of this week. To the point that some prominent and I mean prominent former players (including Peyton Manning) called and asked Fulmer if he wanted them to fly in Monday to be by his side. Certainly, time will heal some things, but obviously there are many who are not pleased with what happened on Monday and how it was handled. ? Many have wondered about the future of the current staff as they gather their buyout information and look for work elsewhere while trying to get this team ready to play. Certainly some schools have taken notice of the situation at Tennessee and schools from the ACC and Big East have inquired about a couple of Tennessee assistants. Without question, Latrell Scott has made himself a viable candidate for any school that has an opening given what he has done in a year at Tennessee on the recruiting trail. ? Elsewhere with the current team, how do they handle the emotion of this week and how ready are they to play. They have certainly gone through the motions on the practice field and put on a good front, but how much extra time have they spent getting ready to play and how much extra time has the staff spent getting things ready. I am not saying that people have mailed it in or gotten lazy in any way, but is it only natural to go about things differently when you know that things are going to be over in four weeks. ? As for Fulmer, it certainly appears that he would like to coach again and I don't think he will be a factor in the Clemson race. One school to watch is Kansas State. I think Kansas State's first choice will be Gary Patterson of TCU, but Fulmer could maybe get in that race. Fulmer was at Witchita State and still has several prominent friends in Kansas who might be able to help him if he wants to get into the job search in Manhattan, Kansas. Still, it's entirely possible those feelings of wanting to coach again will be quelled with time and healing."

11/7/2008 10:36:45 AM

this is team is pure garbage, worst collection of shit I have ever seen

11/8/2008 1:22:30 PM

congrats on getting your ass kicked by WYOMING in your own stadium, bwahahahahaha

11/8/2008 3:48:35 PM

your point being? I will be the first one to tell you this team is pure garbage... should turn in their jerseys on the way out

11/8/2008 3:50:03 PM

Quote :

"congrats on getting your ass kicked by WYOMING in your own stadium, bwahahahahaha"

11/8/2008 3:50:23 PM

Quote :

"It’s only the second time in history Tennessee has piled up seven losses in a season. The loss also ensures the second losing season in Fulmer’s career. Wyoming, ranked 111th out 119 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total offense, had a hard time finding the end zone, but didn’t need to."

11/8/2008 4:26:04 PM

no wonder fulmer sucks, he drinks dasani
ugh

11/8/2008 5:47:59 PM

Please to hire Butch Davis

11/8/2008 5:56:18 PM

Clawson - worst major program coordinator hire in recent memory?

11/8/2008 6:53:35 PM

i'm sorry Jaybee1200

11/8/2008 8:02:25 PM

heres a gem from page 2 of this thread:

packboozie-

Quote :

"^^Hahah your draft can't be too good when you take an ECU player first.....no way Johnson does anything besides be a decent return man in the NFL. "

11/8/2008 9:27:29 PM

Ouch did I really say that? Wow....I got CJ on 2 fantasy teams though.....He's proved me wrong.

Hell we beat him college, don't think anyone could tell he was gonna be that good.

P.S. aren't you the fucker that said USC wouldn't stomp tOSU and would eat a shoe if they did?

11/8/2008 10:20:23 PM

Eric Berry, INT for a TD... hes getting close to the all time NCAA record... as a sophomore

11/22/2008 1:52:38 PM

Just short of 500 interception yards for a career...as a sophomore.

11/22/2008 2:00:04 PM

Congratulations to the new UT head coach, Brian Kelly.

11/22/2008 10:25:13 PM

UT should line up Eric Berry in the wildcat formation....

11/22/2008 10:27:24 PM