Tennessee coaching news

A source told me that Tennessee is ready to make "a major spash" with its next hire.

That seems to eliminate assistant coaches like Texas' Will Muschamp. That also could eliminate a Brian Kelly at Cincinnati. I love Kelly and think he's a short-timer at Cincy but he doesn't qualify as a major splash.

Unless there is an NFL candidate along the lines of Pete Carroll or Nick Saban, one of the few big timers I can think of is Mike Leach. That is, unless you believe Tommy Tuberville might pull a Houston Nutt -- leave Auburn and eight hours later show up in Knoxville. That isn't likely.

• Syracuse has Florida offensive line Steve Addazio and Notre Dame recruiting coordinator Rob Ianello high on its list.

Why does anyone think Mike Leach would WANT to go anywhere else? He's built Tech from a doormat to a legitimate title contender, in a division that has produced a NCG team in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, and will again in 2008, and almost assuredly 2009. He has taken a 'gimmick' offense to the forefront of the national radar. He has beaten Oklahoma under Bob Stoops multiple times, with help from the refs (that's a VERY short list: Tech, Texas, OSU, and always the Officials). His team destroyed a Cal team that many thought would be in the BCS a few years ago. They have an opportunity sweep the South, something which only OU and Texas have ever done. He has brought Lubbock into the national spotlight, and molded that program into his dream team. I'm sure they will give him whatever he wants to stay there... With great respect to an worthy opponent and excellent leader, BOOMER SOONER!

Tennessee coaching news

A major splash would be Butch Davis, not Mike Leach; why shuffle from the best football conference in the U.S.?

A shift from the ACC to the SEC is an upgrade, but not from the Big 12 - that's a lateral move, IMO. Otherwise, maybe UT is working on a trade w/Michigan to get Rich Rod (i.e. we'll trade you a Peyton Manning autographed jersey and pick up Rod's contract), whose style seems to really clash w/the school.

benterr Reputation: 81 Level: All-Star Since: Apr 3, 2007	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:28 pm Score: 67 Tennessee coaching news Leach would'd be a good fit, but I wouldn't consider him a "a major splash". He'd give the SEC DC's nightmares. [ Reply to Comment ]
auchap Reputation: 88 Level: All-Star Since: Nov 3, 2006	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:30 pm Score: 88 Tennessee coaching news Wow, what a scoop. Thanks for the info. [ Reply to Comment ]
ILLINI-Sergeant Reputation: 97 Level: Superstar Since: Nov 3, 2008	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:34 pm Score: 39 Tennessee coaching news I heard it was gonna be Mark Mangino. Sounds more like a belly flop to me then a "major splash"! [ Reply to Comment ]
commishlong Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Jan 25, 2007	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:36 pm Score: 97 Tennessee coaching news You dont think the coach of the undefeated 2nd ranked team in the country would be considered a major splash? [ Reply to Comment ]
russki516 Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Aug 16, 2008	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:42 pm Score: 95 Tennessee coaching news Why does anyone think Mike Leach would WANT to go anywhere else? He's built Tech from a doormat to a legitimate title contender, in a division that has produced a NCG team in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, and will again in 2008, and almost assuredly 2009. He has taken a 'gimmick' offense to the forefront of the national radar. He has beaten Oklahoma under Bob Stoops multiple times, with help from the refs (that's a VERY short list: Tech, Texas, OSU, and always the Officials). His team destroyed a Cal team that many thought would be in the BCS a few years ago. They have an opportunity sweep the South, something which only OU and Texas have ever done. He has brought Lubbock into the national spotlight, and molded that program into his dream team. I'm sure they will give him whatever he wants to stay there... With great respect to an worthy opponent and excellent leader, BOOMER SOONER! [ Reply to Comment ]
red pacaderm Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Oct 17, 2007	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:43 pm Score: 96 Tennessee coaching news Well Dodd, if you did a little research you might throw some names out, Like Butch, and Mike, or if you read sports page how about Lovie Smith. [ Reply to Comment ]
RU91 Reputation: 90 Level: All-Star Since: Nov 8, 2006	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:45 pm Score: 68 Tennessee coaching news A major splash would be Butch Davis, not Mike Leach; why shuffle from the best football conference in the U.S.? A shift from the ACC to the SEC is an upgrade, but not from the Big 12 - that's a lateral move, IMO. Otherwise, maybe UT is working on a trade w/Michigan to get Rich Rod (i.e. we'll trade you a Peyton Manning autographed jersey and pick up Rod's contract), whose style seems to really clash w/the school. [ Reply to Comment ]
leleandwill Reputation: 83 Level: All-Star Since: Jul 31, 2008	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:48 pm Score: 53 Tennessee coaching news GOOD! Muschamp needs to stay with the Longhorns! Incredible first year we have had with him, with our freshmen! Sky's the limit! I am sure Leach will be the perfect fit in Tennessee with his pirate collection! [ Reply to Comment ]
nhl1 Reputation: 87 Level: All-Star Since: Aug 21, 2006	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:48 pm Score: 92 Tennessee coaching news It is Bill Bellichek...Bruce Pearl is a close friend and has convinced him to head to Rocky Top. [ Reply to Comment ]
nlburrow Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Dec 3, 2006	Posted on: November 18, 2008 1:53 pm Score: 93 Tennessee coaching news Screw the conference -moving from Tech to UT is an upgrade. UT is easily one of the top ten coaching gigs in the country. [ Reply to Comment ]

Dennis Dodd

Dodds and Ends