Kelly to Tennessee?

It's getting quiet at Cincinnati. Too quiet.

This is what usually happens when something major is about to pop. Everyone is told to keep their mouths shut. Assistants are making discreet calls trying to find new jobs. Such is the case around the Cincinnati where Tennessee seemingly has settled on coach Brian Kelly as its top candidate to replace to Phil Fulmer.

This is not to say Kelly is definitely the guy but I got a couple of calls today saying his name had risen to the top at Rocky Top.

Kelly would be a great hire. He's got the attitude and ability to walk into the cauldron that is SEC recruiting. He's a quarterback specialist. Cincinnati has had to use something like four quarterbacks this season.

A couple of issues here: Cincinnati's season doesn't end until Dec. 6, so if word is out this early it could get really uncomfortable at Cincinnati which is chasing a Big East title. Can you say interim coach for the bowl game?

Ike3494 Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Jan 13, 2007	Posted on: November 20, 2008 4:34 pm Score: 90 Kelly to Tennessee? Most probably wouldn't think of this guy as a great candidate, but, Mark Mangino. Granted, he doesn't have a 6-star program installed in at Kansas, and they aren't having an awesome year. But this guy knows how to build a bad team into a good team, and well, Tennessee is a bad team. I don't know how well he can keep UT at a great status, but I know he can get you guys up there. [ Reply to Comment ]
giveitabreak Reputation: 89 Level: All-Star Since: Nov 20, 2008	Posted on: November 20, 2008 4:56 pm Score: 35 Kelly to Tennessee? Sounds like Tennessee fans are more than just a bit full of themselves. Granted, they won an NCAA championship in 1998 and some others in another era. Truth be known, your team has been nothing but a bunch of underachievers year after year. Kelly could actually turn you from the Pretenders you are today to real Contenders. I can only hope Kelly reads blogs. You yahoos don't deserve him. [ Reply to Comment ]
laceman2004 Reputation: 84 Level: All-Star Since: Oct 12, 2008	Posted on: November 20, 2008 5:38 pm Score: 23 Kelly to Tennessee? *KELLY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STAY ON THE SAME FIELD WITH POWERS IN THE SEC....LET HIM COME ON DOWN TO THE VOLS....WE COULD USE 5 YEARS OF THE VOLS AT THE BOTTOM....ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!* [ Reply to Comment ]
JOEY2323 Reputation: 73 Level: Pro Since: Dec 6, 2006	Posted on: November 20, 2008 7:23 pm Score: 70 Kelly to Tennessee? He made CMU better, He made Cincy better, He will make Tennessee better..... [ Reply to Comment ]
UT VOLS ROCK!! Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Jul 13, 2008	Posted on: November 20, 2008 7:25 pm Score: 92 Kelly to Tennessee? I'm sorry but this is not what I expected, there's a big difference in running a S.E.C team and a conference USA team. Kelly is not high on my wish list this season! [ Reply to Comment ]
UT VOLS ROCK!! Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Jul 13, 2008	Posted on: November 20, 2008 7:38 pm Score: 92 Kelly to Tennessee? Maybe I made a mistake in judging Brian Kelly to early, I know he has Cincinnati where it needs to be, but is he a big enough name to draw recruits away from the other big name schools in the S.E.C ? I just don't really see alot of big name recruits coming to knoxville to play for a guy that will be brand new in a big time program . good luck vols and to whomever they hire for head coach. [ Reply to Comment ]
TigerSockRocket Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Apr 30, 2007	Posted on: November 20, 2008 7:50 pm Score: 92 Kelly to Tennessee? Note to idiot... Cincy is not a Conference USA team; they are Big East. Do yourself a favor and quit pretending that you know football. I here that Boxing needs some moron commentators....you should check out that site. [ Reply to Comment ]
TigerSockRocket Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Apr 30, 2007	Posted on: November 20, 2008 7:53 pm Score: 92 Kelly to Tennessee? I just don't really see alot of big name recruits coming to knoxville to play for a guy that will be brand new in a big time program . good luck vols and to whomever they hire for head coach. Dude, just look at how terrible Notre Dame was last season. And you know what, they still ended up recruiting more All-Americans than anybody else!!! [ Reply to Comment ]
11 Banners Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Aug 21, 2006	Posted on: November 20, 2008 8:21 pm Score: 94 Kelly to Tennessee? I hear the final three for the Tennessee job are Ty Willingham, Dennis Green and Karl Dorrell. That's not a wave brother, that's a tsunami headed towards Knoxville. Good luck with that. If the Vols get Kelly they are getting a good coach, with absolutely zero recruiting ties in the South. You can scheme all you want, and be coached up, but your talent level is screaming Vanderbilt and Mississippi State. Bite the bullet, write the check and bring in Terry Bowden. [ Reply to Comment ]
Chuck_Uuga Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Aug 12, 2006	Posted on: November 20, 2008 8:53 pm Score: 85 Kelly to Tennessee? I am laughing my a$$ off at a Michigan State fan claiming Brian Kelly "will win a national championship in the next 4 years" if he takes the UT job!! Now that is GREAT comedy!! Brian Kelly is nowhere good enough to beat the likes of Mark Richt, Urban Meyer, Nick Saban or Steve Spurrier. Not even close. He may win 8,9 games occasionally, but he will not win much more than that. It is IMPOSSIBLE to follow a legend in the SEC. Ask any other school! Looking forward to blasting Michigan State in the Cap One Bowl!! Another W for the Bulldogs over a Big 10 team!! [ Reply to Comment ]

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