Trooper Taylor was on top of the college football world a year ago.

How quickly things change.

In 2004, the Tennessee running backs coach produced two 1,000-yard rushers for the first time in school history. He was UT's most-productive recruiter. He declined a lucrative offer from Texas to be an assistant and was given a stout raise and a promotion to become director of player development at UT.

Now, the Vols are 3-5. Randy Sanders, who is one of Taylor's closest friends, resigned last week as offensive coordinator. The Vols, who play Memphis (4-4) on Saturday at Neyland Stadium at 2 p.m., need to win their three remaining games to be bowl eligible after a preseason of sky-high expectations.

Taylor shares in the blame. He has watched running backs fumble in key situations that cost the Vols two games.

Taylor said he's never been in a situation like 2005, a year when his players underperformed.

"It's been different," Taylor said Thursday. "I've been fortunate that the players that I've had have always been pretty productive but with the turnovers and those kinds of things going on, this is the first time I've had to deal with that."

Taylor had several off-field issues to deal with as well, including public criticism directed at his family. The struggles and Taylor's reputation as a solid college coach have some speculating that the 35-year old could be looking to get out of Knoxville.

Not so, said Taylor.

"I came here to win a championship," the Texas native said. "I'm committed to being here. If I didn't leave here to go to the University of Texas, then how many schools are better than that one, especially with home just 45 minutes away.

"When you're part of family, you're part of family."

Taylor said UT's struggles have made him a target for other programs that are curious to see if he can be lured away from Tennessee.

"I tell them 'No'," Taylor said. "I tell them that I appreciate it."

Taylor said he would only leave UT after this season if he were fired. While speculation has surrounded UT's coaching staff and possible changes, Taylor is thought to be on solid ground.

Taylor said he has heard rumors that he had a disagreement with head coach Phillip Fulmer over who would handle UT's play-calling duties after Sanders resigned.

"None of that's true," Taylor said. "He and I have not had any altercations as far as disagreements on that at all. As a matter of fact, it's been very positive."

Fulmer and UT's offensive staff shared play-calling duties against Notre Dame last week. Taylor said he had significant input in the game plan and play-calling against the Fighting Irish.

So, is the ambitious coach interested in UT's vacant offensive coordinator position?

Yes and no.

Taylor said he would appreciate consideration but understands that, only in his second year, he is still learning UT's offensive system.

"One of the reasons I came here," Taylor said, "was to learn the system that they've got."

Taylor admitted he was angry and hurt when he first heard Sanders planned to resign on Oct. 31.

"I felt like things that occurred wasn't his fault," Taylor said. "I'm up here until 1 in the morning and the only guys I see here after me are him and Coach Fulmer."

UT's entire offensive coaching staff has endured strong criticism this season. Sometimes, as Taylor has learned, that criticism filters down to families, including his two young children.

"I sat them down and told them that with daddy being a coach, you're going to hear some people say some bad things at the park, at school or whatever," Taylor said. "People are entitled to their opinion.

"The majority of our fans are always going to stand behind us."

Taylor always tries to stay positive. He points to the LSU win and freshman tailback Arian Foster's development as bright spots in an otherwise bleak season.

"You have to find something positive out of the negative," Taylor said. "There are some times that are frustrating."

Taylor uses UT's struggles to motivate the younger Vols.

"Don't forget the experience you're having," Taylor tells UT's freshmen. "You don't want this to happen to you."

Taylor, likewise, doesn't want a 2005-like season to happen to him again. He's already learned the toll that losing can take.

"You can't take the wins for granted," Taylor said. "We were all winning last year and I was thinking, 'Man, this is great. I'm on Rocky Top. We're always going to be in a bowl and we're rolling.'

"You can't take wins for granted. Cherish everyone of them because losing is so tough."