Posted by blewissmith on December 13, 2007 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats...now who are we gonna go after?

Posted by Phowell23 on December 13, 2007 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great...since Cutcliffe is moving on I doubt we have any shot at Terrell Pryor now.

Posted by LargeOrange on December 13, 2007 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well there you go, all of the Coach Cut haters got your wish, now who do we go get to take over as OC? Can you blame him? IF he get Duke to a Outback quality bowl he can name his salary and retire a hero in Duraham. If he stays here and doesn't win the SEC every year and the NC every 4 years he is a bum according to all the Dink and Dunk haters that go as "fans" around this program.

Posted by McIntireIMP on December 13, 2007 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper Taylor, you need to call your financial planner, because your salary is about to double.

Posted by grvol on December 13, 2007 at 11:07 p.m.

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Posted by Oenoboy on December 13, 2007 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Karl Dorrell was a pretty good OC at Colorado and Washington. Hmmm.

Posted by cdldoc on December 13, 2007 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great! Are all you Haters happy. This will not come out better for UT from either offensive play or recruiting.

Wow! Great! Now we can have a championship contender. Oh, no we had one already?? Maybe this ain't so good.

Posted by brokebackvol on December 13, 2007 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I sure hope Fulmer doesn't make a huge mistake and promote Trooper Taylor to that position. Vols need a new modern offense anyway.

Posted by ElizabethtonvolnNC on December 13, 2007 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks Coach Cut, good luck at Duke....you're gonna need it!

Posted by ONUV on December 13, 2007 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

time for a "natiwonwide" search for an OC

Posted by vanderbilt_sucks on December 13, 2007 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Al Borges, please come to Knoxville

Posted by grvol on December 13, 2007 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Duke running the dink and dunk? God help em.

Posted by orangesox on December 13, 2007 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck to Cutcliffe. Now let's hope Fulmer can find another OC that can put up 30+ points per game.

Posted by 99gator on December 13, 2007 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i know sjt18 will disagree but to quote one of the posters who will post here from time to time....

yawn.

i think this is a big mistake for cutcliffe, unless he just wants to be a head coach that bad. the only positive is that area of the world is a beautiful place to live.

as for tennessee, i really don't think this will have a bad impact for the program even in the short term.... except for some possible recruits....but i don't know.

i don't think cutcliffe was a bad coordinator....far from it. but, i don't think he is irreplaceable either.

Posted by Huntingdonvol on December 13, 2007 at 11:26 p.m.

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Posted by pmidude56 on December 13, 2007 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Cut put discipline back in the program and upgraded the offense the past two years. Who does that for the Vols now? Sure hope we go outside the family and hire some bright young innovative offensive mind instead of staying inside the family.

Congrats, Coach Cutliffe!

Posted by 99gator on December 13, 2007 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i forgot to add one thing....

if cutcliffe was that valuable to tenn....then there were huge problems anyway. you should not be set back due to a loss of an assistant coach. a lot of successful programs lose assistants and are able to go on just fine.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 13, 2007 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats Coach Cutcliffe. I believe we WILL miss you greatly... and you will miss TN. I we are both not missing anyone though.

This will truly reveal a lot about Coach Fulmer. I have always defended him and have said next year will determine whether the haters are valid.

If he can hire (inside or outside) someone who will really fly with it and he proves he can exist without Cutcliffe... he is justified. If not, I agree... it may be time for a change at head coach.

Until that is seen at the end of next season... GO VOLS!! GO FULMER!! GO CUTCLIFFE (but I think you should stay.)

Posted by gayatri_venky on December 13, 2007 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i think fulmer shud be fired and cutcliffe shud
be handed over the tenn job.

Lets not forget the program started going the moment cutcliffe took the ole mis job and also
he was one of the reason for tennessee's marginal revival the last 2 years.

Posted by BigOrangeJeeper on December 13, 2007 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who ever gets his job will be walking into a great O-line, Good running backs, future great receivers, and many options at QB. If trooper gets it I think it will not be all bad but if he does not get it the next chance he gets to leave K-town he will be gone.

Posted by chucker6 on December 13, 2007 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's Tee Martin doing now?

Posted by grvol on December 13, 2007 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He can be replaced with someone better. I'm excited about the possibilities. Are the Fulmerons?

Posted by ONUV on December 13, 2007 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tee martin is doing something with the aafl, coaching high school football, and does a tv show on css on sundays in the fall.

Posted by Jagob38 on December 13, 2007 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder if he will take Luke and Roper with him?

Posted by FatherVol on December 13, 2007 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it's time for The_Vol to put in his application.

Posted by agentorange on December 13, 2007 at 11:39 p.m.

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Posted by agentorange on December 13, 2007 at 11:41 p.m.

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Posted by rockytopfrog on December 13, 2007 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Plenty of you Monday morning QB idiots ought to apply. I'm sure your 8th grade flanker experience at Goodpasture JR High would serve UT well.

Posted by hdhurst on December 13, 2007 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Strangely enough, I feel most of you are right.

Yes...DC will have it difficult @ Duke.
Yes...DC is leaving a football "paradise" to coach at a place without the tools to make a winner.
Yes...replacing DC will be difficult, especially to maintain 30+ points per game.
Yes...Trooper Taylor is a great coach; I just don't he is ready to be the OC.
Yes...this may affect UT's chance @ Terrell, but again getting a top QB prospect has never really been a problem for UT, regardless who is OC.
Yes...DC (like other UT coaches) got tired of the constant dissatisfaction, even when things were enough to win.

With that in mind, this is about a man who is clearly a HC and wants this challenge to see if he still has it. Being at a place like Duke will certainly present that challenge. As far as the disgruntled few fans hating DC for leaving us, then I can guarantee you that was discussed when Coach Fulmer re-hired DC to be the OC again. So, really, the only real surprise is who will be the replacement.

Congrats, Coach Cutliffe and let's hope we land an awesome young OC to replace him. GO VOLS!!!

Posted by Ironcity on December 14, 2007 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good Luck Coach your going to need it!!

Posted by rootin4volz on December 14, 2007 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Two Words on a replacement...TROOPER TAYLOR!!!! The rest of you who say no are bozos, and I can't believe that you would be screaming that Fulmer is not progressive enough, yet would say that Troop isn't ready to be an OC!!! Give me a break!

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on December 14, 2007 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats, Coach Cut. Thanks for all you've done for the University of Tennnessee football program over the years.

We wish you and your family the very best.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on December 14, 2007 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Huntingdonvol, who you calling dumbasses?----its you who cant even spell a 3 letter word "sad" (twice is not a typo--thats how to spell it)

I wish him well also but am quite ok now starting an influx of new inovative blood hopefully---don't blow it Phil, you can quiet some critics, make your life easier and inject some new energy into the program with the right replacement who has some creativity

Posted by eb502us on December 14, 2007 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to coach Cutcliffe. An early christmas present for everybody.

Posted by eb502us on December 14, 2007 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As for Trooper Taylor, I like the guy and hope he's here for a long time, but UT is not a place for an "on the job training" OC. Time to break the mold.

Posted by newtonrail on December 14, 2007 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I knew EB, the hater would show up with his friends. Nuts. Folks I have gone to every Tenn. game for more years than most of you have been around, and I have got the slightest idea if Taylor is ready to be and OC. I can tell you he's our recruiter in Chief, and he will be gone to Duke or some other place if he isn't promoted. Contrary to the naysayers on this site, several Vol coaches are hot prospects, but none more so than Trooper Taylor. And for EB, again, I hope don't choke on your ego.

Posted by Volnut on December 14, 2007 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know sjt18 must be close to slitting his wrists but his man crush can continue as long as he follows DUKE. Keep the faith sjt18 life goes on even if your coach bolts for (IMHO) a better job. Guess Crompton is going to be left hanging.

Not trying to down play your hero but, I place the man on the same step on the ladder as bobby and nick....his loyalty is to himself instead of the program he came back to.

As a poster said earlier, shame me once....shame on me, shame me twice shame on you and CDC showed his true self in this matter IF...... and repeat.. IF he bolts for Duke........ The man is motivated by money and who can blame him but by god he left CPF holding the bag again and even if you can't see it, the man has serious character flaws. I for one will be glad to see HIM go AGAIN

Posted by chefjorge on December 14, 2007 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cutcliffe was NEVER here to stay. It was a convenient situation for both parties. Thanks for doing a reasonably good job with rehabilitating the offense over the last two years, but there's plenty of room for improvement. I'm excited about Crompton's passion and abilities. He's going to be fun to watch. We should leave no stone unturned in looking for a perfect fit at OC. I'm not sayin' that Trooper Taylor isn't a good choice, but before he's hired it should be that whoever it is is the best choice.

Posted by chrisw2967 on December 14, 2007 at 1:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what will Fulmer ever do now if Cut. leaves ?
That should give Fulmer a couple more excuses to use on us fans next year.

volnut:your right sjt might be close to slitting his wrist by now , I dont know if I can stand another post about how our off. scored over 400 points.but

Posted by cwisenhower on December 14, 2007 at 1:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So my only question mark on our offense was QB after Ainge goes. All of our other positions have ample starters returning with star power, or at least more than ample SEC game experience. Who the hell is gonna coach Crompton to the star status that he needs? The man came in and turned a good QB into a great one, and now he's off to see the wizard again. I hope he doesn't come crawling back in 6 years. I'd take him, but damn. When he came back this time, didn't he say he didn't want a head coach job again for a really long time? Yeah, so what's this? Crap.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on December 14, 2007 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Volnut, David Cutcliffe has serious character flaws? By trying to rise to the top of his profession? By coming back, swallowing his ego, and helping an old friend out of a jam?

By perhaps tripling his salary for his family in taking this job? By wanting to call the shots in his own program?

By wanting authority and responsibility for rebuilding a bottom-tier football program at a top-tier school?

Do you know the man, Volnut? Or are you basing that assassination on what you read and hear in the media, just like the rest of us?

We've all know for a long time that these boards are populated by quite a few people who don't know what the heck they're talking about...but thanks for reminding me.

Posted by Volnut on December 14, 2007 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What OC wants to come here when he knows every call will be under the watchful eye of CPF? If any of you think any OC comes here of even if Troop takes the nod... that they will have free reign? CPF has a tight grip on the O and you will either call his game or hit the road.

But then you ask me if that's the case, why did CDC leave the running game on the back burner while throwing for 1st down on a lat or a screen 9 yards from the 1st down marker on 3rd for 8-9 yards..... CPF wanted to burn the clock, kill the TOP...This is the same crap that saw us lose many leads and end in the result in a L on the scoreboard. Even CDC left so many points on the board by dealing with CPF. BUT then again CDC played the same style while HC at Ole Siss... but he had a Manning in the coup to fall back on.

Ask yourself.. dealing with the talent CDC has had... what moron could screw that up? HS bolted too early but he both Mannings and MY god... AM did more to developed those kids that DAVID could dream...... CDC is a decent coach... DECENT but he isn't god and I don't care what the non player sport casters say. The man should have at least 1 if not 2 NC's under the helm of Peyton and company. CRS was closer in 2001 than CDC EVER was..... CDC bolted to UM before UT faced FSU... for those that think the man deserves one bit of loyalty needs to look at it openly..... The man left UT when it played for a MNC.........he's a bolter and a whore/prostitute just like Bobby and Nick.... Maybe not in the sense of leaving a program in the state these two dip wads left thers but he's pissing on the entire SR class as well as the entire class of underclassmen in his charge......sjt18 ... you need to pick your mentors much closer and for gods sake lose the MAN CRUSH you place on your hero's!

Posted by FWBVol on December 14, 2007 at 1:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Al Borges, are you serious, vanderbilt_sucks. Auburn had one of the worst offenses in the country this year, that's why he left Auburn. If fans think the offense is too run oriented now, they ain't seen nothing yet if Borges comes. I'd love to see Norm Chow come over from the Titans. Maybe that's a pipe dream, but the guy is a great QB coach and O-coordinator.

Most of us are only familiar with the big names out there. I have to believe that CPF has enough sense to have made a short list of possible candidates knowing that David Cutcliffe had expressed interest in being a head coach again.

I would hate to see Coach C go, and as others have said, I question if Duke isn't the ultimate career killer. But five years from now David Cutcliffe will be pushing 60 and if things haven't worked out at Duke I'm sure he'll have a nice buyout to retire on.

Thanks Coach for a job well done both times around and good luck in Durham.

As for all you nay sayers who wanted everyone to believe that nobody would hire him as a head coach again, it looks like your wrong.

Posted by dowdpat on December 14, 2007 at 2:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ed Orgeron. Not a good X's & O's coach but would clean up in recruiting at UT.

Posted by cwisenhower on December 14, 2007 at 2:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Orgeron is a defensive guy. Who is your OC?

Posted by kobesp on December 14, 2007 at 2:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hopefully we can get Sanders back.

Posted by raynochonspeed on December 14, 2007 at 3:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are in serious trouble.

Recruiting, already in catch-up mode, will take a huge hit.

Getting an experienced OC will be extremely difficult at this time.

I love Trooper as much as anyone, but he's probably never called a play in a collegiate game in his life, much less schemed entire games against SEC-caliber DCs. Trooper is a motivator and teacher - oddly making him a better candidate for Head Coach than OC.

Posted by 02champs on December 14, 2007 at 3:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper has already been offered..trust me..and he will accept.

Posted by FWBVol on December 14, 2007 at 3:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Orgeron makes Forest Gump look like a PHD candidate, and as was already pointed out, he's a defensive guy. Sanders name is still being mentioned, I believe it's at Western Carolina. I don't think Sanders would be a good fit at this time. There are still too many people that blame him for a lot of the problems we had on offense in 2005.

UT might be able to get a name offensive coordinator from another BCS school, but it's rare to see a Jimbo Fisher type go from a LSU to FSU without some sort of promises down the road.

Let's face it, unless a guy is happy making $200,000-300,000 a year as a coordinator and doesn't want the headaches of being a head coach (and there are a few of those left), then any hot shot OC that comes in will be gone in a few years.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 3:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

02champs: You got a source or just speculation?

Cutcliffe said when he came he wanted to be a head coach again. Any man who says that... well, you know what you are getting.

I don't question his loyalty at all. The man thinks he can take care of business as "the boss" and he is dang well old enough to make that decision. I expected him to be here for two and he has done that. Thanks for the years Cut. Good luck with the mess you've got to work with.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 4:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, I bet we could get Bobby Petrino or Nick Saban to be our offensive coordinator. I hear that they are lookin' around for something.

Posted by fullbackless on December 14, 2007 at 5:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Saban is coaching at Alabama. Petrino just signed with Auburn. Get your facts straight. ;)

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 5:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually fullbackless... it was sarcasm applied towards the apparent lack of loyalty that each coach seems to display towards his team.

And I believe the facts are that Petrino is coaching at Arkansas... unless he just switched again! ;)

Posted by kevinc0465 on December 14, 2007 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I cant believe that some of you dont think Trooper Taylor should be the OC! I dont know how we have kept him so long without that. He is the most important recruiter we have and definately has the best relationships with the players. Its time UT gave him what he deserves. I will be sad to see Cut go but it would be very exciting to watch a Trooper Taylor offense. I think he would make it alot more fun, as well as a lot less painful to watch.

Posted by pdhuff on December 14, 2007 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Methinks we are adrift. The main mast of the USS Fulmer had crashed into the sea. Rather than scouring the horizon for assistance, Phil has gone below to find a 120 ft mast in a 75 ft hold.

Given his affinity for insiders, Lord help us what we'll have.

The positive is Kudoes to Cutcliff. Godspeed to our offensive genius who will be missed. I hate it that you took the engine to the Vol pick-up, but such is life. Who would want to stay where you have no chance for promotion with Phil blindly staying his course. Well, Fulmerites, here is the stage. The curtain is going up. This hire will affect the Vol nation for many years to come. There is NO ONE in your house qualified, Phillip, remember that. The one bright star in the Vol coaching universe has gone out.

Posted by dfreeman on December 14, 2007 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Trooper should get a shot too! He has made everyone he's coached so far achieve so much more than before he got here. Give it to him!!

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on December 14, 2007 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know about Trooper, he'd probably be good if he brought in a good QB coach (Sanders?). Offensive playbooks are all pretty similar within basic styles such as pro, option, spread, etc. The differentiator are the athletes, preparation and discipline, game planning and game day play calling. Trooper will get the athletes and he's obviously a great preparation/discipline guy, question is around game planning and play calling.

I agree with a few posters here, either Trooper gets the job or he's probably gone or he's given a promise for a bigger role in the future. I would not count out DC for future roll here if he's successful at Duke and health is good.

Posted by utallvol on December 14, 2007 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What has Trooper Taylor done that says he shouldn't be OC? All he's done is recruit FL, how many coaches on our staff can say that? Do what's best for the team UPGRADE Taylor he's the best chance we have to keep the recruits from changing there minds. Not to mention he's got good relationships with players.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on December 14, 2007 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cut was able to polishi is rep as an offensive/QB wizzard the past two years. For any of you who has a resume just imagine how Cut's now looks:

- Took a mentally and physically broken QB and turned him into a top 10 nationally QB
- Took an offense that had imploded from low teens to 30 ppg using many of the same players
- Restocked the entire receiving core and posted as good, or better numbers than the senior all stars he replaced (Trooper gets to put that on his resume as well).

Since Cut was also the QB coach, we don't know how much input Trooper put into game planning...he might have been quite involved and Cut might have been mentoring him given his plans which I'm sure were clearly communicated to Fulmer. I'm sure this move has been known and plans have been made.

Posted by madisonvillevol on December 14, 2007 at 6:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bye. you gone yet?

Posted by pdhuff on December 14, 2007 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see nothing that suggests Taylor is ready for a job of this magnitude. Being liked by fans and players is a positive but "Where's the beef"? What credentials make him an OC? Likeable! Whew.

Sitting in that pressbox is miles from having your cap turned backwards jumping on the sidelines with you WRs. That is comparing chess to checkers. Have you forgotten so quickly Phil's last quirky promotion (Sanders) who was good with QBs but totally lost as OC? At least Cutcliff had the moxie to tell Phil the OC can't be on the sidelines to keep you company. HE MUST SEE THE FIELD!

It is lonely at the top. Cutcliff produced with what he had to work with. Imagination and bailing wire with a injured average QB saved them in 2007. Now we'll get the full brunt of Phil's prowess. We'll see if blind loyalty sets his foot on that banana peel sliding toward coach emiritus. My Ga buddy from Covington called last nite and his theme was "ya'lls a## is grass, now". I had no retort. Go Vols.

Posted by jobrando on December 14, 2007 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To make someone an OC thats never called a play, well it's dreaming but its the UT way of doing things so I suppose it will happen. Good Luck Trooper u will need it... I think Cut did a great job with a marginal QB and defense and I think he will be as succesful as Bobby Johnson has been at Vandy. I hope more.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The dang shame is Cutcliffe is taking his freshly polished resume to... DUKE?? He can do better. He maybe could even land Michigan if they keep getting turned down... not likely though.

Posted by eb502us on December 14, 2007 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

People, it won't matter who we bring in or promote to offensive coordinator if Fulmer still has his hands in the cookie jar. Much of the Sanders/Cutcliffe fiasco of boring, predictable football can be traced directly to Fulmer. Until he lets go entirely, I'm afraid we won't see much change.

Posted by tngeoff on December 14, 2007 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations and good luck.

Posted by eb502us on December 14, 2007 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

newtonrail, you seem to always want to criticise my opinion with regard to any coaching change. I do remember back a few years ago when you wanted Buzz to come back, yet you never put forth a decent argument for Hamilton to keep him. Yet you pounded away at those who wanted him gone. Why be so critical of those wanting a change in our offensive schemes and philosophy? Seems to me that some guy named Pearl came in and completely made over a program that Buzz had virtually driven into the ground. I believe Fulmer is headed in that same direction if Cutcliffe were to stay. So far I've been right and you've been wrong and I strongly believe that I'll be right again on this one.

Posted by GreerVol22 on December 14, 2007 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper is really good at what he does now...and he may be ready for and OC at say UT Chatt, MTSU etc but not UT, too big-too fast.

I still think were better off. Being ranked 55th in Total offense doesn't exactly get me giddy about crying "please, please, don't go coach..."

we can do better, just don't wait so long that recruiting is effected.

Posted by wewhite on December 14, 2007 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Duke is one of those nice, safe jobs that a coach can limp along with all the way to retirement. I don't think they're going to be requiring ACC Championship after ACC Championship over there--a strong team once in a while would be great, beat a Top 25 team every now and again and you're talked about reverently in perpetuity. I'm sure, too, that, with Duke's higher enrollment standards, Cut will not be bailing one of his players out of jail every other week, nor will there problems with academic ineligibility. That's got to count for a few less grey hairs. Yes, UT has some well-heeled alums, but not in the same league with the majority of Duke's. If Cut decides at some point to retire from football, they could set him up in some nice consulting job somewhere. Show up at a business luncheon every year, make a pep talk with a few football stories and analogies, and pick up your check. I don't know anything about his family situation, but if I had kids (even nephews, nieces, etc.) in public school right now, a free ride to one of the "Ivy League of the South" colleges would be sweet. And, c'mon! When you've coached two successful NFL QBs (Eli's trying... he is!) how hard would it be to land on an NFL team's sideline drawing pretty X-O pictures?

Posted by utallvol on December 14, 2007 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Again What has Trooper done that suggest he's not ready. What did he do with the running backs his first year, what did he do with the receivers in his 2nd and 3rd year. Some people, you people are afraid of change. Just like Peyton was the best QB we have in the world, but Tee Martin won the NC. Are we trying to put players in the league or are we trying to win NC's? We want them on the field but not in the press box.

Posted by hiresanders on December 14, 2007 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We will never have a wide open as long as Foolmore is head coach here. He likes it conservative and has proved as much over the last 2 coorinators. Fire him and hire Mike Leach if you want a wide open offense.

Posted by Volalumnus on December 14, 2007 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First in regards to Trooper:
I think someone at Alabama almost just out of school just kicked TN butt as OC.
Also It would make sense to make trooper interim for bowl game and that would give oportunity to evaluate but still offord the oportunity to look elsewhere as well.

In regards to some self proclaimed "true vols fans" (and I am refering to masses and not one)most seemed to be more of 'coach fans', do they now follow those coaches?

I do think it may be time for the DC to move on as well. Especially if Fulmer is going to stick around.

Posted by hiresanders on December 14, 2007 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Giving Taylor a coordinator position would be like giving a 15 year old with a learner's permit an 18 wheeler to drive. It wouldn't be pretty. And having to fire a minority in a couple years would be a PR disaster. You don't want to go down that road.

Posted by smokedoctor on December 14, 2007 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kazoos to CUtliffe. Now maybee well run the spread with Gerard Jonez.

Posted by VOLstuckINky on December 14, 2007 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

troop as OC is a complete joke ....

Posted by jdcvols on December 14, 2007 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would leave K-Town for the Duke position. Coach Cut did a good great job in all of his years at Tenn but the reality is that he was never going get CPF job. I wish him well. I just hope that Fulmer take the opportunity to bring in a Top notch guy that could be a replacement for him in a few years.

Posted by Volalumnus on December 14, 2007 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know if trooper is ready or not but someone needs to be it for the bowl game and it would be a good opportunity to check him out.
I do know when he was with the backs, we could run when we couldn't pass and when he moved to the recievers we could pass but not really run.
He obviously knows something the other coaches don't, so if he isn't suitable, I say the entire staff isn't worthy of their positions.

Posted by drwfocus on December 14, 2007 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utallvol I agree - Trooper has done all that he has been asked to do and excelled everytime. Hamilton sould make him OC and let him find a top notch QB coach. Problem is Trooper ain't part of the VOL "old boy network." Good luck to coach Cut. But, his return only brought us a good QB coach - not a modern era college football offense oriented mind or understanding. This will not hurt recruiting. Maaaaybe at QB, but, the Vols have enough quality QBs for the next 5 years anyway so what QB wants to come here the next couple of years? I view this as agreat opportunity for the Vol's football program - let's hope Hamilton is savey enough to take advantage of it.

Posted by jeremyholloway82 on December 14, 2007 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We need someone to run the spread. Over the last couple of years teams who run this offense are leaving the traditional offenses in the dust. This would also help our defense in defending it. Bring someone new in to accomplist this.

Posted by BigOrangeVol29 on December 14, 2007 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats Coach Cut. We all knew when you came back, that you were still driven to be an HC once again. I know I criticized but man I'm going to miss him, he had instilled a sense of discipline again. Well, we can find somebody to do the job.

Posted by ge446 on December 14, 2007 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you read this and say that you would not leave your present job for one that would pay you three to four times as much or more then please spare us any further comments because you are not being truthful. Phil knew, when David returned, that this would always be a possibility. It also presents a wonderful opportunity for UT's offense to grow in a positive direction. David Cutcliff has integrity that places him above many others in this world. He is the perfect fit for Duke, even more so than he is as OC at UT. We will benefit from this move, Duke will hopefully benefit(can anyone win at Duke?) and Cut and his family will surely benefit. Go Vols. Who knows, Trooper may just be the best thing that could happen as OC, but I will not be the one to decide who gets the job and neither will any of the other posters on this site....

Posted by britt on December 14, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Id be fine with giving Trooper a chance. If he takes it who would we get for qb coach? hopefuly someone who knows some spread offense

Posted by DadwasaVol on December 14, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Haven't done my homework but are there not many black OC's around the country at major programs?

Posted by Basketball_Jones on December 14, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is a name for you people....How about George Quarles from Maryville? I know he's A he's a HS coach but the guy from Ark who went up to Tulsa has become very successful. His cubard is bare at Maryville and he has a great football mind....Go ahead sjt bash my idea

Posted by 1974Vol on December 14, 2007 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whoever comes in as OC needs to have the gravitas to tell CPF that its his offense and he'll run it his way-just like Cut did. Otherwise we'll have another Sanders situation. FP looked over Randy's shoulder to the point they couldn't even get a play called in critical situations without burning a TO. RS has proven at KY he has a much better O mind than he was given credit for here. CPF was an OC back in the day and will try to run the O unless there is a strong personality in the role. FP needs to stick to the CEO role and recruiting; his two strongest suits - and let the new OC run the O.

Posted by Pullingguard on December 14, 2007 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mark it down; David Cutcliffe will be missed by the Vols.. He was a class individual who always had the best of interest in the University and the football team and it's players. Oh, we might not always agree with the absence of the vertical passing game, but remember, his last two years there have produced a very good record overall. QB's coming into college respected him and opened the doors for some good prospects to consider and sign at UT... He will be missed greatly and thanks to David Cutcliffe for his services to Vols.. Question is.... Whom will Fulmer get to replace him, for don't think there is anyone in house who can handle the job.. And, there will be more openings within the coaching ranks at UT, in fact there could be several more, and when this happens it takes some time to get the relationships right that is so important in college ball.. Some big challenges ahead, just hope Fulmer can find the right folks.

Posted by Vandylaw07 on December 14, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I love Trooper, but 1) he does not have enough experience, and 2) if we look in-house to replace Coach Cut I am just gonna lose it. Why not do what Tommy Tuberville just did at Auburn and hire a hungry, innovative offensive coach at a smaller school? He just got the guy from Troy, who had a really explosive offense this past year. Those smaller school coaches have to be more innovative and adaptive, because they have less talent to work with.

Take one of those smaller school type guys--or, even better, someone from Boise State, Oregon, Missouri, etc., and give them some better athletes to work with. It's time our offense scared people again, and it's also high time that we gave people a whole new offensive system to study for game prep. As it is now, people have roughly 15 or so years worth of game film on our offense, because we've done so much of the same thing for so long. Change is good . . . We went outside the program for Bruce Pearl--that success can happen again if we look around enough for the best candidate.

Posted by rccheek on December 14, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

EB502, you nailed it right on the head. Cut had enough stature for Phil to SOMEWHAT turn him loose but if Trooper gets the call, Fulmer will hover over him with his big thumb and hamstring his calls. No one will succeed at OC till Phil lets go of the reins and lets the OC call the game. Phil should get to decide whether to go for one or two after a TD and that's ALL.

Posted by stroker on December 14, 2007 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck at Duke Cut, we'll be watchin and rootin for you. Hope Hamilton is involved in hiring an OC.

Posted by vol98 on December 14, 2007 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those who think we are going to hire some hotshot young coordinator with new ideas, I think we are kidding ourselves. Do you really think Fulmer will just hand over the offense to some young guy and let him totally change it? I love Trooper as well, but a hot recruiter does not a coordinator make. Rodney Gardner is one of the best in the SEC, and I don't see him as up and coming OC, unless I am mistaken. DARYL DICKEY (QB coach)

Posted by LazhilUT on December 14, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Promote Trooper Taylor to OC. Every area of the team he coached, they excelled.
Running Backs got better when he was there.
WR's last year, Meachem looked like a beast...
Trooper for OC!

Posted by stroker on December 14, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DARYL DICKEY (QB coach) sounds good,but why did he lose the job at Fla State?

Posted by rpoll1095 on December 14, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well....good luck Coach C. to you and your family. You might go to Duke or wherever, but I think some of you will always be wearing orange.
And as for those of you here who wanted him gone or think he somehow "betrayed" the Vols, you folks are just totally out to lunch. Our offense put more points on the board these last two years than we had in quite some time. When coaches are good, they are sought after. Cut is good coach and a great man, so it was only a matter of time before someone came knocking with a good opportunity....so just be happy we had him back for a couple of years to get our O re-tracked. Tennessee is a great program and a great opportunity. I am confident we will get a good coach to take over and move us ahead. So, go Vols, beat the Badgers.

Posted by DennisVols on December 14, 2007 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Every challenge is an opportunity. Many our this site have critized coach Cut.'s play calling and ability even if the record showed that after he left in '98 the offense went down every year leading up to Sanders quitting and his return.
He will be missed not only as a coach but as a teacher and a leader.
Now UT must see this as an opportunity to move forward. No quick fixes but address long term issues to change, for the better and not settle for what may be comfortable.
Good Luck Cut. and to UT in their improtant decision at a major crossroads.

Posted by pdhuff on December 14, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fwbvol 1:55AM - good post - got a chuckle from "Duke is the ultimate career killer". Methinks that deep down, Cutcliff thinks he getting out from behind a career-smothering situation. He knew he would never be a HC at Tenn.

As his is right, Phil has no intention of ever leaving in the next 10-12 years. Talking of NC. Rolls-Royce dreams while steering a aging Chevy. (Got one myself) No defense is like not changing oil. It will catch up with you. Oh, it'll rattle and wheeze awhile, but its gonna stop. Slowly. Power hugs between Hamilton and Phil may become less commonplace.

Well, I digress. On to Wisconsin whom I sure is watching this drama with interest. Very Merry Christmas.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This program is too big (at one time, anyway) to be "giving anyone a chance". If TT is qualified, fine. If not, do a search and bring it a winner.
Loyalty in the old boy network is a double edged sword. Find talent. Pound the rock. Half a dozen chocolate filled please.

Posted by volfan on December 14, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations to coach Cut, and I sincerely wish him the best of luck at
Duke. I, for one, really appreciate what he has done for UT. We have been
spoiled to the extent that we expect a
11-0 or 12-0 season with championship
trophies every year. In this age of parity it is extremely difficult to appease the "naysayers." I too have been following the Vols for more years
than most of you "young'uns have been around. Fact is, the first game that I ever attended at UT was UT vs. Duke. It
was in either '47 or '48. Of course I was a follower and fan for a few years
prior to that. I wish coach "cut" the very best for him and his family.

Posted by dfreeman on December 14, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

can some of you take your "dink and dunk" opinions and your UT coach hating buddies with you!! Duke needs the "fans"!!

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a fan of Cutcliffe... so I really can't congratulate him if this is indeed his decision. He must have been told or saw something that convinced him that he'd receive the support needed to turn them around... but I suspect he'll be disappointed just as many before him have.

God bless him.

Posted by csimonrocks on December 14, 2007 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is purely from a huge Vols fan living in Missouri who has no access other than the web, but how about one of these guys? Norm Chow, Al Borges, Trooper, the guy from Tulsa that left Arkansas (Malzahn?)...

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My sources tell me that Cut will be missed mostly for the DICIPLINE factor. The Pumpkin apparently lost that skill (if he ever had it). Stay the dadgum course.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper has fans. He has detractors.

I also see him as someone who has made an impact with every group he's coached.

However, the more "inside" knowledge various bloggers and posters seem to have... the more they seem to oppose TT as a coordinator.

If he is promoted, CPF will probably need a 10' security fence to separate TT and Chavis during meetings. The oft repeated rumor is that Chavis doesn't like Trooper... and may be somewhat jealous of him.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Karl Dorrell would probably be a great choice as OC btw.

TDTN, I wish I were that good... but even though I may be the next to last person on earth worthy of the job... you with your doom and gloom perspective on absolutely everything orange would definitely be the last.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JwRainman: The "Fulmer controls the keys" is the scary part of your statement. Pound it.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The fact of the matter is that Trooper is untested. Maybe he can and maybe he can't be a successful coordinator NOW.

He is very good ON THE SIDELINE with the players, in the box... well you lose that dimension.

Coach Fulmer has a very good idea of what kind of coordinator Troop would be. He has been with him for a few years and should know by now.

Here is the question. If Coach Fulmer takes the chance and promotes him, and it fails... Coach Fulmer will take the fall and he may fall all the way this time.

If Coach Fulmer knows he isn't ready and doesn't promote, everyone will still blast him, especially if the new OC fails.

Either way... Coach Fulmer's job is very much on the line and he has a very difficult call to make.

As for being untested. Major Applewhite was throwing touchdowns for Texas 5 years ago and is calling plays for bama today... however, he did get to test his skills at small schools first.

I am glad I am not callng the shots here!! Come on Coach Fulmer, get it right... whatever the heck that is!!

Posted by waterskier3 on December 14, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well again we'll see what kind of leader the cpf is on the hill..... this is the chance for him to save his butt go get an open minded OC that transforms the offense and makes him look like he's flexible, understands the game has changed and tn needs to change...

CHANGE IS GOOD PEOPLE. Coach cut was not going to stay here and i'm glad he's gone... he did a good job but again not a big fan of the way our run game was going.. too pass happy in key short situations and its cost us over his entire career... go back and look at some of the key fla losses in the 90's.......

this is a great opportunity for CPF... lets see what he does with it.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on December 14, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Cut will be a big asset at Duke. In living over here in the Raleigh-Durham area, I know they'll love him.

Now, who will we go after? Regardless of who it is, I just want someone who is unpredictable offensively. No trickery, please. Just don't be predictable!

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i might grab a position coach from ohio state or from a school in an area where tenn does some heavy recruiting.

most of the names people will mention are coaches who will not want to make lateral moves.

so, with some exceptions, it is either promote from within or grab a position coach from another school who is ready to make the jump to the coordinator level.

Posted by MemfrisVOL on December 14, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper, It's hard to do a flying congratulatory chestbump with your receivers from the coach's box. Don't hurt yourself. G'ARNGE!

Posted by wkb12 on December 14, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why in the hell would he go to Duke? He could've gotten a better job than Duke. Maybe he hates going to bowl games.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99Gator.. Hmmm..who's your OC? He may want to step up...

Posted by DennisVols on December 14, 2007 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard Petrino is looking for greener pastures.
Again!!!!

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on December 14, 2007 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

waterskier3--good point. Change is good! Besides, Coach Cut took the job with a 2-year contract (this is his second year) and he made it clear that he wanted to be a head coach again. So, this is no surprise.

Plus, this will be a good opp for Coach Fulmer and we'll see where he wants to take us.

Posted by csimonrocks on December 14, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Three words: JIM BOB COOTER!!!!

Posted by grvol on December 14, 2007 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

On the job training with Trooper Taylor using the same old tired playbook? Fulmer did that before. Damn near cost him his job. Fulmer can't afford to take that risk again. If he does he is a fool.

Posted by marc_ash on December 14, 2007 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

csimonrocks, I think Billy Bob Thorton would do a better job than JBC.

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack

the offensive coord is dan mullen. his next job will be as a head coach somewhere.

charlie strong should be someone's head coachby now.

you could go after jimmy ray stephens again.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

grvol: Give him credit...the pumpkin is inclined to be hard headed. Stay the course. Put some gravy on the summitch.

Posted by csimonrocks on December 14, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JBC has more experience than all of the coaches we are talking about calling in plays.
I am headed to the nearest bridge after I heard the name Jimmy Ray Stevens.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator: I say Applewhite at bammer...course he knows that in a year or 2, the head job will be open there.

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tommyjack

for that reason, applewhite might stay as coord at bama to see if he can get the job if and when saban bolts.

the only reason coordinators take lateral moves is if they can't stand the head coach they are working for. so, i don't know what coordinators out there are disgruntled.

it is known saban is a jerk, maybe applewhite would rather work for fulmer.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator: Good point, but not sure a move from AL to TN is lateral! :)

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just so everyone knows....

when i say lateral i mean from coord at one big school to another....

going from ball state as an off coord to tenn as an off coord is obviously not a lateral move

Posted by TurboFan on December 14, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton has had a list of successors ready since the beginning of the season. His fingered has been poised over the telephone dial ever since Duke called to ask permission to speak with Cut. Everyone knew two years ago Cut would mostly only be here for two years, thus Fulmer has been whispering to Hamilton during those hugs on the field.

Whoever we get, some of us will like him, some will not, most of us will just sit back and wait to see what happens which is all we really can do.

Good luck Cut, I'm pulling for ya.

Posted by webbofconfusion on December 14, 2007 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DC... Glad you got an offer... Now kindly renegotiate your contract at UT and decline the Duke offer.

Regards,
Your supporting fans.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

waterskier3, Change is NOT good in and of itself.

This may work out OK... but if it does, it will be because UT either paid to get a top notch proven guy or else "discover" someone.

"this is the chance for him to save his butt go get an open minded OC that transforms the offense and makes him look like he's flexible, understands the game has changed and tn needs to change..."

Statements like this are often repeatd... and ALWAYS STUPID TO THE EXTREME. Cutcliffe IS open minded. HE DID change UT's O within the talent and experience he had to work with.

Anyone who thinks a guy who virtually doubled offensive output in two years while losing his most experienced/explosive skill players isn't innovative, creative, and flexible enough is too blind or ignorant to speak on the subject.

Posted by DCVol on December 14, 2007 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

as a lifelong Vol fan who attended UNC, this absolutely makes me want to puke. i wish you nothing but the best, Cut, but this is a hopeless, fruitless endeavor. dook is the worst football team in 1-A, certainly not where ole miss was when you took over there. i hate to see a fellow Vol fail, but at least he'll look good doing it. . .
and don't take any grief from that sniveling weasel krzyzewski, either. he's an egomaniac sonofabitch and he'll never hold a candle to you.

Posted by iam4ua on December 14, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tenn's problem is Fulmer CANNOT/WILL NOT go outside the current Tenn family to find the next OC. The problem is Fulmer cannot rely on just anyone to keep the "family secrets". It must be an insider. Cutcliff leaving put Fulmer in a very bad situation. Trooper Taylor will be promoted, UT will struggle badly in 08 and Fulmer & staff will be gone. UT will be in recovery mode for 5 years. Much longer if the NCAA decides to look into the way Fulmer was running the ship. Meanwhile, Bama, UF & UGA are stock piling nuclear weapons.
Should be interesting.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

csimonrocks: My opinion on your options...

Norm Chow: Won't return to college unless he is a head coach. His offense hasn't exactly lit up the NFL either. The Titans win on defense and score a few points occasionally.

Al Borges: His offense got worse every year that he was there. He only had success playing with the toys of the previous coordinator.

Trooper: Untested. Could go either way.

Gus Malzahn: My instincts tell me not to trust anyone from the state of Arkansas by the name of Gus. He jumped from highschool to ARK, jumped ship, let his players all jump ship also, and scored a gig at small time Tulsa. He DID put up massive numbers this year. I think he cannot be trusted. He will take the first Head Coach job available because he is ambitious and wouldn't give us a second thought.

I vote that we hire myself. I will run the spread offense, yet pound the rock while throwing 87 yard bombs (all in the air). My offense is built upon the success I have had on Madden 95' on my super nintendo 12 years ago. You couldn't stop me then and no one could stop me now. I will give CPF my resume and hope for the best.

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nicksjuzunk

you realize duke's head coaching position was posted online.

i wonder if tenn will post its offensive coord position on the internet.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nick: You've been in the jungle too long, dude.

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

there is actually a rumor, i repeat RUMOR, that chavis may become defensive coord at south carolina and work for the head ball coach.

i don't know how much validity there is....but that's floatin around

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I second that motion webofconfusion.

I'm not sure how many of you know how difficult it is to get chemistry right in a leadership group. Sanders failed in part because he wasn't ready/talented enough. The other primary reason was that the chemistry between him and Fulmer was a sweet tasting poison.

I don't think any of us wants a OC that CPF can or feels he must dictate to.

The OC has to be strong on discipline and execution. They have to be a good playcaller but also someone who can earn or already has CPF's trust.

Contrary to the moronic statements frequently made by folks who know very little about the game... there's more than ample opportunity within UT's current playbook to be as creative as a guy might want to be.

This might not be as easy as many suspect. No matter who they hire, we won't know how it works out until about this time next year.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator: Don't know about that one...Strange...I don't think the old ball coach will stay around there too long. What's the point? He doesn't need the dough and he is NOT gonna win big there.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those who mentioned Applewhite- he like their team had an up and down year. He looked brilliant against UT but not so much against several others including La Monroe.

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tommyjack

as i said, it's a rumor.

i personally don't believe it.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Alright,

99gator, you are obviously scared of my skills at successfully executing the "Hail Mary" 19 out of 20 times so I will withhold by application... for now.

What do you think of my other comments though? Do you think that these other cats would do the trick?

TommyJack, actually, I'll go to the jungle (kinda) next week. I'm cooped up in the city and dyin here!! What I wouldn't give to head up past Townsend, pay $7 for an innertube and drop in the cold Smokey Mountain water about 2 miles up the road. Ahhhh....

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I doubt Chavis would leave UT and even more that he would go to USC.

OTOH, if it is known within the program that TT is to be promoted then Chavis may be in a big huff.

Posted by pdhuff on December 14, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh how us heathern rage. Waiting on those new apple filled! Go Vols.

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

al borges is interesting.

norm chow's next job is as a head coach.

for me, i would try to get a coord from outside who could also bring some recruiting juice.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

iam4ua, The one thing I am NOT worried about is NCAA sanctions. By every unbiased report, UT is running a clean program within the rules... and even more ethical than the rules require in recruiting.

nick, if you get the job and run the spread option at UT, I may boycott football for 10 years... because that's how long it will take the cycle of your failure, the program's collapse, and recovery to run.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator,

I don't think i buy Chavis to SC. SC had a solid defense most of the year... pre Arkansas. Did Spurrier fire that coordinator?

Also, it is like you said about a lateral move. Chavis has been a TN boy forever. He will only take a Head Coach job... which he may one day... but I kind of doubt it.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on December 14, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Phil should get to decide whether to go for one or two after a TD and that's ALL"

While I agree that majority of play calling should come from eyes in the booth...the HC is the eyes on the field and has a better feel for the emotions and momentum and is an important communication link to the OC for that info. The HC should be providing critical input if not the final decision on any critical game situation...4th downs, special teams trick plays, situational strategy changes.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator,

disagree

agree

agree... unless Trooper is to be promoted and Chavis does quit. The DC position could be used to bring in the recruiting juice. They'd probably look south to perhaps a school with a two headed DC right now.

I have long been a Charlie Strong fan.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nick, Nix quit USC to coach at Ole Miss.

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nicksjuzunk

nix (old sc d coord) went to go work for houston nutt at ole miss. nix was a player at southern miss univ and worked there as well

Posted by 99gator on December 14, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

i left borges in the "interesting" category because i do not what kind of recruiter he is.

Posted by pjhaddix on December 14, 2007 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, forgive me if this has been asked and answered before...but your presence confuses me. You seem like a nice guy/gal, but why are you here? It was understandable before/after the UF game, but do you spend time reading all SEC papers/posts...or do you just like us best?:-) pj

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, if UT does go outside for a coordinator it would be very, very surprising if they don't look around Florida and Georgia first. They need those recruiting areas more than any others.

OTOH, Memphis is another area where they could use some big time help. In all of Tn, that seems to be the area producing the most D1 prospects... and UT does relatively poorly there most of the time.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18,

But the spread option is the only offense that will ever work in college football ever again. Every other form of offense is outdated and should be relegated to museums that smell like mothballs!

Seriously, the spread option is like the new flavor at the baskin robbins. Sure, it's got all sorts of weird exciting colors and candies and stuff... but after a while, you realize you just want some chocolate or vanilla.

I don't have a problem with our style of offense under Cut. It has and will get the job done. The spread offense will be figured out and defenses will adjust, just like we have to learn to adjust to Saban wearing a new logo every other year pledging his undying love to a city that he wants to raise his kids in.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator,

Thanks for the info on Nix.

Interested to hear why you think Borges is a plus.

Posted by gator4life on December 14, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack, The OC at Florida is Dan Mullen and has only been an OC since he came to UF with Meyer. I for one like young innovative assistant coaches, but you should expect them to move on & up to head coaches if you have success (which all of us want). While at UF, Spurrier had several DCs that went on to become succeful head coaches elsewhere...but usually brought in new blood to replace them successfully. Come on real Vol fans, can you really think Cut is wrong for taking a head coach job? Go Gators and we'll see you back up in Kville next Sept.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on December 14, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nicksjuzunk...LOL!!! You may be onto something...success at Madden video football on resume...that was a good one.

SJT is correct...our playbook has all the plays:

I formation, pro set, 3 wide, 4 wide, 2 TE, H Back, H Back + TE, single back, spread option...I've see it all. Actuall play mix depends on players and personality of OC/HC and apponent. A new OC could take that same playbook and emphasize more downfield throws, reverses, spread option plays, another OC might run a lot of counter trey and I formation plays with the occasional throw...it all depends, but nothing much missing in our playbook.

I remember when Walt Harris was OC for Fulmer and we were throwing it all over the place...throwing it some very good WRs with a dominating O-line.

Speaking of Walt Harris what about him as OC? Too much of the same? I just don't know much about his circumstances since leaving. I do remember some pretty good offenses under him at UT.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLinDAWGland,

I'll have to disagree with you about play calling unless the HC is a great offensive mind or he and the OC are on the same wavelength.

A good OC is like a good chess player when calling plays. They think many moves ahead and make moves with all sorts of contigency moves in mind depending on how the opponent reacts.

A HC in tune with the emotions on the field is often the last person who he should trust with a critical play call.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN, He may be confident he can win there... if he does, that may in fact help him get CPF's job when it comes open... which could easily be sooner rather than later if they don't make an incredibly good hire to replace Cut.

Posted by sjt18 on December 14, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Come on real Vol fans, can you really think Cut is wrong for taking a head coach job?"

No I don't. I just hate that he's taking one that is more likely to end his career than boost it.

Posted by TommyJack on December 14, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is beyond me to think that any coordinator would NOT want to be HC...Just the dough alone (not even factoring in ego) would be enuff. At Cut's age, 3-5 years at Dook should set him up.

Posted by tnbanker_govols on December 14, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've heard that same rumor about Chavis....don't know how true it is though. I really liked Cutcliffe but I believe it's his time to go. He's lost his effectiveness at UT and I think he realizes that it's his time to go,too. But hey.......we've all been screaming for change this entire season. Hopefully, this is just the 1st of many steps. I'm just curious to see who will be Cutcliffe's replacement?? Hopefully somebody that can bring a new flavor and some creativity to UT's flat and stagnant offense.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18: Very interesting thought on your 10:35 post. I don't know if that will happen but it is interesting.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on December 14, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yesterday, TouchdownTN and I kicked around the idea of Kippy Brown, who is the wide receiver coach for the Detroit Lions. He used to be on staff at UT.

Any thoughts?

Posted by alfrizzle097 on December 14, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just happy for the man. He achieved his dream when he went to Ole Miss.... but an athletic director that couldn't leave well enough alone had to hire Orgeron (insert jokes here). Best of luck at Duke, but he hasn't accepted the job yet.

As far as a new OC goes, we'll be hard pressed to find one as good as Cutcliffe. At the same time, Fulmer's loyalty to his coaching staff will make it an appealing job. I do like the idea of going after a younger coach. The program really could use some excitement. I just wish it didn't have to be at the expense of Cutcliffe.

Posted by russ on December 14, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe he will hire Fulmer as his O-line coach!!

Posted by shopsports on December 14, 2007