While David Cutcliffe was denying reports Friday that he had an offer to be Duke's next football coach, someone noticed his shoes.
They were white athletic shoes with royal blue trim. Hmmm.
A false lead, it turns out. Despite the color scheme the shoes were clearly adidas, Tennessee's brand. Duke wears Nike.
By tonight, Cutcliffe will be wearing Nike.
The curtain has fallen on Cutcliffe's Act II at Tennessee.
The man wants to be a head coach again. Wants it bad enough to take on the historic headache that is Duke football.
"I just feel like there's a lot left out there to be done,'' Cutcliffe said Friday when asked about his career goals.
That sentiment could also apply to his accepting a second tenure as Tennessee's offensive coordinator Nov. 28, 2005.
There was a lot left to be done after a train wreck of a 5-6 season that outlasted coordinator Randy Sanders by four games.
I remember Phillip Fulmer's words on the day he welcomed back Cutcliffe, his trusty offensive coordinator from the glory days of the 1990s.
"We didn't take care of the little things (in 2005),'' said Fulmer. "David has lots and lots of strengths, but that's one of them.''
Think what you want about Cutcliffe as a play-caller, but Fulmer was right. Tennessee's offense two years ago needed attention to detail and Cutcliffe provided it.
That's his legacy from Act II. He restored discipline to what had become a loose ship. It shouldn't be taken lightly.
After six years as head coach at Ole Miss and one more sitting on the sideline, Cutcliffe returned with some definitive ideas about what Tennessee's offense should accomplish.
The goal, he said, would be to score 30 points a game. The Vols reached that goal 15 times in 26 games under Cutcliffe.
That's 58 percent, hardly a staggering success rate. Consider, however, the 2005 offense scored 30 points only once, and needed overtime to do it.
The Vols' pedestrian running game improved only marginally on Cutcliffe's watch. Critics felt he sometimes abandoned the run too quickly and in hindsight, he might agree.
Sunday-morning quarterbacks also questioned the Vols' reluctance to throw down field and quarterback Erik Ainge's propensity to get rid of the ball quickly rather than allowing routes to develop.
Both were by Cutcliffe's design. Before you do good, first avoid doing bad.
One bad turnover cost the Vols a bowl game in 2006. Another was the backbreaker in the 21-14 SEC championship game loss to LSU.
Headliners that they were, those were aberrations in Act II. The offense Cutcliffe inherited offered up an SEC-high 27 turnovers in 2005. The Vols ranked third in the league in fewest turnovers in both of his recent seasons.
Whether it was turnovers, penalties or sacks, Cutcliffe's first mission was to take care of the little things.
Looking to 2008 and beyond, that offense is at a crossroads. Ainge, a four-year starter, will be gone. So, it appears, will be the coordinator.
With Jonathan Crompton, B.J. Coleman and Nick Stephens on board and an offer to Alcoa's Randall Cobb on the table, Tennessee has some intriguing quarterback possibilities over the next few years.
"I've already got a bunch of notes, a lot of stuff,'' Cutcliffe said Friday, still wearing his UT coordinator's hat. "We're just chipping away at the surface with the no-huddle.
"There's just a lot of things out there that are fun.''
Maybe he'll have fun making those notes come to life at Duke. The Blue Devils ranked 117th nationally in total offense this year.
Meanwhile, Fulmer has a critical hire to make. Unlike 2005, there's no slam-dunk candidate.
Fulmer's choice should reflect his vision of where he wants his offense to go, philosophically speaking.
Whichever direction that might be, the guy who steps into Cutcliffe's shoes would do well to remember this:
Take care of the little things.
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.
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Comments » 37
hdhurst writes:
I sincerely wish all the best of CDC and his family. Thanks for two good tenures as the OC of our UT VOLS.
With that being said, it is time for Coach Fulmer to make a statement hire, whether that being with a up and coming insider or someone from the Div 1 or 2 ranks. Either way, it is critical for CPF to get a hire to keep things moving in a positive direction--for both results and recruiting.
Coach Chavis finally got the secondary up to SEC speed in the later part of the year, and if we can get one of the QB's to step and take it, we may have a year to remember. Either way, it will be interesting to see how things pan out.
Good luck Coach Cutcliffe, now let's get on with this thing and see about reclaiming the EAST and overall championships. GO VOLS!!
Hunter writes:
Thanks for working to right the ship, Cut. Without you this year's time isn't even bowl-eligible. This puts us in a bad spot with current coaches. Unless we offer the OC to Trooper, he's gone. However, I don't know if he has any schemes to speak of. Might be nice to get Bill Callahan as OC as a first thought......Nebraska could score, they just couldn't stop anybody!
CrankE writes:
Best of luck to you, Coach Cutcliffe.
Now for Phil Fulmer. Hiring Cutcliffe only postponed the inevitable. You've had 2 years to think about it, you knew it was coming, who's your guy? The clock is ticking.
FWBVol writes:
Coach Cut, you will always be a Volunteer. You are one of the best, and sometimes, most underrated offensive minds in college football. Thanks for developing Andy Kelly, Heath Shuler, Tee Martin, Erik Ainge, and oh yeah, some kid named Manning that finally got his championship ring with the Colts last season.
You are a winner. Best of luck at Duke.
chrisw2967 writes:
Cutcliffe restored discipline just in time for Fulmer to destroy it once again.
I wish nothing but the best for Coach Cut. without him this year we dont contend at all for the SEC CG , probably dont win 4 games.
scvols writes:
I am a fan of Fulmer's, but I did have a problem with discipline. It is Fulmer's responsibility to make sure the small things are getting done and if Sanders was not doing that then Fulmer should had stepped in. This is a great opprotunity for someone to step up or in and Fulmer will fine him.
bedmagic_23#311856 writes:
Thanks, Coach Cut!! I'll definitely be up to your coaching clinic once you get going at Duke! I'm looking forward to going to UT's clinic and Duke's Clinic this year! Good luck!
On the other subject, there is a clear cut candidate to become offensive coordinator! Trooper Taylor is one the most accomplished, young, and up and coming coaches in all of America. I have met his in person and I am thoroughly impressed with the man. He absolutely will excell at anything he puts his mind to and he's been preparing to be an offensive coordinator for quite some time. Trooper will bring a great, detail oriented, innovative mind to the position. He will bring continue to permiate a sense of responsibility and accountability on offense that Cutcliffe has established. The only thing I would have to say as a current O.C. is Fulmer watch and advise only when needed. If you're going to give the man the job you have GIVE him the job in its entirety. The players on offense have to know that Trooper IS running the show and that is his baby! They can't think that they can take their gripes do you and have you sway Trooper their way! I feel that as the Dean of SEC coaches, you probably know that tidbit!
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
I never did think he was THAT good, everyone. The reason Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, Donte Stallworth, Al Wilson, John Henderson and others came to UT was Peyton Manning and the winning opportunities that would be made.. Manning was a recruiting magnet, hence Fulmer and Cutcliff success. Same way at Ole Miss with Eli Manning, others came because of the Manning factor. After Eli left so did the great recruiting and a dismal season, then Cutcliff's firing. Now he will need to land a top name quarterback recruit to come to Duke to attract others. It will not happen. Let me repeat, it will not happen. Cutcliff will fade into college football coaching obsecurity after his failure at Duke. Imagine, Cutcliff leaving UT on their threshold of it's first National Championship since 1951 and if i'm not mistaken Cut did not get a championship ring. NC seasons might only come once in a lifetime. Leaving for a program like Ole Miss. (knowing he has Eli Manning in his pocket.) And now Duke. Wow. Good luck and don't let the door hit you in the behind on your way out. Next!!!
OldNumber7 writes:
This is the toughest division in college football. The OC should be proven, well-demonstrated, and have a wealth of experience - not a nepotistic internal hire that will stay the course. A true leader and winner surrounds himself with better people than himself - it will be interesting to see if that happens, or if a nobody yes-man from within the regime gets the job.
Discipline is a subject CPF is responsible for ultimately. If it comes and goes with the OC, then there are obvious problems with leadership.
murrayvol writes:
tnman, Cutcliffe may well "fade into college football obscurity after his failure at Duke." Hell, Knute Rockne might have done the same at Duke.
If he invests well and monitors his spending habits, he will at least fade away with his larder full of cash and that is the primary reason for taking this gig.
He has made a difference at UT for the past 2 years (perhaps not enough for many among us but a difference nonetheless). As Mike says hiring him in 06' was a "slam dunk." His replacement is not a slam dunk and may well determine how long Phillip Fulmer remains at Tennessee.
eb502us#225637 writes:
While I'm glad Cutcliffe is leaving, I will agree that he did bring discipline to a team that sorely needed it. However, his predictable and consevative play calling only added to the difficulty of the opponent we were facing. I'm not really sure how much Ainge improved under his watch, given that most players improve naturally with maturity and experience. Ainge in my opinion, looked like a scared rooster in the middle of a cock fight, occasionally showing talent but little moxy. Hell, any offensive line could have given up the few sacks we gave if the QB is instructed to throw the ball away in the heat of the smallest pass rush instead of trying to make a play by hanging in there. And people wonder why we had the propensity to throw a 5 yd. out on 3rd and 10?
RemembertheAlamo writes:
Why is Kippy Brown's name not mention?
vol88 writes:
I like Cut (Good Luck)
But at the same time, I'm excited about the possibilities of going out and finding that young genius that could take over the program when Fulmer retires.
sstirrer writes:
What a twist: Just as former coach Cutcliffe happened to be around when a coaching vacancy occured, there is another former coach just moved back to town as this vacancy happens. "When Johnny comes marching home again, hoorah, hoorah......"
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Godspeed good and faithful Volunteer! Man the challenge ahead must be a relief of getting away from a view that never changes.
Never to be the Vols HC, you have always been a great offensive mine, even with marginal players and no defense to help you on field position this year.
As TDTN says, when 3-5 games at Dook and you'll be a hero. You can always call back to Knoxville for guidance on offense about the things Phil helped you with. Right.
Congrats again. I'll have a dozen cinnamon, please.
rab63 writes:
Hamilton found Bruce Pearl, maybe he could find us a new OC. Don't just leave it up to Fulmer.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Some people think you were a "mine", I thought you had a good mind. Oops. Too many glazed.
bigvoltrumpet writes:
WE NEED ANDY KELLY TO TAKE THIS JOB!!!
he has coached and played in the arena league, this totally different style of offense could be a breath of fresh air.
bring back andy, get him out of the dead end aafl job!
Pullingguard writes:
All the criticism of Cutcliffe will probably turn to mourning and hindsight appreciation for the man who brought Vols back from the brink of destruction. We all had moments of doubting his play calling, wanting more vertical passing, and in times of defeat finding blame... With all that said we will miss David Cutcliffe at Tennessee very much in a lot of different areas.. He was a strength for Fulmer and someone who was trusted as a friend by Fulmer. 2008 Season will be interesting with a tough schedule and several new faces installed within the coaching staff. Let's wish them luck, for it's now where Fulmer has to earn that 2 Million plus salary that he makes.. Choose well Philip.
gohawks1 writes:
I will miss this aspect of Cutcliff's effect on the team. Structure and discipline were sorely needed after he left. I work with young people in the education field, so I know what I'm talking about here. I hope that whoever moves in will be strong in this area, too.
TommyJack writes:
IPO: I'm afaid that the dicipline Cutcliffe broght will be the most sorely missed. We had some thuggish teams prior to Cutcliffe's return.
Ironcity writes:
I could see Walt Harris as the guy. Great offensive mind but not a good HC. Cutcliff saved Ainges career. He was done after his sophmore season. I thought he should have transferred he was so bad, however Cutcliff found the things that Ainge did well and had him stick to them. Was it predictable? Yes was it effective? Yes. Had we tried to throw down field, we would have likely led the conference in turnovers. If memory serves me right when Crompton played he threw the ball down field all the time. I believe coach Cut coaches to his QB's strength and isn't that what you should do?
agentorange writes:
recruit and run. no spread option.
invisiblekid writes:
"Fulmer's choice should reflect his vision of where he wants his offense to go, philosophically speaking." Fulmer had the chance to make this statement two years ago and he chose to "stay the course". I think those out there clamoring for a spread option attack or any other drastic change is in for a disappointment.
You can't argue with the overall improvement shown by the offense under Cutcliffe and I think his leaving will only hurt the program. That being said, Fulmer again has the opportunity to inject some new life into the program, I just hope he makes the most of it.
jeremy writes:
What will happen to the discipline coach cut restored now that he leaves. If TT gets the job will he maintain discipline or let the inmates run the asylum?
budrhon writes:
With Coach Cuts departure one has to wonder what this might do to current recruits especially if Coach Troop leaves as well.
tennisvol writes:
Good luck to Cut at Duke and thanks for helping the Vols over the last two years when they needed your guidance.
tennisvol writes:
Agree with some of the posts. Fulmer knew this would eventually come and I'm sure he was thinking ahead and has someone in mind. This will be a big decision for him and Hamilton.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Whoever takes the OC job better study up on our five to six basic plays. Also, he better be familiar with charts and "miracle" ten minute practice sessions. As long as Fulmer is there, it will be the same old bunch of phooey.
DennisVols writes:
It is good to see some of these names being mentioned.
This is probably the most important decision facing Fulmer and UT in quite some time.
The discipline that coach Cut reinstalled must continue. All the off field problems between 2000-2005 really showed during the '05 bomb.
Some fresh ideas are needed. While the spread offense looks good it also has some negitive points, like exposing the QB too often to injury. I would like to see a good balance of spread and smash mouth football at UT. It would be harder to defend than either style is by itself. Too much dependance on the spread show its weakness at UF and OU when their QB's got hurt. They both lost critical games which cost them their shot at conference titles. UT has a deep talent base and the proper scheme with the two systems could keep opponents defense's from being able to key on individuals which would really open up the field. We have QB waiting to play which have the ability to stretch the field. Continued development of our receivers can create that kind of target. Our good stable of running backs gives us the advantage over UF's system which caused Tebow to have to run often.
Would love to see an offense that can both strike quickly and also control the clock keeping the opponents offense on the sideline.
Go Vols!!!!
Choices and Consequences
VOLinDAWGland writes:
2 years ago Fulmer desperately needed Cut to repair the damage. The damage now repaired, this is indeed a great opportunity for Fulmer to hire someone who can continue the upward trend with some fresh thinking. Regardless of what many of you think, this offense does not need a massive overhall. It is a diversified, pro style offense. It needs great playmakers, discipline and great game planning.
If they're thinking succession in the next 5+ years than they're going to be choosing someone in their late 30's to mid 40's. Walt produced some awesome offenses his last time here, but he may be getting a bit old. He did coach the West Coast so may be able to bring in West Coast recruiting.
Fulmer's in a great position...Tennessee is one of the top 10-15 programs, runs a pro style offense, has good young offensive talent and is trending up...I'm sure he has a lot of excellent candidates to choose from. This is a critical hire for this program and for Fulmer's legacy.
southernACmavs writes:
Since Phill CREATED Football in Tennesee Why dont he call all plays? LORD i hope Chavis goes allso.
Huntingdonvol writes:
NORM CHOW
VOLinDAWGland writes:
News flash...Fulmer IS going to be here at least a few more years so if you don't like it then move along.
southernACmavs writes:
ONE MORE YEAR {NEWS FLASH} when a coach get on the hot seat they dont lose a championship and get off...When any coach goes 5-11 against there chief rival, {florida} They dont get off the hot seat. When a coach gets blown out to one of there oldest rival s that finish the year 6-6 they dont get off that seat...This is however a time when old phill could pump some life into a dieing program. Go out and get some new blood in our program, reunite the vol nation BUT DOES OLD PHIL HAVE THE GUTS??? PROBABLY NOT........... ONE MOR YEAR
southernACmavs writes:
chavis has the gut.....
todd#529269 writes:
I agree with bigvoltrumpet............bring back A.K.!!
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