Dickey leaves UT as director for football operations

A native of Haven, Kan., Dickey will leave UT at the end of the month to become a regional accounts manager with Action Sports Media, where he'll manage media rights for Oklahoma State.

Dickey came to Tennessee in 1993 as a graduate assistant before becoming the coordinator of academic programs and associate director of student life.

He left UT in 2001 to become director of football operations at Ole Miss while Vols offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe was head coach there.

In 2003, Dickey returned to Knoxville to take his current position, which involves oversight of the program's administrative duties, management of compliance issues.

Dickey also directed postseason planning and preparations, approved scholarships and the distribution of funds.

Pope Has Surgery: Freshman offensive lineman Cody Pope underwent surgery Friday to repair a broken bone in his right foot.

Pope, who signed with the Vols in 2006, will miss spring practice.

Pope was released from UT Medical Center on Friday evening and head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh said he expects Pope to be fully recovered by fall camp.

UT starts spring practice Thursday.

Cowher Featured at Clinic: Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher will be the featured speaker at this year's Tennessee Football Coaches Clinic.

Cowher, who led the Steelers to a victory in Super Bowl XL, will deliver a lecture March 23. Other speakers at the clinic include Cutcliffe and UT defensive coordinator John Chavis.

For more information, call 865-974-1247.