Taylor talks with Howard

Howard athletic director Dwight Datcher said Tuesday he spoke with Taylor for more than an hour Monday about the vacancy.

Datcher, who received permission from UT to talk with Taylor on Thursday, termed their conversation an "interview," however Taylor has not been to Washington, D.C., for a formal sit-down.

Taylor could not be reached for comment, although he said last month he was "not even thinking about looking at another job."

Taylor, who turned down an offer to become an assistant coach at Texas following the 2004 season, went on to say he had received calls about jobs but that he was "not going to take a head-coaching job just to take it."

Cutcliffe did travel to Cleveland earlier this month to interview with the Browns, who contacted him after the Vols played in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1.

Cleveland interviewed six candidates to run its offense before hiring San Diego Chargers tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski on Saturday.

"They talked with me, and it was something I decided not to pursue," Cutcliffe said. "They’re a quality organization, good people and it’s flattering. But I have not pursued jobs, and I’m not pursuing jobs."

Cutcliffe’s name also surfaced in connection with the head-coaching job at North Carolina State after Chuck Amato was fired.

"There were people who showed interest in me," he said. "My decision’s been to stay at Tennessee, and I’m really happy about that.

"I’m very happy to be a part of the University of Tennessee football family. I’m dedicated to us being the best we can be. I’m very excited about the start of spring practice. I’m excited about the players we currently have. I like where we are and what we’re doing. I’ve said that all along, and I still feel that way."

Cutcliffe said he is excited about the 2007 season, so much so that he’s filled nearly three legal pads with ideas for his offense while on the road recruiting.

"I am pumped," he said. "I can’t wait to get started back with offensive staff meetings."

Whether Taylor is around for the beginning of spring practice on Feb. 22 remains to be seen.

Datcher said he’d like to have a coach in place by the end of the month, if not sooner.

"We have some deadlines we’re trying to meet and they have some recruiting deadlines they’re trying to meet, so we’re trying to accommodate everyone," he said.

Datcher declined to name the other candidates, but did say the list includes other Division I assistants as well as coaches from lower divisions.

Taylor is UT’s assistant football coach for player development and is one of UT’s best recruiters. He has been with the Vols since 2004 after stops at Baylor, New Mexico and Tulane.

Last spring he moved to wide receivers after spending his first two seasons coaching running backs.

Howard, a member of the I-AA Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, finished 5-6 last season.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.