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New UT head coach, Lane Kiffin, talks about his experience and growing up learning the game. Watch »
I learned the folly in evaluating coaches on a first impression a long time ago.
Thirty years ago, I covered football coach Steve Sloan's first press conference at Ole Miss. I combined what I saw and heard with his successes at Vanderbilt and Texas Tech and concluded he would return a mediocre program to its glory days.
His best record in five years at Ole Miss was 5-6.
In 1981, I covered the beginning of what was termed "the bold experiment." In an outburst of creativity rarely seen in college athletics, Notre Dame hired a high school coach to run its football program. Brilliant, huh?
But after watching Gerry Faust's first game at Notre Dame, my sarcasm gave way to the realization the Fighting Irish had uncovered the next Knute Rockne. Faust's team played with both passion and precision in handling a bewildered LSU team with ease.
It was a season opener. How would I know he was beating an eventual 3-7-1 team and outwitting a coach who would be fired even sooner than Faust?
The opener was as good as it got for Faust. He never won more than seven games in five seasons at Notre Dame.
Given those faulty predictions, I'm not about to nominate new Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin for the hall of fame after one press conference. But I am willing to predict without hesitation that if his offensive game plans are as spot-on as his press-conference responses, UT doesn't have to worry about its offense being ranked in the bottom five nationally on Kiffin's watch.
He hit all the right buttons Monday afternoon before he hit the recruiting trail.
He embraced UT's tradition. He appealed for the students' support and promised to give them something worth supporting. He honored his predecessor, coach Phillip Fulmer. He showed a sense of humor as well as sensitivity.
He said he thought about calling Fulmer for breakfast, then thought better of it. This wasn't the right time - just a couple of days after Fulmer's 17-year run as UT's head coach ended with a 28-10 victory over Kentucky.
Kiffin said that as he watched Fulmer being carried off the field by his players, he got "teary-eyed."
Just because Kiffin was an assistant coach at Southern California, don't assume this was a Hollywood performance. He's a football brat, having grown up the son of career coach Monte Kiffin, who's now the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Bucs and could join his son at UT. The younger Kiffin might be only 33, but he was born into the game. So there's no reason to think he couldn't relate to any aspect of it, including a veteran coach's emotional farewell.
That's probably all you need to hear about Kiffin's sensitive side. He's here to win games. And that's not a sensitive venture.
To his credit, he didn't dance around the issue. He didn't talk about trying to be a father figure or even a big-brother figure to his players. He talked about winning games - some way, some how. That means assembling an outstanding coaching staff and recruiting big-time players from anywhere in the country. That also means working long hours.
When Kiffin was 24, he signed on with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a "quality control coach." Don't let the title fool you. The job is a grind, entailing endless hours of breaking down video of opponents. Moreover, it was done at the behest of head coach Tom Coughlin, then regarded as the NFL's most unforgiving taskmaster.
With a job like that and a boss like that, days can turn into nights and back into days.
"You sleep in the office, or you get fired," Kiffin said.
There's a message in that for his players: You perform, or you lose your job.
Kiffin emphasized that no player's job was secure, that everyone was starting over. All new coaches might say that, but there was an emotional attachment to Kiffin's words.
"There's going to be highly competitive practices," he said. "(The veterans have) got to show us what they're going to do in the spring. Because in the fall, the first shot . . . I'm going to give it to our newcomers. We've got to find out if the great players we go and recruit can help us out right away."
That sends another message: Performance will override seniority.
What else would you expect from a 33-year-old coach, who was two years younger when he was named head coach of the Oakland Raiders?
His age belies his experience. He has been an offensive coordinator, a recruiting coordinator and an NFL head coach. He has worked for someone as cool as Pete Carroll and as crazy as Al Davis. And he has grown up under the same roof as one of the game's most renowned defensive gurus.
"What I remember is not what most of you remember when you were little," he said. "I remember a green chalkboard, chalk on the ground and plays everywhere. I remember weekends sitting in on team meetings when my dad was a coach back in college. It has been an unbelievable advantage for me - to learn football at that age."
UT athletic director Mike Hamilton viewed both Kiffin's experience and age as advantages. He saw a coach who had experienced college football at its best and pro football at its worst. He saw a coach with the youthful energy to chase down recruits from coast to coast and with the thoroughness to cover the smallest details.
"He's about being prepared," Hamilton said.
Kiffin's preparation showed Monday. He didn't just wing it. He consulted with Hamilton in advance. He did his homework.
And he won the press conference.
That's nothing like winning in The Swamp. But it's a good start.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxknews.com.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 71
SmokeDog72 writes:
Here's to the future!!!
vailvol writes:
what about cha kiff. bring it.
jsmithnga#207674 writes:
As I have said before, he was my first choice, but I support the program whoever is coaching. The one thing that galls me is the anti-Fulmerites that have spent the last 17 years badmouthing him and not supporting him are now the ones complaining about some of the folks that are a little slow to jump on the new bandwagon and suggesting they are not supporting the program (hypocritcal).
hotrodvol writes:
Kiffin will embrace the swamp, like Pearl will embrace going to play at Kansas. There is no fear, and they both want competion.
tenuscvol writes:
John: When you began with your opening question I thought: "OMG he is going right where he was asked not to go" but you hung a hard right and threw a softball....
At least you've learned a little in your many years..
Like I have been saying all along:
Lane Kiffen = Tiger Woods
Child prodigies who are very good at what they do and HATE TO LOSE under any circumstance...
The rest in the SEC East (and West) understand we will be back and with a vengence...
GoVols!
Good Luck Coach K.
SignalMtnVol writes:
Wow, I thought John Adams was 100% against Kiffin a few days ago?
stayingorange writes:
Kiffen's already made Adams better- can't wait to see what he does with the team. Let's put these words to action.
FedUpVolFan writes:
So nice to be excited again!
Go Vols!
FWBVol writes:
PLEASE people, his last name is K-I-F-F-I-N not
K-i-f-f-e-n. It is written in the story sevearl times.
That said, I'm excited about the hire. I just watched the press conference. He didn't just hit a home run with the conference, he hit a grand slam.
eutefan writes:
Two comments by Coach Kiffen that really impressed me:
"We're going to go to work";
and
"We'll get the ball in the hands of the playmakers".
Good luck, coach. Bring it on.
tenndave writes:
The pros can handle this kind of info but if Monte Kiffin is going to be our DC, it needs to be official. I was looking at all the defensive players on rival.com and noticed many of the top ten have Tn on their list and are still uncommitted. At least 2 or 3 in every defensive category. Lane cannot be telling recruits that the greatest defensive guru in the NFL is coming to teach them how to become great NFL players unless it is true, so announce it. We could make a haul on the defensive side quickly and I fuly expect him too.
As to the offensive side, I figure that keeping the 4 is i the plans because they each have a high profile recruit lined up that this would solidify.
I love his attitude that the best will start. No promises but just fact. If you are bettter than the senior, you start. SImple and physical.
Eric Berry has got to be extatic about the possible replacement for his beloved Chief and could be our defensive Heisman winner if Lane can pull off the offensive rebuilding quickly. But with Monte promoting him, his future looks even brighter which I am sure will help with his disappointement.
rkastens writes:
I'm excited about what Coach Kiffin will bring to the Vol football program. However, I disagree with Adams' assessment of the press conference. He said the right things, but the presentation wasn't much in my opinion. I lost count of how many times he said, "you know."
Certainly he is walking into a tough situation that in many ways is still raw with emotion. And he was given the keys to the kingdom on the heels of the ex-king walking out the door. All that to say he had to be nervous. Who wouldn't be? But after some of the press conferences he has had to stand in front of in Oakland and some of the pressure packed presentations he has had to make, I was expecting more from his "performance."
Again, I'm excited that he's on board and I am very optimistic about what he can do for our football team. And if he can recruit and coach the kids, no one will remember the press conference. I get that. But he didn't fire me up as much as I was expecting. I don't think he screwed it up, but I don't think it was as big a home run as Adams does.
ColumbusVol writes:
I think John Adams has a man crush.
TNVolAlumni writes:
Nah...Adams is in love with Kiffin. Until Kiffin figures out what a hack Adams is, then we'll hear the same drivel dripped all over Kiffin. Just wait until this poor guy slips up and shows that he's not the answer to everyone's prayers.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
geezzzzzz,rkastens, lighten up, a few "you knows" I'm sure were just nerves being a 33 yo being inaugurated into one of the top coaching jobs in the county with all this attention upon him-------give the man a break--you want a good football coach or a public orator----the guy was natural and came off as a real genuine person---IMO I liked him but each to their own opinion
dave1#220678 writes:
Trouble with Stevie Spurrier already. Did not take the new guy long to get the Visor paying attention to him:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football...
Hope someone told him about fritters too!
MrBamSeydu writes:
Here's to LANE KIFFIN!!!! The REAL "Future" (that was a shot at Kelley Washington, who noone probably even remembers).
McMinnVol writes:
I was somewhat disappointed when Lane was announced as the next coach. But that press conference really fired me up. I thought he did an outstanding job. As previously mentioned, the "you know's" and "OK's" were probably just nerves. I believe he will convince some on-the-fence recruits to jump on board in this year's class.
Orangeblood13 writes:
let's hope so, just because you can X & O doesn't mean you can coach on the field. Trust me, I hope so, but he's got Crompton, Stephans and BJ for QB's. Hope he's got an Ace in the hole, cause these 3 are jokers.
TommyJack writes:
Rkastens: Good grief man. He wasn't auditioning for Secretary of State.
chrisw2967 writes:
how can you not be excited ? I think this team will be fun to watch from now on.
Kiffin will bring us a fresh new look and something to get excited about.at least he sounded confident and that whats been missing for a long time.
well looks like Fulmer isnt going to Clemson , Dabo is the man there.just seen it on tv
BillsBrother writes:
The game is beginning to pass by ole Steve. But he still has the sharp tounge...
DennisVols writes:
The Old Ball coach better learn to keep his thoughts to himself concerning NCAA rules. Kiffin took the test weeks ago and all Spuirrer did was create a riff that will come back to haunt him.
Kiffin's attention to details came out in his press conference and he doesn't let anything get by him.
Better enjoy this years win coach Spur. it is going to be the last one you get against UT.
Irwin_Linker writes:
In other news on this exciting Monday. The rumor is Chris Peterson made his way to Starkville today to take a look at the facilities and what not.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Lane passes test 1, getting Visor to run his mouth.
Gotta love that.
King30 writes:
I imagine a few "you knows" could be expected after spending two years with professional athletes.
Great first impression Coach. And now that you're in Tennessee, you have to get at least one "git er done".
So GIT ER DONE coach!
RTYAB!
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
Does Florida have a site for basketball? I was going to get on there and remind them who Billy D's Daddy is.
sectionOMan writes:
should be an interesting year.....I think people will be shocked at the results of the recruiting class. Looks like Giles is back for sure and Taj may be back too.
Move over Spur, there's a new visor in town!
knucklehead_vol writes:
i just met the man..we went to see marlon brown play b-ball, he had a crew with him. great attitude, asked me what i thought about the press conference, i gave him a thumbs up, we brought up the florida and he smiled, he is confident thats for sure.
DroopyDrawers writes:
John Adams is 100% against anything. I don't read his articles but the responses. SSDD! Fire Adams! Hope people get tired of his negativity.
Tuscaloosa John, please leave!
tenuscvol writes:
I didn't notice...
But, you know,..I wasn't really paying attention...
you know?...
rkastens writes:
For the most part I'm right there with you. Even in my comments I admitted that he was in a tough situation and was probably very nervous. Who in their right mind wouldn't be? And I also said if he recruits and coaches well no one will remember or care about the press conference. Like you I also thought he came across as very genuine.
I'm not down on him by any means. I'm pumped he's at UT. I just thought he'd be a little more polished in his presentation.
I thought it would be okay to submit an honest opinion in this forum and then RichRollin labels me a "HATER?" Wow, "you know," that seems a little strong.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
i agree thats overstating it--dont consider you that at all-
NoogaVol55 writes:
All I heard was every player must fight for a starting position...which means Crompton, who would be starting under the previous staff, will be filling water bottles and wont be scrambling for first downs on 3rd and 22 when he has 3 open receivers 30 yards down field.
Oh yeah I also head we are going to beat UF next year then I blacked out for an hour or so due to excitement
thevoice writes:
Maybe Berry could be our DB player/coach. That would free up some bones for the incoming coaches.
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
Kiffin's saying all the right things in the press conference, but am I the only one concerned about the rumored staff he's putting together? Ed Oregeron and Bill Callahan are jokes after the way they destroyed once proud programs at Ole Miss and Nebraska, respectively, yet both have been mentioned as strong possibilities for assistant HC jobs under Kiffin. The rest of his staff looks like he's just hiring his relatives, regardless of whether they can coach or not (ok, so his dad's a great coach... his brother in law and little brother haven't done anything). Who's going to be the one to develop all those big time players Kiffin promises to recruit to Knoxville?
Also, did anyone else notice that when they asked him about the offense, CLK just spouted off a bunch of cliches and called the USC offense "my offense," as if he's the one who designed it? That was Norm Chow's system that Kiffin inherited, and Chow had some criticisms of the way it was run! He was also saying, almost word for word, the things Clawson said when he was hired last year!
I want Kiffin to be successful and return the program to where it rightfully should be, but so far the only thing he's proven is that he's good at selling himself. There's a reason the Oakland Raiders beat writers praise him more for his political and sales skills than what he's done on the field. It remains to be seen how well he can run a team, or even an offense, when he's the top guy. I hope he proves me on, and so far he's carrying himself well, but the more I look at the behind the scenes stuff that's leaking out of Knoxville the more I think this is going to blow up in our faces. So far he reminds me more of Rick Neuhiesel when he started at Colorado than anything else. Lots of hype, but in over his head. I wish him well and pray that he gives me the chance to eat crow.
asleep#212036 writes:
I thought Clawson was a mistake although I was impressed with his credentials. Installing a spread offense requires more than chalkboards and playbooks-you need players, players that we, in hindsight, just didn't have. Fulmer should have known that, as should have Clawson, and it cost them both their jobs. This is different. Kiffin will run something much closer to what Cutcliffe ran and we do have the personnel for that. Still could be a mistake, but not one we necessarily should have seen coming.
asleep#212036 writes:
Orgeron doesn't really bother me as long as someone is willing to housetrain him. He's known as a great defensive line coach and recruiter. Look what Nutt has done with his players at Ole Miss. Callahan scares me. His offense at Nebraska was way too complicated, much like the problem we had this year. If he comes on, I see problems ahead but again, as a coordinator he may work out fine, as long as he isn't the HC. Kiffin definitely sells himself but so did Meyer, Saban, and Spurrier. If he can have their successes, I will allow him the arrogance. Go Vols!!!
GR82BaTennesseeVOL writes:
What exactly WAS John Adams' question (and what was he NOT supposed to ask), for those of us unable to witness the press conference?
SignalMtnVol writes:
Has anyone else noticed that John Adams looks like Dr. Zachary Smith, the bad guy from "Lost in Space"?
vut56#231073 writes:
First, Mr. Adams crediting the "first win": This is columnist 101. Place the subject on a throne and have a life time of material when same subject fails to find the Holy Grail. Win-win for Adams. Seen that before?
For those who were dissapointed with the "performance," I can address that from experience and training: Somewhere between Corso/Holtz and Belichick. I could list a host of technical errors that, were this a speech contest, would sharply lower the score. This is not a speech contest, however.
The point, always, is whether or not the speaker conveys his message in a way that is understood, believed and accepted. While the press always has the final word, the alumni want to be entertained, the fans want a good show (always winning, of course), what is important is whether or not the current players and potential recruits BELIEVE Kiffin. If the KNS was on their toes, we should already be hearing reports of the REAL reception given New Coach by his team.
Not a spellbinder; I do not remember a Tennessee coach in the last sixty years who was. If his players believe him and he keeps the program clean...he can be a winner. That is really all that is important.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
looks like Adams' is coming out of his shell. Hard hat and all. The ole bunker mentality is gone.
OrangePossum writes:
Thanks for the lesson and by the way, it's spelled HAVEN'T!!
tntorbett writes:
From a legal standpoint it can't b e announced until Monte's contractual obligations are fulfilled. As he said in the press conference: Give Him Time! It will be worth it. Don't worry about recruiting he knows how to do that. Go Vols! Welcome to Tennessee Coach Kiffin & Family!
Lofton4Three writes:
I wonder when Kiffin made the comment that there were no starters on this team that everyone had to EARN their plyaing time, if Crompton dropped his crayons? Surely that got his, and his terrible 'stache's attention...
Seriously, I will know Kiffin is the real deal for sure when he puts our so called 4* heralded HS QB in charge of carrying the gatorade. We can't have a qb who has a stache that looks like he won a best supporting actor award in "Debbie Does Dallas."
orangeinbama writes:
We can't have a qb who has a stache that looks like he won a best supporting actor award in "Debbie Does Dallas."
LOL!!! Now thats funny....... :O))
ScoobyDoo writes:
I had been trying to forget for years... thanks for the reminder, I think I just threw up in my mouth.
SignalMtnVol writes:
lol @ Kelley Washington. He and Casey Clausen and their me me me attitudes are what really shot the Vols in the foot back then. I think that was the start of the downfall of discipline with the Vols. Fulmer should have gagged and hog tied him anytiime the media was around. In his defense, though, he always had something interesting to say . . sadly, he was kinda like Terrell Owens
SignalMtnVol writes:
By the way, +1 on the porn 'stache observation. Boy, Crompton and Luke Stocker look ratty as hell. Like Joe Dirt with shoulder pads lol
KENVOL writes:
Hugh Freeze is probable more responsible for the talent at Ole Miss than Orgeron. Just look at the job he is doing at Lambuth.
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