ALAMEDA, Calif. — Interim coach Tom Cable lashed out at assistant offensive line coach James Cregg on Monday, saying he quit on the Oakland Raiders by leaving with two games left in the season to join former coach Lane Kiffin’s staff at Tennessee.
Cregg told Cable of his decision to depart the Raiders on Sunday night, telling him he was taking a job with the Vols.
“Quite frankly, I’m disappointed by all these things, mostly by the fact that someone would quit on this organization, this football team and this head coach at this juncture,” Cable said Monday. “It’s wrong.”
It’s the latest strike in the feud between Kiffin and Raiders owner Al Davis, which started a year ago when Kiffin wanted to interview for the head coaching job at Arkansas before finishing his first season in Oakland.
Davis tried to get Kiffin to resign in the offseason, but the coach refused. Then Kiffin spent the next months criticizing personnel and other decisions he said were made by Davis before getting fired Sept. 30 for cause.
Davis called Kiffin a liar at the news conference announcing the firing and said he would not pay him the remainder of his contract. Kiffin later filed a grievance to recover the approximately $2.6 million he was still owed under the deal.
Kiffin then was introduced as Tennessee’s new coach on Dec. 1 and now he has taken one of Oakland’s coaches away with two games remaining in the season.
“I think that’s the wrong way to handle things,” Cable said. “I think that anybody in their right mind would understand the college rules. They’re in a dead period starting next weekend. So James’ services are really only needed for the next five days, at which time we’ll be done in a couple weeks. In terms of that, if James wanted to take a position, he should have at that time.”
Cable said he was angry at Kiffin for taking a coach during the season, saying that he once had a lot of respect for him. He said he planned to call Kiffin to confront him on the issue.
“It’s wrong,” Cable said. “Wrong in this business, wrong in the business of coaching.”
A Tennessee spokeswoman declined to comment on Cregg’s apparent hiring and Cable’s criticisms of Kiffin.
Mark Jackson, who was brought in by Kiffin to be director of football development, also has left the team and will be paid for the remainder of his contract or until he finds another job. Cable also fired Kiffin’s brother-in-law, Steve Reaves, who had been an office assistant with the team.
Cable, who was offensive line coach before taking over from Kiffin, had shifted much of the day-to-day responsibility to Cregg as he focused on play-calling and running the entire team. Cable will now have to spend more time with the line, as well as on his other duties.
He said the linemen were particularly upset with Cregg’s decision.
“You don’t do that,” he said. “You never quit. You never quit, I don’t care what it is. You don’t quit.”
Cregg was one of three coaches who had worked with Kiffin before coming to the Raiders, spending a year together on the staff at Colorado State. Tight ends coach Kelly Skipper worked with Kiffin at Fresno State and special teams coach Brian Schneider was on the Colorado State staff with Kiffin.
Cable said he asked all his coaches if anyone else planned to leave and they all said they were staying for the remainder of the season.
Cable’s future status is in limbo as well. He has a 2-8 record since taking over Kiffin on an interim basis and has done little to warrant coming back next season.
“I’m just worried about today and the mentality and the mind-set of this football team,” he said. “My future will take care of itself. I’m a good coach. I want to be the head coach here. I will just leave it at that.”
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Comments » 167
yeavols#228407 writes:
Here's the article if your interested..
http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/20...
blitzshoot writes:
Good job Coach Kiffin. Who cares what the Raiders organization thinks....
floridavolsfan writes:
The "Soap Opera" comes east!! This fits right in with the Petersen's and Alimony-----welcome aboard.....
MrBamSeydu writes:
Tom Cable is apparently on his period this week.
TNisPeerless writes:
I'll be honest, I am not too fond of this maneuvering. I think Lane is feeling the heat with the recruits and forcing the issue. Was this a football decision or a screw you decision? I guess we know what's happening with Coach Adkins. Herbert sealed his fate it seems.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I hate to tell the Raiders, but like the Vols their season is over.
Can't believe they didn't see that big fork in their back.
Wish I had Al's $$$ though.
ncvol writes:
He had a point about quitting before the season was over.
Anyway, welcome to UT, Cregg.
Go Vols!
VolinBama writes:
It appears that Cable is okay with a coach getting fired a few games into a season, but not with one leaving with a few games left in the season. I guess it depends on what benefits Cable. Who cares about the Raiders anyway?
jfg1980 writes:
I love it. Screw the Raiders, Coach Cable, and Al Davis. If I were Kiffin, I would stick it to them anyway I could. If the team and organization didn't suck so bad they wouldn't be losing coaches. Just hope this guy is a good hire. Go Vols!
BleedOrange writes:
I guess the Raiders expect Kiffin to extend the same professional courtesy they gave him.
blitzshoot writes:
LOL...you got that right. Good to see Kiff get a jab in.
Oakland is a mess.
BleedOrange writes:
off stage: we hear a collective thank goodness from the UT locker room.
yeavols#228407 writes:
With the Auburn Nuclear Fallout, it wouldn't surprise me a bit that we picked up some recruits and a coach along the way. This is only to Tennessee's benefit. WOW..what timing! Thanks AUBURN!
jsm67vol writes:
I couldn't care less what layin Cable thinks about this. As for the raider player and his comments-- in case you haven't noticed your season is over. Keep your heads up raiders the bright sidee is youwill be top 3 in draft again this year. Maybe if you get enough 1st rounders your talent can overcome the inept organization though I doubt it.
bluetick writes:
Funny! ..and true
marinevol writes:
Could it be that Al Davis messed with the wrong guy? As I said in another post, I was very much against hiring Kiffin, but he is definitely winning me over.
Jamey1210 writes:
Well The coaches are starting to roll in. I just hope the 4 stars start rolling in too. I catch myself checking to see if we got any new commits every hour. If I was a highschool kid, I would definately be going to NFL U. Reciever U my a** you might as well call us NFL U. You heard it here first. GO VOLS
BillsBrother writes:
Reading between the lines, I'm not exactly seeing that we've picked up a rising star from the coaching ranks with this hire.
bluetick writes:
Put that in your pipe and smoke it Al! We all know you won't bend over backwards for Kiffin, but will you bend over forward? :)
cobbwebb writes:
james willis huh, is he kiffins 2nd cousin on his mothers side of the family or something! sorry fan4life, kiffin has his eye on his little nephew, blane kiffin whom plays qb in high school in minnesota, he will be our starter next year!
cltvol writes:
I would like to hear CLK's perspective.
jturne44 writes:
i hope the auburn thing is true and raymond really would come...that would be insane...kiffin can do alot with a 6'4" strong armed qb. plus alshon jeffery and marlon would perhaps follow...
cobbwebb writes:
other than monte kiffin, does anyone know jack about any other coaches on kiffins staff?
thevoice writes:
Really!!! Poor little ole millionaires. All of ya. Mr. Davis: what goes around comes around.
PreventUT writes:
"Steve Reaves duties included running copies and assembling playbooks." -- haha, OK, that gives UT 4 from the family.
Surfingvol writes:
good, lucky for them, the Raiders would ruin them
cobbwebb writes:
running copies, assembling playbooks.... coaching wide receivers, whats the difference? i wonder if momma kiffin knows anything about defensive backs? we have an opening!
PEYTONFORHEISMAN1997 writes:
I'm fired up about this coaching staff. Not only are we getting an NFL staff but a darn good NFL staff. This might be a rumor but I heard Kiffin was looking at Bill Calaham who is an offensive genious from the jets. He runs a pro-style spread offense that I think would compliment our players strengths. I know most of you guys are probably saying well Clawson ran the spread and look what that did. Clawson number 1 is not a pro coach and number 2 he was in over his head. Theres a big difference from play calls in D2 Vs. the SEC. Thats almost like Pat Summet trying to coach men's ball. It's just a completely different game. I do think that pro coach's translate really well to the college level. I just hope it's not going to be another Charlie Weis, we'll see. We need to give these guys at least 3 seasons. Even with a great coach it takes a while for the kids to get his system and for him to recruit the right players for his system. I'm confident in this hire and hope yall give these new coaches support. GO Vols
oldbasshead writes:
I don't know Kiffin, Cregg or Cable well enough to make any judgement on who's right or wrong. I suspect that Kiffin is feeling some recruiting pressure and needs to firm up his staff. However, something about this stinks, but I 'm not sure what it is. The thing that concerns me is, when the table is turned and push comes to shove and coaches are leaving UT instead of arriving, it sounds like there are people in this bunch who will do whatever they want and screw UT. I also am not completely comfortable with this family affair that Kiffin's got going on. Why would Kiffin senior leave the NFL to coach in college probably for less money unless he was ready to slow down or retire. I can't see him busting his rear coaching or recruiting.
JMP_Vols writes:
Bingo. Other than Monte, I'm concerned about these other hires. Reaves seems questionable to me. If he's recruiting, fine. If he's coaching our QB's, not so sure.
Oakland may have the worst o-line in the NFL. Guess the line play could only improve next year, maybe thats the silver lining.
cobbwebb writes:
not to mention he was benched !
zqvol writes:
Not a very classy move. This stuff is setting UT up for tampering charges and lawsuits.
Now, having said that I have no idea if it is a good hire or not because I have never heard of the guy.
I'm sure coach Kiffin will hire the people that he feels fit best in his system.
Good luck Vols.
VolinBama writes:
Read the comments from the Raider fans about Kiffin hiring away. Most don't blame Kiffin, the coaches leaving, etc. they all hate Al. The Raiders are a sinking ship run by a nicotine addicted gargoyle.
lovedaytk#234672 writes:
You can't judge Kiffin's recruiting prowess off of this year's class. Recruiting is about relationships, and he's done a fabulous job of rebuilding relationships instate. He's also done a good job of trying to establish relationships with current commitments. In addition, he's gotten some other schools' commits to take another look at us. Several of them are lining up official visits. These guys have always been a part of his plan. We are going to have a staff consisting of a lot of younger guys who have NFL experience. If he gets Skipper, that's a guy with 20 years of coaching experience at the ripe old age of 41. He was an OC and RC in the Pac 10.
zqvol writes:
Have I missed something? The only coach that has been announced by UT is Reaves. We have the hold overs but they are all gone in the next month.
Are any others actually on the payroll or is this just educated speculation.
Not saying any of them are bad, just did not know that UT had actually announced any hires.
cobbwebb writes:
dont get me wrong, im all for kiffin succeeding, however, other than monte, i dont see a coach in this whole bunch! what i see is a bunch of recruiters! we all saw what a top(2006) class(on paper) will get you without proper coaching, a losing season twice in four years! people on this site say fulmer outtalented teams in the 90s, what do you think kiffins offenses did at usc? kiffin better hope this guy can "coach up" an offensive line, and kiffin better get ready , cause he has his work cut out for him with our qbs!
VolinBama writes:
Kiffin looks terrified, "Did I just sell my soul?"
oldbasshead writes:
I hope you are right, but I can't see reputation alone being enough. If it was, other highly successful coaches wouldn't work so hard at recruiting. I can understand the part about wanting to help his son be successful and he knows anything about the current situation young Kiffin faces at UT, he will knows help will be drastically needed.
invisiblekid writes:
Cable is simply towing the company line. Odd considering that his boss didn't even know who he was moments prior to announcing that he had been named head coach. The real reason he is upset is because he knows he'll be looking for a job soon and was hoping he'd be considered probably.
Coaches quit and bounce around all the time. No one held a grudge against Cutcliffe when he left for Ole Miss, not seen much pissing and moaning from the Gators over Mullen getting another job, same thing with the Saints and Marrone.
Just another sad footnote for a third rate organization.
VolinBama writes:
Wow, maybe Kiffin should consult you on any future hires. It appears you have a handle on who the "real" coaches are v. the recruiters. I am guessing you might really not know too much about most of these guys other than the "full Monte" or what you read on KNS.
ncvol17 writes:
you mean like refusing to honor a contract once you fire someone? Davis trying to keep money contractually owed. he knows eventually he will have to pay it, just being a twit withholding payments.
Satan will be calling Al home soon enough...
RJ_Vol writes:
I have to say...That is probably the funniest first page of posts I've seen on this board in a while.
zqvol writes:
I read this, and I wonder where it comes from? I have not heard a darn thing that Kiffin has done since the press conference announcing his arrival.
I would love to know where people are getting the information about what he is doing, or whether they are just falling into the party line and accepting what someone says they heard from a fifth cousin four times removed about what he is doing.
I am not complaining because I am sure that he is hard at work, but I feel like half the pain on this and other boards is caused by a lack of any real information out of the Athletic Department.
I have never in over fifty years known it to be this quiet with real information.
cobbwebb writes:
thats my question zq, are any of these guys that are supposedely resigning at other jobs coming to tenn. for sure? does anyone know about these raiders coaches, is reaves a good qb coach(judging by usc qbs id say no)or is he just a recruiter? i have a lot of questions about our current situation as a program, however i will hold judgement until 2-3 yrs down the road!
volsfan33 writes:
Nobody for TN wants to play for the Raiders anyway. We have 5 wins and fire the coach! 5 wins in Oakland will get the coach a statue built in front of their crappy stadium!
VolinCalif writes:
He doesn't need to go out recruiting, his name will do that for him. Lane is putting together a great staff, if we aren't winners nest year it will be because of the players not the staff. I for one feel great about what is going on at UT. Go lane and Go vols
thirdsaturday writes:
http://3rdsaturdayinblogtober.wordpre...
JMP_Vols writes:
Well, I'm in Kiffin's corner 100%. Just voicing some concern. I really don't know a lot about any of these guys; my comments come from observing the teams/programs they're coming from.
Bottom line-he's the coach and he has the right to choose the guys he wants to surround himself with.
Lastly, someone previously mentioned Callahan as a possible OC. Very bad idea. I'll leave it at that.
cgbtn writes:
We'll have to see how these NFL coaches work out. Probably, the greatest coaching staff (on NFL paper) in the history of college football was Blanton Collier's staff at the University of KY. Despite the likes of Don Shula and others like him, they couldn't beat anybody but TN. But, they surely could beat us.
ncvol17 writes:
This is definately a home for the 'legions of the miserable'. Thank goodness there is a mix of some optimism added by others.
Coaches being dissed b4 their office chairs are warm. It seems like people actually thought Kiffin would come in and keep the majority of Fulmer's coaches. Virtually no coach does this, pro or college. We will have a new staff going in a new direction come January 2009.
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