The State newspaper is reporting that new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin has offered a job to South Carolina strength coach Mark Smith.
The newspaper said Smith told South Carolina athletic department personnel he planned to leave.
Smith declined to comment when approached at the Gamecocks' practice Friday afternoon, referring questions to coach Steve Spurrier, the newspaper said. Spurrier said he would address Smith's status on Monday.
Smith's addition to Kiffin's staff would be the second coach raided from Spurrier's staff.
Kiffin already has added his brother-in-law, David Reaves, who was quarterbacks coach for the Gamecocks.
Smith, whose salary at South Carolina is $140,000, reportedly has been offered $200,000 at UT, according to the newspaper.
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Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 158
govols87 writes:
gettem
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
If he's going to get guys like that, I hope they're better than their results looked like.
jpmoney writes:
Herd the same thing from my boss this morning, he is a USC booster. I guess some of those guys do know what is going on in the program.
agarn59 writes:
You think CLK is getting under visor boy's skin?
Go Vols!
IdahoVol writes:
Whether you liked Fulmer or not, you have to wonder what he could have done with the money they are throwing around on assistants these days. Chavis still would have been here, and worth whatever they would pay him, but maybe we could have had top notch offensive and strength coaches.
cterblan writes:
Am I missing something here...Is South Carolina all of a sudden a power house with an all-star coaching staff???
What gives???
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
Why are we taking people from South Carolina? If we are trying to become South Carolina then we should have kept Phil Fulmer. What a crock. I do not understand this garbage. What is on his resume? I would rather have pee wee herman.
NoogaVol55 writes:
I think this coach has been with Spurrier since is UF years, and also went with him to the Redskins, and finally to SC....word on the street...This guy is good.
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
Maybe this is just another attempt at getting under Stevie's skin? I don't get it.
ncvol writes:
Hope we end up with the right people to lead us to victory.
Go Vols!
allvol9 writes:
I don't know why anyone would be upset about this guy. He has a tremendous reputation and should be an upgrade for us no doubt. And if it gets under Spurrier's skin....then it is a double win. I love it.
MarineDad writes:
Gamecocks' Rivals site says that Smith's departure to Tennessee was confirmed after their bowl-prep practice this afternoon. Smith isn't just some USC bumpkin like some think ... Florida, Redskins, Saints, then USC. LB & Team Captain at NC State in the late 80's. Although he was there after CMK's stint as HC, possible link to CLK. Besides, stickin' it to the Ol' Ball Coach is always a good thing!
Caspian writes:
I would rather NOT have Pee Wee Herman. The "word on the street" sounds pretty good. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say I bet Kiffin knows what he's doing. And getting under visor boy's skin as a bonus. Part of the reason Fulmer didn't get this kind of money to "throw around" on assistants was due to the fact that he probably didn't SELL the idea to the administrators with the purse strings. The new guy represented a new approach and sold the idea in a dynamic and strong way.
newtonrail writes:
I too don't know what it would have done for Fulmer to get this kind of Budget, but as contributor it's getting silly. We are now at 7 years they won't fix a dang paper towel dispenser in Men's Rest Room, Section Q. My seats are grandfathered, although I contribute to get parking passes and BB season tickets. But I can't afford the $10,000 seats with new rest rooms. The point of this rant is to not waste money. I'm afraid with a non progressive pay scale under Killer Kiffin, we will throwing away money. The President and VP's are turning in cars and taking a cut. I know it's separate, but folks one one of the biggest reasons that attendance, pop corn sales, etc, were down at football games was the Economy. $4 gas kept people home. Thank goodness it's down now so I can afford to drive to BB games and see my mother at the same time. People this economy will affect attendance at all sporting events, whether NBA, MLBB, or NCAA Sports. Did we really have to pay $200,000. for Strength Coach? Mark my words: Non Progressive pay scales will cause problems. There was jealousy when Trooper Taylor got a little more title 3 years ago, and bump in pay over other assts.
newtonrail writes:
I intended to add that the product one the field had something to do with people staying at home also.
highVOLtage writes:
For the people questioning the hire, who do YOU think are the best S&C coaches available and why? Or do you pretty much have no earthly idea? Smith will be a definite upgrade from the previous UT S&C coach.
orangecountry21 writes:
You mean the idiot waving the towel and trying to be Trooper Taylor during the Vol Walk?
VOLS71 writes:
Another thing is, Spurrier probably has a good staff, and I think, he is still a good coach. He just doesnt have the talent at South Carolina that he was able to get at Florida. He has actually done a pretty good job there considering.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Actually, this is been a rumor all week long, so it's not surprising that your boss had heard about it.
Sometimes KNS is on top of stories, and sometimes they report it days after it reported somewhere else. You can't expect a bird to catch the early worm every time, I guess.
NorthwestVol writes:
Yes, you are correct; I have no earthly idea who might be the best choice. But I still question why if South Carolina had a top quality QB coach and S&C coach along with Spurrier as HC, why have they been so gosh darn average? What was dragging them down? On the other hand, is this another reach out to the extended Kiffin family?
Hope springs eternal, but I'm concerned Kiffin may be going for the familiar rather than the best.
Maverick1921 writes:
Would you mind picking my lottery numbers for me???
andy112382#209793 writes:
Here is an interesting site with some SC fans talking about him before this announcement was made:
http://www.cockytalk.com/showthread.p...
andy112382#209793 writes:
Oh and some more history on him:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec/0-3-13...
TommyJack writes:
I'll tell you what FHCPF would have done. Nothing.
Caspian writes:
Your reasoned analysis has won me over. You're probably right. You had me when you refered to the UT athletic director as "Hammy". No one at Neyland. Program broke. Makes sense.
MarineDad writes:
Any of you folks doing all the whining do any research before spouting off about this hire (e.g., checking out Smith's background, determining if this hire not only meets or exceeds the requirements but also fulfills the need to fill coaching vacancies with qualified minority candidates, competitive salaries etc.)? In addition, the Strength & Conditioning Coach Job posting on the NCAA career site states that the salary is "open." Looks like both parties agreed on what "open" means.
http://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobdetail....
max357_2000 writes:
They kicked our butts didn't they! Ps. Fulmer's gone get over it.
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
The people on thestate.com are laughing at us for this hire. Why in the world would a program like Tennessee be chasing the after-thought Steve Spurrier's staff? It doesn't make much sense to me. Thanks for the props realityinknox. I just don't get it. We are becoming even more of a laughing stock by raiding the Carolina staff. Who's staff is next? Furman, Florida A&M or will it be one of those western schools due to Kiffins connections like maybe a Stanford? Can't Monte get us somebody else?
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
That has to be some sort of joke. Has the University of Tennessee really started advertising job openings for the football program on the internet? In the past people would have lined up for a job at Tennessee. This is getting really sad. Maybe this guy from Carolina was the best we could do?
west_tn_volfan writes:
Good post. Looks like he gets results.
khelton657 writes:
Announce your arrival, then go get 'em..ya gotta love it....
The_Mayor writes:
BristolVawl. We'll give you a do-over on that last sentence.
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
Well after seeing that I'm not so disappointed. That guy is a beast. I hope Kiff can find somebody to block him.
highVOLtage writes:
"What a joke. SC doesn't have any lineman that physically dominate at the line."
Well, apparently neither does UT. Have you watched any games the last few years? How did SC do against UT this year? The ignorance and hand-wringing of some fans is amazing.
This is better than what UT previously had. Just how much better remains to be seen in the years ahead. I'll withhold judgement until then.
MarineDad writes:
It's a state job ... meaning that they have to do their "due-diligence." You know, Human Resourses CYA junk. You really didn't think CLK was gonna sit around during the dead period reading a thousand resumes to fill the job, did ya? You crack me up.
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
Rich take it easy.
MiserableFloridaVol writes:
Spurrier is going to be gunning for us for sure. I love that we're shaking things up. This is good stuff.
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
Take it easy everybody. I changed my mind after seeing the post above. The guy must know what he is doing. After all as Adam's pointed out Kiffin is going after former NFL guys and the guy from Carolina fits the billing.
The_Mayor writes:
dayum dood, you're a tad excited this evenin, aint ya?
highVOLtage writes:
Of course job openings for the football progam are advertised on the internet. The head coaching position was as well (I bet you didn't know that either). All University job openings are posted publicly, as required by policy. I would suggest educating yourself in the future. BTW, reportedly former Vol (and current S&C coach for the Cleveland Browns) Tom Myslinski showed interest in the position but was not offered.
MarineDad writes:
The "Ready, Shoot, Aim" philosophy at work.
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
The post above is what I was talking about. The only thing that went through my mind earlier was somebody else from Carolina. So yes, Vol 92 my philosphizing is a little skewed, not only because of the Carolina deal but this Vodke is gettin' to me. I just as much as you just want the Vols to win.
MarineDad writes:
Dude, I'm with you - I want to see UT win with every ounce of my being. I have learned the hard way over time that being positive about change is the best option. Unless you are an Auburn fan ... LOL
The_Mayor writes:
But think of yourself as the sacrificial lamb for John Adams. You've given him his next story: "FULMER'S LACK OF DISCIPLINE CAUSES KPD BACKLASH - WREAKS HAVOC ON INNOCENT KNOXVILLIAN DRIVERS"
allvol9 writes:
What are you talking about...Mark Smith is black. And from what I have read about him he is fantasic. I don't care where we got him from.....he is very respected in his field. Great hire.
Louisvol8859 writes:
Mark Smith was also the S&C coach at florida when they were beating us in the 90's. This is a good hire by all accounts.
The_Mayor writes:
i was just messin with you.
highVOLtage writes:
Drop the act please.
Vawlfanpreandpost writes:
Watch out for those KPDers on motorcycles they will get you everytime, at the least expected time. It's like ah just cruised onto 40 doing 75 and the KPDers motoricyclists are right around the corner shootin' ya everytime in the most remote location because they can weave in and out through the traffic that was doing the same speed you were when you got clocked. Gotta watch for those bikers on 40.
ChuckG writes:
BristolVawl :
Maybe you should place a post-it on your computer that reminds you not to post after you have imbibed alkeyhaul, because you really come off as a complete idiot in your post. Why don't you let the guys getting paid the big bucks make the decisions and wait and see the consequences of those choices prior to making your inane observations fodder for public scrutiny.
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