New Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin confirmed the hiring of three assistant coaches, including his father, during a press conference Saturday.
Kiffin said his father, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, will join UT's staff two days following Tampa's final game of the season.
As previously reported, former Oakland Raiders offensive line coach James Cregg will join Kiffin's staff, along with former South Carolina assistant David Reaves.
Both those hires ruffled feathers in Oakland and South Carolina.
Asked about that Saturday, Kiffin said:
"I don't really care," "I'm not concerned about that. I got a job to do in our athletic department and that's to put together the best staff we can put together and the best players we can put together. I'm not really concerned about that stuff.
"If Steve's concerned about my test, I got 39 out of 40," Kiffin said, responding to comments made by Carolina coach Steve Spurrier shortly after Kiffin was hired about whether Kiffin had passed the required NCAA recruiting test before contacting prospects. "I'd like to see what he got."
Kiffin offered no word on the status of four assistant coaches under former UT coach Phillip Fulmer – Latrell Scott, Greg Adkins, Stan Drayton and Jason Michael – who have been recruiting for UT since Kiffin was hired Nov. 30.
More details later online and in Sunday's News Sentinel.
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Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 108
Alumni_06 writes:
spurrier should retire
TommyJack writes:
Good. Nothing wrong with a little tude out of our coach for a change.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Do you miss the "working like heck"?
govols87 writes:
come on Kiff...deliver us Billy Gonzalez.
Kiffin_fan writes:
I can't wait til spring ball starts. This is gonna be one hell of a ride this year and years to come..... Go Big Orange!!!!!!!
DAWGSSUCK writes:
Man, I hope we beat South Carolina next year. I have a feeling that is going to be a pretty tense game.
govols87 writes:
Griff...dig up some dirt in the AD on BGonz
allvol9 writes:
Awesome Lane. Spurrier needs to get off his high horse. Love the attitude Lane...Spurrier asked for it. Go Vols!
MarineDad writes:
News conference video:
http://www.cstv.com/allaccess/player/...
Kiffin_fan writes:
Thanks for the link....
TommyJack writes:
Not a particle.
carsontwin writes:
Man i cant wait til the 09' season! I hope we can go out there and play Tennessee Football like it is suppose to be played!
MrBamSeydu writes:
hahaha OH SNAP!!!!
Hey Steve-o, Kiffin doesn't want to hear your mouth and isn't gonna take it like Fulmer did. I suggest you shutup and worry about your own program, just like Kiffin is doing.
If South Carolina and the Oakland Raiders are THAT worried about losing coaches, here's an idea: give them a reason to want to stay there.
TheVolMan writes:
Exactly.
MarineDad writes:
I posted the link before I had the chance to watch it all the way through ... You gotta love his attitude, he doesn't give a ratz azz about what these other coaches say or do. When you're running toward the goal line, it slows you down to look back over your shoulder.
VolinCalif writes:
It will ! It Will! I saw him at So. Calif and Oakland. He's active you are going to love him. He has the Vol attitude. It's a little like the Raiders of Old, Davis should have shut-up and watched him go.
FullofMonte writes:
You guys haven't seen nothing yet. Once the coaching staff is final...and the recruiting for the next class done...we are going to see a whole new outlook on what Tennessee football is going to be about...no more play not to lose, we are going to play smashmouth football and we aren't going to worry about who the other team is...we need to make the other team fear us...not us be psyched out by who we are playing...We need to see UT play the types of games that have brought it to the top...like against Miami in Sugar Bowl, Michigan, Ohio St. and Northwestern in Cap One Bowl, and those past big wins at the Swamp, UGA, LSU and Bama. Lane will want nothing less and I know Monte would stand for nothing less from his defense.
gwbask writes:
No he shouldn't. Let's beat him a few times, then let him retire!
VolinCalif writes:
Watched the video, but for some reason can't get the Audio. tried all I know just no Vol on this report. any Sug?
southernson writes:
Spurrier knows whats coming, a big Orange beat down. Got to love it. ROCKY TOP
MarineDad writes:
Not sure, each time I click on the link I get the sound. Once the page opens, try refresh or move volume button to full volume.
Kiffin_fan writes:
I thought this was a kewl site, has nothing to do with this story but it's kewl...
http://www.myschooljersey.com/
southerntnvol writes:
I can't wait either. I will go to the Orange and White game so I can get to see all of this greatness unfold.
southernson writes:
By the time Tennessee is finished with the Lamecocks Spurrier will be able to whistle Rocky Top out of his Butt........... WHOOOOOOOOOO
southerntnvol writes:
And Saban isn't. Just what the Vols need. A deep burning fire of intensity!!!!!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
I THINK the Vols have the players already in hand to succeed in Kiffin's system. Yes, we are weak at QB, but all of those guys can throw a deep ball. The O-linemen, with coaxing and coaching, can run block effectivley.
Kiffin has a grace year, to a point. He MUST bring exciting football, and there MUST be a marquee win. Think Saban in 2007...Bama starteed strong, finished weak, but they got some big-deal wins...like Phil wimping out.
As with last year, when Clawson came in, I'm cautious. Spriong training WILL tell us a lot. It was pretty evident that Crompton sucked as a spread offense passer in the srping of 2008. 2009, we will maybe have a JUCO guy, or maybe some UT guy will steop up....or, we will all at least know what we DO NOT have.
Kiffin_fan writes:
Live interview with Kiff at halftime of the basketball game. 2:00 minutes left on the clock. UPN.
txvolsfan writes:
Works for Bruce Pearl
ncvol17 writes:
Spurrier has been kept low key the last few years due to production on the field. Let's keep it that way by beating hom and hoping all others in the SEC beat him. Send him back to the FLA golf courses feeling beaten down.
tigervol77 writes:
I live in the Columbia, SC area. I hate Spurrier with a passion! I am glad that we have a coach that will not put up with Spurriers mouth! GO ROCKY TOP!
chrisw2967 writes:
Kiffin standing up to Spurrier ? how dare him. You got to love it,sounds like Kiffin got some fire under him?
RJ_Vol writes:
"I'd like to see what he got."
...Now that's funny!
rockytopman writes:
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS....what would Fulmer had done? I like the fire, I think we're on to something good here.
southerntnvol writes:
I will give you that he is confident which leads to the ere of cockiness. IMO
LDDFC912 writes:
In Lane I trust. BOHICA!
DennisVols writes:
I like the boldness, the "In your face" attitude. His honesty is sometimes in your face as well.
Kiffin has been up front with recruits that he did not feel fit into the program he is going to install. I like that as well. Why waste a scholarship on someone who wouldn't be a benefit to the style of system that is going to be installed. In the end this will help in recruiting. Future players will know if Kiffin wants them he is planning on using them.
NoogaVol55 writes:
I think he meant you all will be playing in K-town in 2 years...not that Saban will coach here.
NoogaVol55 writes:
I like how he referred to M. Kiffin as Monte and not dad. Seems like he will keep it professional and we don't have to worry about family playing favorites or listen to father/son bickering. I also like when he said Monte will not follow him to a school that cannot have potential to win a NC. Finally, the best part was when he basically told Spurrier to F off.
Exciting times in Knoxville my friends (even you bama987)...exciting times!
southerntnvol writes:
We will just have to see how next year goes. I don't think we could turn it around in one year but I think we will improve. Bama will have to get a new QB up to speed plus maybe a RB if Coffee leaves early. Don't think Bama will be undefeated next year at the end of the season.
JTinCharlotte writes:
Kiffin interview
http://www.cstv.com/allaccess/player/...
route33 writes:
Spurrier sho wont like it, when CLK wears the visor!!
knucklehead_vol writes:
he said the d word....dynasty!
TommyJack writes:
Exactly. I don't see a total turn-around in 1 year. Competitive would be nice. Be nice hearing more than "we're gonna work our tails off to get better, dad-blameit".
CoverOrange writes:
C'mon, Spurrier asks a legitimate question three weeks ago and CLK's answer is printed now? I doubt Spurrier gives a riff. Nothing new here, move along.
TimboVols writes:
What question did you miss?
allvol9 writes:
Bama987 he is only giving cocky Spurrier what he deserves....he started it and Lane is finishing it. Go Vols!
JTinCharlotte writes:
Finally listened to complete interview. Like what I heard. He and Monte high on EB, someone to build the D around and use him in multiple positions. Also says he and his wife are down to 2 names for their new son, Peyton and Neyland. Good answer :)
madvillevol writes:
What's the chancs Gonzales comes gere from the gators?? I've heard alot of rumors is there any truth to em???
invisiblekid writes:
Agreed.
I'll stick with the Bruce Pearl model on this issue. If the opposing coaches are complaining, then Kiffin must be doing something right.
As far as Cregg and Cable's righteous indignation to his leaving, I'm sure he'll be looking for a job soon enough.
VolinCalif writes:
Thanks 92 , I tried both didn't work so I ran off to watch Vol BBall close game 79-77 Wheeee
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