Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP.... Is this good enough?

Posted by scttmcdonald on January 4, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A Chattanooga paper broke this story 9 hours ago:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolut...

Good job KNS!

Posted by voldude on January 4, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cignetti is a better fit for the program than Brown anyways.

Posted by kaplan on January 4, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The News Sentinel reported Sunday that Cignetti would interview in Knoxville this week.

Phil Kaplan

Posted by juicetke on January 4, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe you should explore all the facts before you start calling people out. I understand you are in Chattanooga and don't know everything that gets in the media in Knoxville which is more of a reason to not go talking about something you know nothing about. This is pretty old news amongst tv and print media in Knoxville.

Good try though mcdonald.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CPF reportedly said he wanted to hire someone who challenged him... a guy who thinks you are supposed to score 50 every time out... would certainly do that.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

phil kaplan... I don't know exactly how the food chain works here... but Wes Rucker is a much better writer/reporter than several guys that write here.

Posted by scttmcdonald on January 4, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll take my lumps with pride. I thought it was odd that I was reading it in a Chatty paper then came here and it appeared to be new news. Sometimes its tough to be an out of state Vol fan.

Posted by juicetke on January 4, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's the beauty of the internet. no matter where you are you can keep up with the Big Orange.

utsports.com
here
wbir.com
volunteertv.com
tennessean.com
volquest.com

Posted by juicetke on January 4, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you can get Fresno State in the Top 10 nationally in offense you must be pretty good. Am I wrong? Of course the competition probably wasn't that good but neither was his talent.

Posted by jobrando on January 4, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wondered why the Nashville paper ran this story this morning and these reporters ran nothing

Posted by D_in_Iraq on January 4, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

scttmcdonald,

Thanks for sharing the Nooga Paper Article... Sounds positive when ready about Morley and Faison.

I was skeptical of Morley, but if he worked long hours at a restaurant and made his way through CC, then he has shown me that maybe he has grown up and taken the initiative to do the right things and rejoin the Vols...

Re: Faison.... Well, I like athletic 6'1 200 lb DB's that have some maturity too them. Sounds to good to be true, but hoping he can contribute in some way next year. If he is indeed the hitter they have said in the past, wouldn't it be nice to see him bulk up some and become one of those typical speedy UT LB's...!

Go Vols...!

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

juicetke, Yes and no. The WAC is horrible and has been for awhile. They don't play D.

OTOH, he did it consistently while there. He had extreme success... and he did it against FSU's OOC opponents too.

The two things that probably impress me as much as anything are that he turned Brooks around while with the Saints and put 42 points on the 2005 USC Trojans. Only ND (31), Texas (41), and Fresno St (42) are the only teams to score over 30 on USC that year.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Faison at S sounds better... baseball players anticipate and have to have a great first break on the ball. Apparently he has that in abundance.

Wherever he plays that maturity would have to be an asset.

True what D_in_Iraq said about Morley. He could have given up. He could have gone to a mid-major and had draft possibilities by now. Instead, he showed good determination to play in orange again.

Posted by spam247buster on January 4, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a better feeling about this than when I heard Hyams last Sunday mentioning Greg Adkins as a serious candidate for OC.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Adkins might be a great candidate... but I don't want to see that happen because of the indirect effects of another internal promotion.

Posted by 55Vol on January 4, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

spam..Hyams was on the " The Zone " this morning and said he talked to Fulmer this week. He specifically asked him if Adkins was being considered for the OC and Fulmer said a straightforward "no". From all reports, Fulmer is playing this one close to the vest. Hubbs on Volquest reported this morning he is frustrated by the lack of information flowing about the OC search.

Posted by jsc1973 on January 4, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The WAC doesn't play defense, but Cignetti's teams at Fresno State scored on everyone they played against, including teams from BCS conferences who they usually defeated. And he did all of this with Paul Pinegar as his quarterback. I haven't seen Paul Pinegar in the NFL. I hope Fulmer brings this guy on board, and soon so our guys can start learning the new offense.

Posted by VolnDothan on January 4, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On paper Cignetti appears to be a decent OC candidate. SJT18 wrote above that Fulmer wanted an OC who would "challenge him"? I don't know where that quote came from but doesn't sound like the coach I know! Not saying it isn't true, it just doesn't sound like a Fulmer comment. My opinion is that he's looking for a conservative play caller that'll abide by his standard "run-run-pass-punt" philosophy.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 4, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"My opinion is that he's looking for a conservative play caller that'll abide by his standard "run-run-pass-punt" philosophy."

Many of the criticisms leveled at the coaching staff are valid, but this isn't one of them. I believe if you go back and watch the games of this season, you will see a good mix of run-pass on first and second down. In fact, the run-pass mix was 459-534 in favor of the pass.

Posted by volfaninitaly on January 4, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

His brother is on the staff in Tuscaloosa?

Posted by tnbanker_govols on January 4, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Kwitcher.....you can fault coaching for calling stupid plays and the wrong plays at the wrong time but the run and pass mix was satisfactory this year. As a matter of fact, too many times this year I feel that UT didn't stick with the established running game long enough. Lack of preparation among the players was the big disappointment this year. The only way you lose to Florida and Alabama like Tennessee did this year is from not having your players in the proper mindset at gametime.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volfaninitaly , Yes. http://www.rolltide.com/ViewArticle.d...

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you could get both together it sweetens the deal. I would say that gives Cignetti a leg up if he wants the job.

Posted by TheFuture on January 4, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No doubt the Cignettis would come as a package deal. His brother is bamas recruiting coordinator and recievers coach and widely known as one of the top recruiters in the country. Sounds like a pretty capable replacement for ol trooper.

Posted by britt on January 4, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

An OC with a WR coach brother. Lets get them and Quarles as TE or RB coach.

Posted by martinvolfan on January 4, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cignetti would bring us to a new level based upon his record as a coach. Consider these facts:
In 2004, Fresno averaged 52.8 points over the last six games they played.
They scored 50 or more points in 4 consecutive games.
Fresno finished that season 9-3, led the Western Athletic Conference in average yards per carry (5.4) and scored 65 touchdowns. The Bulldogs were outstanding in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on 42-of-53 attempts (.792).

If you remember his offense scored 42 points on then No.1 Southern Cal.

He developed Paul Pinegar at QB his frosh year to be first among freshmen in efficiency, passing yards and first downs.

This does not account for his experience at the pro-level.

He is also only 42 years old and in shape!
I think it's time to have a new philosophy offensively and give him a try.
Since Harrison is now leaving us I would like to see Quarles given a shot at high school relations and recruiting the great state of TN too! GoVols!

Posted by sja on January 4, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Still think Loeffler, the qb coach at UM, should be a strong candidate. Great recruiter, and has done a nice job with Henne. More importantly, people up here are saying that Ryan Mallett is waiting to see where Loeffler goes before he makes his final decision about transferring. I think Crompton is fine, but Ryan Mallett is a superstar. Would love to see him in orange.

Posted by GerryOP on January 4, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On the surface, it sounds like the Cignetti Bros would be a good addition. Only one problem, Frank is only 42!! ;>}

Posted by lnbadger320 on January 4, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fulmer wants a coach to challenge him? if that quote is true then either fulmer has seen the writing on the wall to get a more innovative OC or Fulmer's lying.

Posted by RunRunPassPunt on January 4, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did you call VolnDothan?

Posted by invisiblekid on January 4, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

scttmcdonald , I broke this story 6 days ago LOL.
_______________________________________________
Posted by invisiblekid on December 30, 2007 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Couple of notes of interest if anyone is still awake: Karl is reportedly going to start and Fulmer is supposedly going to interview the 49er's QB coach Frank Cignetti.
_______________________________________________
Posted by invisiblekid on December 30, 2007 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Skyhawk, he was OC at UNC and Fresno State, info came from Rivals by way of the Times Free Press.

http://49ers.com/team/coaches_detail.....

Posted by Oenoboy on January 4, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mallett coming here wouldn't affect Crompton. He would have to sit out a year and then wait in line a year or more with the QBs we have on hand. Besides, one player is not reason enough to bring on a coach who influences many players. That being said, Loeffler would be a good hire for us as QB coach but I'm not so sure about him being our OC.

Cignetti is another story. He definately has the credentials.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sja :The Tennessean article by Bryan Mullen today stated Loeffler was interviewing for the QB coaching position ,not OC.

Posted by james on January 4, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No matter what Fulmer does, some of you are not happy. Sounds like this guy is a very good fit. He also is young enough to give us some spirit. His brother might come which would probably hurt 'Bama a little which is even better. I like the High School coach fitting in somewhere in the mix. Go VOLS.

Posted by invisiblekid on January 4, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SJT18, I strongly agree that Cignetti is the best option of those mentioned to this point, especially if it becomes a package deal with his brother.

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 4, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree w/ oenoboy, Loeffler would be a good fit for qb coach. I'm a big fan of bringing Gus Malzahn, but the Cignetti deal is looking pretty sweet to me. I like the offense he ran at Fresno State. Not only do we have to get an OC, but we've got some some pretty big shoes to fill w/ the loss of Taylor at recruiting. Curt brings a reputation of being a top notch recruiter. I think this could be a sweet deal if we could land the Cignetti's and Loeffler, but let's just work on the Cignetti's for now.

Posted by rbhobbs73 on January 4, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Frank Cignetti for OC.
Loeffler for QB coach
Quarles for WR coach
Cignetti brother for RB coach & recruiting coordinator...

Let's get them hired and hit the road recruiting!!!

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 4, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Frank Cignetti for OC.
Loeffler for QB coach
Quarles for WR coach
Cignetti brother for RB coach & recruiting coordinator...

Let's get them hired and hit the road recruiting!!!

Maybe someone needs to e-mail this to Coach Fulmer

Posted by FWBVol on January 4, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really don't see Fulmer hiring both Cignetti and Loeffler. It doesn't make sense unless one would coach something other than quarterbacks, which probably isn't out of the realm of possiblities.

People were concerned about Kippy and Gerald Brown being a package deal before that fell through, that is, if it was ever really a possibility. It seems as if this could be another of those package deals. I think there is a lot of speculation about Curt Cignetti coming with Frank, but does anyone really know if Frank has ever expressed interest in a job at UT.

I have heard that Saban isn't the easiest guy in the world to work for, which could be one reason, in addition to working with his brother, that Curt might want to come to Tennessee.

All that aside, I can't think of a better way to stick it to the Tide and Saban than to grab one of Alabama's top coaches and recruiting coordinator at such a key time with the final recruiting push beginning.

With Phillip Fulmer always talking about how big it is for the Vols to beat Alabama, I have to think he might be licking his chops with the thought of kicking their butts by hiring off their staff.

Posted by bugman on January 4, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's only one catch, he will be played by the puppet master Fulmer. He won't let him hire his own staff haha. Why don't I get an interview if Fulmer is calling the shots?

Posted by VolsorCat on January 4, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hell, let's take them all. Both Cignetti's and Loeffler. God knows Bama is having a good recruiting class thus far (if they can read and write well enough to enroll).

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolnDothan, For whatever it might be worth, that info came from a poster on another board that is almost always reliable. They cited a "source" but I can't remember the name off the top of my head.

It is all hearsay... but it sounded pretty credible. The whole line of reasoning was that CPF sees his remaining time as relatively short. He has enough security to not be too worried about being fired much less finding a new job. Supposedly like Slick Willy in his second term after the impeachment failed... CPF is trying to write a legacy whatever it takes. He may even consider his legacy tarnished by the last few years like many if not most here do.

Makes a pretty good story even if it isn't true... ;)

All hearsay... but it is entertaining me...

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, I was in no way impugning Fulmer's character by comparing him to one of the most dishonest men in the history of American politics... Only that both seemed to have become concerned with how history views them late in their career.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"There's only one catch, he will be played by the puppet master Fulmer. He won't let him hire his own staff haha. Why don't I get an interview if Fulmer is calling the shots?"

This is always brought up but NEVER substantiated. CPF reportedly took playcalling duties away from RS AFTER things really began to fall apart. If that were his preferred method then he wouldn't have brought Cut back nor would he be considering guys who know more about playcalling than he does.

If he wanted to call plays or have a puppet on a string, Trooper was the ideal candidate. Popular, got the most out of the players, great recruiter, etc... yet CPF let him go to try for a bigger fish.

How does one come up with the idea that CPF wants a puppet when at least 3 of the main guys that have been mentioned would NEVER agree to it? Marrone, Brown, and Cignetti are all guys accomplished enough to demand full control over playcalling.

Posted by TheFuture on January 4, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mallet is transferring to UCLA, just announced. So Loeffler wouldnt be bringing anyone along for the ride if he came.

Posted by bugman on January 4, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There was an article a few days ago saying Fulmer wouldn't let Kippy Brown hire his own staff. If not him then why someone else.

"Brown’s decision not to return to UT, where he coached receivers in 1983-98 and 1993-94, is thought to be centered around Fulmer’s reluctance to allow Brown to hire his own offensive staff."

http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/d...

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's a rumor that Loeffler will be offered the UCLA OC job as well.

Posted by volfaninitaly on January 4, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange, Thanks for the link, bro!

Posted by InBruceWeTrust on January 4, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think rbhobbs73 and bigOmuscle said it best-

Bringing in Frank Cignetti for OC would be an awesome pick up.
Loeffler would be great as QB coach. He's done a great job with the Michigan QB's and he is a great recruiter. Throw in Ryan Mallett if he really wants to transfer, and consider last year's recruiting class; HELLO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2009!

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 4, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who reported about Mallet? If Loeffler gets away that will be a big disappointment.

Posted by InBruceWeTrust on January 4, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well nevermind about Mallett, announced as i posted. dang

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tr763, I heard a few more details later. There was one coach that UT didn't want that Brown did. It wasn't Kippy's brother either.

I'm not sure if keeping Adkins had anything to do with it or not but the disagreement was over one guy. That problem probably wasn't the deciding factor anyway. He just got promoted to asst HC if you didn't notice.

I'd be disappointed if CPF and the administration wanted to dictate a staff to the next OC... and if they rolled over and gave them carte blanche.

The offensive staff needs to be negotiated between CPF/UT and the candidate... which is EXACTLY what it sounds like.

If you owned a business and hired a manager, would you not retain any voice in the hiring of supervisors? An autocratic hiring process is almost always bad and isn't employed by any company I've ever been exposed to. It usually takes multiple levels of approval to hire a manager/leader.

Do you think an offensive staff averaging about $150K per year should be any different?

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volfaninitaly , no problem.Although it is hard to look past that crimson back ground to read about him.

Posted by bugman on January 4, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 I agree with you on this. Thanks for the input.

Posted by volfaninitaly on January 4, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange, Definitely requires the rose colored glasses.

Posted by skyhawk836 on January 4, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18,

Glad Gerald Brown wasn't the problem. He's a good coach, better guy.

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 4, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why are we still talking about Kippy? He's out of the running and I am perfectly fine w/ that. Look, UT's recruiting is already gonna take a hit considering we pretty much lost our entire offensive staff. Fulmer has to really make a statement w/ this hire. Kippy did a great job when he was here before, but that was years ago. I think UT needs something explosive. Something that could cause a ripple in the recruiting. Having the Cignetti's and Loeffler along with Quarles could definitely do that.

Posted by volfaninitaly on January 4, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange, Excuse me savage, crimson colored glasses.

Posted by maholt49 on January 4, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've been hearing for the last two or three years that a change in the DB coach is forthcoming. Those of you that live in K-Town...what gives????

Posted by volfaninitaly on January 4, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigOmuscle, Amen.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigO, From what I understand, UT's recruiting board really hasn't budged except for maybe Pryor. I haven't heard that anyone else has completely written UT off as a direct result of the staff changes. In fact, a 4* athlete from PA recently reaffirmed his interest in spite of the changes. Two highly ranked players from OK are still going to visit- a DT and a WR.

With about a month left before NSD, there is a very good chance that the right hire could result in some good signees. CPF is a GREAT recruiter. TT was very good but make no mistake CPF IS the best recruiter on the staff. If they hire a guy like Cignetti... CPF will sell him to every offensive target UT has.

There might even be a few guys that have committed that could turn.

The excitement created by a hire like this shouldn't be underestimated. It might produce little... but it could shake things up.

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 4, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope by Monday we get to see Coach Cignetti sporting the big orange and white. From there everything else will fall into place. I think vol fans should definetly express their desire and show their support to UT if they believe this is the right thing to do. I for 1 am on the wagon for it. I get goose bumps just thinking about Cignetti on the sidelines for UT next year!

Posted by InBruceWeTrust on January 4, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What style of offense does Cignetti run? I can't remember what he ran at Fresno State, but im guessing a form of the spread?

Posted by andy112382 on January 4, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here are the last two seasons he was at Fresno State, all of the scores......his last year, they scored 42 at USC, I remember watching that, they fought hard, but lost 50-42.....like mentioned above, no defense to work with, imagine what he could do with better atheletes and a defense to back him led by Eric Berry.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/teams/s...

and

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/teams/s...

Posted by SmokeDog72 on January 4, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First question from Fulmer to any potential OC candidate:

"So what are your thoughts on using The Charts?"

Second question:

"Finish the sentence: Staying the course means______________"

Posted by GreerVol22 on January 4, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

muscle, after seeing Geral Jones left in for an entire series in the Outback, I wouldn't mind seeing Homer Simpson as OC.

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 4, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

alot of west coast, but that was because of Pat Hill. Hill had his hands in their offense toward the end of Cignetti's tenure

Posted by InBruceWeTrust on January 4, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks bigOmuscle, would you expect him to use any fancy packages like the "G-Gun" or any trickery?

Posted by sja on January 4, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TheFuture,

dont mean to doubt you, but what is your source that Mallett is headed to UCLA? I know that the Toledo paper reported that yesterday, but that was refuted by Mallett's mom. This morning on the sports radio shows here in Detroit, the Michigan beat writer said that Mallett was undecided, and that he was waiting to see where Loeffler ended up. FYI, they are also reporting that Loeffler interviewed for the UT OC job, not the qb coach job, which is also what the KNS reported. Now, maybe Loeffler has accepted an offer from UCLA and Mallett is also headed there, I just havent seen or heard that anywhere up here. but what do i know.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

InBruceWeTrust , Pretty much a pro-style offense.He did however run multiple sets, and was very balanced beetween run and pass.It isn't the offense you run it's about execution.He has proven he can get players to execute.I will tell you this ,if he gets a team down he will go for the throat.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cignetti describes his O as the West Coast O but with more deep balls. He says the WC dink and dunk has its place... but he likes to stretch the field.

At Fresno, they posted big O numbers passing and scoring.... but lead the WAC in rushing ypc and ran more times than they threw. Seems like they had a couple of guys around 1000 yards in the same season one year.

Interesting article from his arrival at UNC that should give a little insight:

http://www.newsobserver.com/758/story...

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 4, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I couldn't tell you. I think it would be a waste if he didn't. Contrary to popular belief, I think UT is loaded w/ talent. It's putting it to good use, that's the problem.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EVERYONE needs to read that article... and consider what it means if CPF actually hires the guy or someone like him.

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 4, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All that shows me is that he's energetic, player friendly, and left before he could turn that dismal football team into a respectable offensive unit. Make no mistake, Cignetti will put points on the board.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 , Good article.I am pretty much sold.Has the TT type energy w/ OC experience.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"We don't want to dink and dunk," Cignetti said. "There are situations for that, but we want to be an aggressive offense. We want to get the ball vertically down the field."

Excerpt.

Posted by VolFanDC on January 4, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've followed these articles and read a lot of what has been written. I think it's safe to say Cignetti is on his way here if Fulmer will make that big of a jump. Hopefully that means two things: his brother will come over from 'Bama and it will make way for Quarles as a position coach. I'd be impressed, but surprised, if Fulmer could convince Loeffler to come on as a position coach as well -- especially if he has Mallet as his Trump card. Some other school will pick him up with a coordinator position. All in all -- if what I'm guessing happens....I'll be happy and be optimistic for '08 and '09.

Posted by VolsorCat on January 4, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SJT18: Thanks for the article.

I think Cignetti would be a good person to bring on board. Do the deal and get him on a plane tonight to the Underarmour All Star game or the Army All American All Star game.

Posted by InBruceWeTrust on January 4, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's a great article. I'm definitely a pro-Cignetti fan now. He brings what we will be missing due to Troopers departure. I love the fire and intensity he will bring. I like the two running back set, Hardesty and Foster would be a good fit. We definitely have the talent out wide to stretch the field. The sooner we hire him, the better. We need to sell ourselves to recruits fast.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think he ran a true FB at Fresno... but I think that's Foster's best hope at the next level anyway. A Shawn Bryson type of FB. He isn't much smaller than Bryson was in college... not sure he could/would be a good lead blocker.

OTOH, having a true FB could resurrect Holbert's career just in time, give Cooper a great opportunity, and be a Godsend for a kid like Ben Bartholomew.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope we aren't getting all fired up for nothing... but this guy is definitely the one that makes me "hopeful"... to steal a little from Pennington.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

InBruceWeTrust :He didn't shy away from putting 2 tailbacks on the field at the same time.If this is who CPF wants he needs to start negotiations before someone else comes along.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 ,Agreed.I keep waiting for a post saying San Fran has offered him a raise , and he's staying.I certainly hope not.

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Unfortunately, Mullen's article on the tennessan site stated that CPF will probably announce his decision if there is one to the returning team and coaches on Tuesday...

Whether it is a go or not... we probably won't know til then.

One thing I'd be willing to bet on if I gambled is that mass player defections won't happen if this is the guy. Like someone said, he sounds like Trooper with more experience and proven playcalling ability. If they liked TT... seems like they'd love this guy.

Wonder if he does chest bumps?

Wonder if TT could be offered an Asst OC and Special Teams Coordinator job to stay?

Those two guys together would really rattle the cage.

Posted by InBruceWeTrust on January 4, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18, that would be one fun sideline to watch. can you imagine 2 coaches chestbumping each other after a good play call?

Posted by THE_VOL on January 4, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's see now - the Niners (Gee isn't Smith a great QB?), North Carolina (a long time football powerhouse), Fresno State (Hmmmm, I always think of them when I think offensive innovation). Keep digging oh Fat One! Even ugly girls get married so there IS someone out there for your OC!!!

Posted by THE_VOL on January 4, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And for all you kool-aid drinkers trying to justify Fresno's top 10 offense of a few years ago, just remember Hawaii was pretty potent this year too. How'd that work out for them against an SEC school???

Posted by InBruceWeTrust on January 4, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it's safe to say we have better talent and he doesn't run a 1 dimensional offense like the Warriors' pass dominant attack.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on January 4, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SJT,
Thanks for the link on Cignetti...sounds like classic TN football on steriods, err, I mean caffiene. Two backs, aggressive passing game, zone blocking...we already have much of the required pieces in place and probably can accomodate much of his style out of existing playbook but turned up to 11 (old Spinal Tap reference).

Posted by FWBVol on January 4, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL
There wasn't anything wrong with Hawaii's schemes against Georgia, but the Rainbow Warriors didn't have enough warriors against the Bulldogs. I believe given athletes of near equal talent levels in the SEC, Cignetti's scheme would play well with the Vols and wreak havoc on the rest of the conference.

Posted by ellisonfamily on January 4, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The_Vol: That Fresno State offense hung almost 50 on a very good USC team. That is a far cry from Hawaii scoring a lot on Nevada. Granted, they lost some games, but not because of the offense.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL, Smith isn't even the QB at San Francisco.They are down to their 4th string Qb due to injuries.If you don't like Cignetti then who do you suggest?Or do you just like calling people kool-aid drinkers?

Posted by thesavageorange on January 4, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way that game was at USC , and at night.

Posted by Phowell23 on January 4, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a quote from that article:

"We don't want to dink and dunk," Cignetti said. "There are situations for that, but we want to be an aggressive offense. We want to get the ball vertically down the field."

I'm sold...let's get this guy!

Posted by johnsoncityvol45 on January 4, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer must be impressed with his work with Alex Smith..............

Posted by sjt18 on January 4, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

johnsoncityvol45, He's been with SF for one year and Smith has been injured. He's only played in 7 games.

SF's problems didn't start when Cignetti arrived... and he didn't cause them to have to play 4 QB's this year... nor did he cause the relationship between Smith and the HC to be strained.

Posted by vol4jesus on January 4, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the_vaul are you 5 ft 9inches and 120 llbs? I have to ask because you are hung up on Coach Fulmers(identified respectfully) girth? Are you jealous he is bigger than you? Did you ever play offensive lineman? Yes, we all agree he could lose 30-40 lbs and be the heathier for it, but does that mean you and others have to be rude continually pointing it out in disrespectful comments over and over?

Posted by asleep on January 4, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vol,
Nobody would confuse what Pat Smith/Cignetti ran at Fresno State with what Jones runs at Hawaii. FSU ran a pro-set, 2-back (FB and TB) set with an inside running game and threw downfield in a vertical passing attack. Hawaii runs no-back sets most of the time and dinks and dunks their way down the field throwing short to one of their 5 receivers and counting on YAC. Not even close to the same. I do follow your comparison with Hawaii versus SEC competition but FSU generally played well against their non-conference opponents and their offense is easily adaptable with better athletes. It's basically what every consistently good college team has run for years with the exception of a true fullback. I think he's certainly a better choice than Taylor, Adkins, or even Kippy Brown. And if we could steal his brother from Bama, so much the better.
Go Vols!!!

Posted by SFOrange on January 4, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.49ers.com/team/coaches_det...
This guy has had to deal with Alex Smith. The jury is way out on AS--not sure if Cignetti can take any blame....SF had horrific offense this year.

Posted by utwick on January 4, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many posters out there were in favor of buying out Fulmer's contract earlier this year (and maybe still do)? That would require how many millions? Take a portion of that and hire Cignetti and Loeffler, Cignetti's brother and add Quarles for the icing on the cake. Probably would be cheaper that the buyout of CPF and a lot more productive.

Posted by bigfan502 on January 4, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WHOEVER IS HIRED, THE GUY MUST FIT...THE AREA, THE PEOPLE OF KNOXVILLE. AND BE ON THE SAME SOCIAL SETTING TO A DEGREE.. KNOXVILLE IS NOT A COSMOPOLITAN CITY. SOME LIKE IT THAT WAY.STILL OTHERS PREFER LARGER MORE DIVERSE CITIES....THAT'S IMPORTANT....VERY IMPORTANT.

Posted by utwick on January 4, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Smith may not have turned out to be the best NFL quarterback but that is not necessarily the coach's fault. Heath Shuler was good at UT but never caught on as a pro. Can we blame that on a coach or the situation into which he was thrust as a rookie? Cignetti is one of the more intriguing names mentioned in this drama. Look at the overall stats and not the development (or failure) of one individual player..

Posted by utwick on January 4, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigfan502, regardless of what 12times might rant, the people of Knowville/Tennessee are not toothless hicks. If we hire a coach(es) who have some ability to relate to others in a genuine manner, then they will be welcomed (especially if they produce a winning product). Just because some of the prospects were not born in Tennessee does not mean that they shouldn't be considered. I think must of us welcome positive change (with positive equated to winning.)

Posted by 55Vol on January 4, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A Smith was great college QB....for the spread. Points out however that when a spread QB gets to the pros, they are way behind the curve. I am not sure Alex Smith has the tools to be a starting and winning pro QB. Great for Urban to make a name for himself, but hung out to dry once he graduated. How is that all Cignetti's fault?

Posted by jobrando on January 4, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Since the OC was fired at San francisco and Cignetti is not being considered then I guess the VOLS got him if they think he fits.

Posted by dgb63 on January 4, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jobrando has a good point. Why doesn't SF want him as the OC ????

Posted by andy112382 on January 5, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just like how Pete Carroll wasn't wanted in the NFL as a head coach, so he must not be any good at coaching a team, apparently a bad hire for USC, right? Using that logic at least......

There IS such a thing as reading TOO much into something. I'm pretty well sold on the idea of Cignetti......how about him, the michigan qb coach, the maryville hs coach and Cignettis brother....that would fill the four openings. I have also wondered how good a candidate the WVU OC would be, his name is Magee...think that is how you spell it...or the Oregon OC....

Posted by FWBVol on January 5, 2008 at 1:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cignetti seems to have a run of bad luck in his job choices since leaving Fresno. One year at Carolina and Bunting is canned. One year with the 49ers and having to deal with the Smith situation and he becomes, at least it seems, some sort of scape goat.

bigfan502, I'm with utwick on not understanding where that last comment came from. Knoxville may not be New York City or Atlanta, but it isn't Cookeville or Kingsport either (no offense to any of those living in those fine communities).

But for the record, he was born in Pittsburgh, which isn't too terribly much larger than UT, grew up in West Virginia and Indiana, Pa. He played at Indiana University, Pa., for his dad. His coaching career includes stops at Pitt, teh Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans, Fresno, Carolina and finally San Francisco. He's probably better at adapting to new situations than most of us who post on this board.

As many others have stated, the more I read about his offensive philosophy, the more I like the sound of this guy. It would be icing on the cake if his brother would come as a package deal.

Posted by hueypilot on January 5, 2008 at 5:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is there anything to suggest the brothers would both come to Knoxville? Have they ever worked together? Just because they are brothers, they are both grown men, way past bunk beds and I wondered if there was anything to suggest they might be in a package, altho I'd dearly love to do anything to disrupt St Nick's party.

Posted by slovog on January 5, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just wondering what derogatory name the Sunday morning QB's will make up for him when the Vols don't win by 50.

Fulmer morphs into FOOLmore. Cutcliffe becomes BUTTcliffe. Although totally brilliant, those are easy. Cignetti?! That could be a tough one. I'm confident, though, that our resident geniuses will deliver.

Posted by pdhuff on January 5, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not real sure about this "scoring quick-putting up 50" concept. Doesn't that mean trotting out SEC 11th ranked tired defense back out there a## over teakettle? Which is the lesser of the two evils?

If all these candidates are off the board, who's on?

Posted by khelton657 on January 5, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't understand the elation over Cignetti. He is 42 yrs old, career obviously isn'/t on fire, was an OC at Carolina for one year, he didn't lose his job because he was a great OC, he lost 9 games that year, remove div II and Duke from his schedule and he averaged 12 points per game. QB coach at NO and SF, neither of which was successful at the time ( or now). Look at his bio w/ the 49'ers,nothing to brag about except for 6 games many years ago. Yes, he has called plays before but look at the results.This guy doesn't appear to be an offensive genius.

Posted by GerryOP on January 5, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

khelton657 (10:28 post) "This guy doesn't appear to be an offensive genius."

He should fit in well in Ktown! ;>)

Posted by VolFanDC on January 5, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

scout.com is reporting Hofher ('89 QB's coach) might be a darkhorse. I vaguely remember him -- and from what I remember it's not good. Does anyone have any insight on this?

Posted by invisiblekid on January 5, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

HueyPilot, nothing out there other than mere speculation and the issue of the Vols needing a WR coach who can recruit. Coaching seems to be the Cignetti family business so maybe they would relish the opportunity to work together. Got a chuckle out of the bunk beds comment.

Posted by sgtvols on January 5, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

aladamna is killing us on recruiting. saw on tv that they had 5-7 top 150 recruits. we have one. if we can get thier top recruiter the battle is half won.

Posted by sgtvols on January 5, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

should look to heath schuler for qb coach. now that he is a congressman he has 50 weeks per year free time.

Posted by invisiblekid on January 5, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For what it's worth, WRCB is reporting that Fulmer has made a decision, just not ready to announce.

"I don't understand the elation over Cignetti."

Just to offer a couple of suggestions khelton657, first look at the state of UNC and 49er's football the past several years. Not many coaches would succeed under those conditions. Second, compare Cignetti to the other names mentioned as candidates, he appears to be the most viable option in my opinion.

Posted by FWBVol on January 5, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

khelton657, Cignetti was on the staff of Bunting, the HC who was fired and replaced by Butch Davis, at UNC. Davis tends to be a coach that runs his own offense and that good be one explanation as to why Cignetti was only at Carolina a year.

Posted by khelton657 on January 5, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid, I unerstand what you are saying but Cignettti was brought in to change the "state of UNC and 49ers football", the same as what is needed at UT football, he didn't do it then and according to his record there is no reason to think he can do it at UT. He may be the best of what Fulmer has looked at but that doesn't mean he is what we need. The tallest midget in the circus is still a midget. Don't mean to be a $marta$$ but there is not even a hint of a pattern of success by Cignetti.

Has anyone heard anything about some recommendations by Peyton Manning ?

Posted by khelton657 on January 5, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is the kind of offense Cignetti put up. I'm afraid Cignetti is one of the main reasons Bunting was fired. Blanked two games that year and 5 games scored less than 10 points. Losing 9 games his only year as OC is not a resume booster.

Date Opponent / Event Location Time / Result

09/02/06 vs. Rutgers L, 21-16
09/09/06 vs. Virginia Tech L, 35-10
09/16/06 vs. Furman W, 45-42
09/23/06 at Clemson L, 52-7
10/07/06 at Miami L, 27-7
10/14/06 vs. USF L, 37-20
10/19/06 at Virginia L, 23-0
10/28/06 vs. Wake Forest L, 24-17
11/04/06 at Notre Dame L, 45-26
11/11/06 vs. Georgia Tech (L, 7-0
11/18/06 vs. NCSU W, 23-9
11/25/06 at Duke W, 45-44

Posted by dgb63 on January 5, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok guys I'm still pushing Shula Cam camron and Jeff Bower from Southern Miss. We need hwlp getting players from the south. Not sure the 49er's coach will help much. I know my guys don't have a chance but I don't see why a school like Tenn with all the cash at hand can't come up with a name that has a little wow factor. This hire is so important for the program. We are either going to be a force to deal with or a middle of the road program. I'm thinking that Ham and the staff need to open the check book and get this thing done...

Posted by asleep on January 5, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

khelton,

It is interesting to note that the only times he was successful have been when he had similar talent to his opponents. "Changing the state of football" at those institutions was impossible because he did not have competitive talent at North Carolina, New Orleans, or San Fransisco. He did have it at Fresno, and he will have it at UT. It is exceedingly rare for an OC candidate o have been wildly successful anywhere or they would be a head coach. I think you look at schemes, effort of the players, discipline within the offense, and recruiting skills. He has coached and recruited in college, including the always fertile California high school scene, he has coached in the pros, another recruiting tool, and he is young and upwardly mobile, sometihing interesting for the future. If we can steal his brother from Bama, another good recruiter, so much the better. I think Loeffler is headed to UCLA but Quarles would appear to be an excellent choice for recruiting coordinator and maybe even a position coach. At this point, if he's the best of Fulmer's choices, time is of the essence, especially with Signing Day less than one month away. Here's hoping Fulmer talked to enough of the right people! Of course, it appears Fulmer has made his decison and it may be someone off the screen entirely.

Slo-vog - SICKnetti? I don't know, it's not my thing, but that should be interesting. Go Vols!!!

Posted by thesavageorange on January 5, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

khelton657 , John Bunting was losing at Carolina for a few yrs.No one was going to save him.

Posted by invisiblekid on January 5, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not taking your comments as smart at all khelton657, but I think what he did at Fresno St is more indicative than 1 season at UNC and 1 season at San Francisco. The Bulldogs showed steady improvement when he took over and they gradually became a top 10 offense without top 10 talent. I agree that there are definitely other options out there to be explore but it doesn't appear that Fulmer plans on doing that. Ideally, I would like to have seen Fulmer follow the lead of Tuberville and had an OC in place prior to the bowl game. Auburn got a head start on next year by going that route. As far as Manning goes, I haven't heard or seen anything but suspect he is more concerned about the playoffs at this point.

Posted by asleep on January 5, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dgb63,

I don't know if Cameron or Bower would be interested in a coordinator position at this point unless it came with a Jimbo Fisher clause in it. I'm not sure cash is a factor either as they were apparently opening the big checkbook for Kippy Brown. I think that hiring a coordinator (offense especially) is a crap-shoot, plain and simple. Rarely will a successful one come over in a lateral move, leaving only those who are fired or otherwise unemployed, and those from either inside the program or from smaller programs. None of the latter group comes with any kind of guarantee and so we get guys like Cignetti, Loeffler, etc... who we are expected to take a chance on. Or you hire from within and we know where that has gotten us. No matter who Fulmer hires, we won't know a thing until mid-season 2008, at which point we will either be on Cloud 9 rolling through the SEC, or in a very hot place, awaiting another lower-tier bowl. I'm glad he's taking his time.

Anybody have any follow-up on khelton's question about some recommendations by Lord Peyton? Go Vols!!!

Posted by dgb63 on January 5, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Asleep I agree with you for the most part. I don't think anybody should get a Fisher deal. I don't like being backed into a corner like that. I don't know if we can get any of the people talked about but what I am saying is try. Lets get somebody that we know has a history of producing good teams. I think Bower got messed over at Southern Miss. he had some good teams and beat some SEC teams. Auburn went to Troy to get their guy. I don't think he has to be an NFL guy. I think he needs to be someone with a good track record as a coach and a person. We want a quailty person here too lets not forget that. UCLA went the way of a coach that just might get them on probation. I will support who ever we get. I want them to take their time and get the right person...

Posted by asleep on January 5, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree dgb63. I wonder if Fulmer has put so much pressure on this hire that he has overlooked some "lesser" candidates trying to get an NFL or big school (ie, Michigan) guy when there are plenty of capable guys waiting to move up from some of our smaller, less prestigious brethren. I don't think he has even looked at anybody like that, although he could hire someone totally out of the blue. Whoever it is, I'm just glad he's going outside for the hire. I have to live in Alabama and believe me, I've seen what inbreeding can do-LOL! Go Vols!!!

On a personal note, if the "63" is your age, congratulations. If it is your birth year, rock on , me too! If it's neither, none of my business.

Posted by jamali76 on January 5, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Check out newschannel9.com,it's saying Gundy from Ok St. is saying Fulmer may have put together a better package for Taylor.If true I look for this to be Taylor and Adkins as co-oc.Stay the @^$%#@ course as usual.Just can't seem to think outside the family huh Phil?And before anyone says he was looking nationwide,don't give me that b.s. it was all a smoke screen to throw people off.If I'm wrong someone can hand me a plate of crow however you want to fix it,till then.....

Posted by GerryOP on January 5, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FWIW:

http://www.wrcbtv.com/news/sports/ind...

Posted by khelton657 on January 5, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I may be coming full circle on the Trooper thing. If he can just step up to be more than a chest bumper. So far I have been less than impressed with the candidates Fulmer has looked at. Kippy Brown would have been stepping down and I don't know how motivated he would have been, sorta like going back to high school. Cignetti - I've bored you guys to death with my opinion of him. One thing is for certain, getting someone who is young ,and for whom this would be a real promtoion, would be much more on fire and motivated than a retread who is just looking for a few more years of pay before retirement.

Posted by GerryOP on January 5, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Facts:

1. Rob Spence spent part of Friday in Knoxville interviewing for Tennessee’s offensive coordinator position - GVX, 12/21/07 (Spence later withdrew his name)

2. Tennessee is in negotiations with Detroit Lions receivers coach Kippy Brown to become the next offensive coordinator for the Vols - GVX, 12/28/07 (Brown later decided to stay in Detroit)

3 . Scott Loeffler met with Fulmer - GVX, 12/30/07 (No further facts)

4. George Quarles said he’s talked casually to Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer about a position with the Vols - GVX, 1/3/08 (No further facts)

5. Frank Cignetti was in Knoxville on Thursday to interview for Tennessee's offensive coordinator job - GVX, 1/4/08 (No further facts)

And, of course, we have been told, there are several openings on the UT football staff!

Also, I think somewhere on GVX there is a reference to a KNS reporter asking about Adkins and Troop as OC. His response to both queries was simply "no."

With these FACTS in hand, what is your conclusion?

Or ... are we getting the usual mushroom treatment?

Posted by thesavageorange on January 5, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali76 , for what it's worth, Chris Low was on the radio in Nashville the other day, and stated quite firmly that Adkins is not a candidate and never was.Doug Mathews said the same thing.Both said that was straight out of Fulmers mouth.A plain and simple NO.If CPF did what you think he might, the entire Vol Nation would revolt.Not even the General could save him from that.

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 5, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Something's going on in K-ville. So we have Gundy stating that TT may not go to OK ST after all. You guys know TT wouldn't stay unless; A) CPF has made him OC or ASST OC, or B) More money
No doubt TT has the support of the players and he's an amazing recruiter, but he's untested as a playcaller. Don't get me wrong, I love having TT at UT. I would love to keep him there, but I just don't know if he's ready to step it up. He's loved in K-ville right now, but you guys know how fast UT fans will bury you if they don't think you're getting the job done.

Posted by FWBVol on January 5, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not questioning's Trooper's integrity, but I'm wondering if he has been playing the Oklahoma State card as leverage to get what he wants from UT and Fulmer.

He was reported to have been getting up to speed on the Oklahoma State stuff during his spare time during the Outback Bowl preparations. I have no problem with that if didn't hurt his job for the Vols.

But he gave his word to Gundy and Oklahoma State and, as much as I would have liked to see him stay eariler, I think he should be a man of his word and take the job with the Cowboys. I think if Taylor does stay at UT, it's something other coaches could use against the Vols in recruiting.

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 5, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Question his integrity? If anything it shows where his heart really lies. And you think he should go ahead to OK ST....are you out of your mind? Look, I have doubts about his ability to be OC, but I don't want to give our best recruiter to the enemy. I'm not on UT's staff so I don't personally know what he's capable of as an OC. What I do know is that he's been an excellent coach and recruiter for the vols. Not to mention the players love and respect him. Who knows, maybe CPF made him assoc. OC w/ Cig.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 5, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is exactly what Gundy said.Taylor remained on Tennessee's staff through the bowl game. He was in Stillwater on Friday. But there were reports UT coach Phillip Fulmer was trying to assemble a financial package to keep Taylor in Knoxville.

"All I know is the offer we put on the table stands,” Gundy said. "Unless (Taylor) tells me he's changed his mind then I'm counting him on board.”

I think this would be a huge win win.Cignetti and Troop bring the youthful entusiasm that young men relate to.That will help in recruiting.Whether you like CPF or not we all wanted changes of some kind, and I like where this might be headed.I think it will be probably passing game coordinator W/ some extra $$$$.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 5, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That was from NewsOK.com

Posted by pdhuff on January 5, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When is signing day? Both for recruits and offensive staff. And maybe for a big ala competent d-line prospect.

The doldrums passed the house yesterday along with the last Wisconin van with the cheese-head going North.

Posted by bigOmuscle on January 5, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cignetti/Taylor.......That sounds nice doesn't it? Maybe Loeffler and Quarles as well. Who knows? Guess we'll find out in a few days.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on January 5, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVol...that tactic is played by everyone in every kind of job. Most of the time you simply let the person go on to the next job. Occasionally the person is so valuable that you pony up the money/position to keep him/her. A friend of mine had that happen to him just last year. He got a great offer with a well known company as a VP. He told his boss the situation and his boss told him he couldn't match and good luck. My buddy accepted the job and was fully prepared to move on, meanwhile his boss after consulting with his boss decided that he was valuable enough to do a non standard counter offer. The title was not VP and money was not quite as good, but all things considered my buddy decided it was in his best interest to accept the counter and stay after all.

Company's typically don't just throw money at employees, sometimes it takes a significant event to force an employer to pay up...it's business.

If that's basically how TT's deal goes down and he ends up staying than congrats to TT for getting more money in recognition of his value and good for TN assuming he's not the OC...and if he ends up the OC, then well we'll just have to see how that one works out...looks like Fulmer has interviewed at least a couple of QB coaches.

Posted by GerryOP on January 5, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmmmm! If Good Ol' Phil is really trying to get Troop to stay, maybe we need to give Good Ol' Phil a litle more credit! Unless the cost is really ourageous, it would be "money in the bank" to keep him -- recruiting, player loyalty, system excperience, and better to have to only replace 3 of 5 on O staff than having to replace 4 of 5! A sly ol' fox that phil!

BTW, the following will get you closer to the article SavageO mentioned above:

http://newsok.com/article/3189124/119...

Posted by rccheek on January 5, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Frank Cignetti

Quarterbacks Coach

Frank Cignetti enters his first season with the 49ers after being named the team’s quarterbacks coach on March 1, 2007.

In both his professional and collegiate stops, Cignetti has been no stranger to coaching successful football programs or quarterbacks. He’s been a part of a division championship with the New Orleans Saints, participated in five college bowl games and won four, and helped Indiana University of Pennsylvania reach the Division II national championship game twice and semifinals four times.

Cignetti has also been a member of the coaching staff in the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine all-star games.

He joins the 49ers from the University of North Carolina where he was the Tar Heels offensive coordinator in 2006.

Prior to his season at UNC, Cignetti served four years as Fresno State’s offensive coordinator where he helped the Bulldogs’ offense average 52.8 points over the final six games in 2004 and become just the sixth team in NCAA history to score 50 or more points in four consecutive contests. In both 2004 and 2005, Fresno State’s offense finished among the nation’s top ten in scoring and third down conversions.

Prior to his time at Fresno State, Cignetti was the New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach from 2000-2001. During his two-year stay, the Saints offense ranked 10th in the NFL, consecutively. In 2000, he helped the Saints earn the NFC West title.

He joined the Saints after coaching one season as an offensive assistant and quality control coach with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1999.

From 1990-98, Cignetti was an assistant at his alma mater, IUP, where he coached receivers (1990-92), secondary (1993-94), quarterbacks (1995-98) and was elevated to the offensive coordinator post during his final two seasons.

Cignetti got his start in coaching as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh for Mike Gottfried in 1989. The Panthers finished 9-3 and defeated Texas A&M in the Sun Bowl.

Cignetti was an all-conference safety at IUP when 49ers offensive coordinator Jim Hostler was a cornerback for the Indians. The two played together in the school’s first ever appearance in a national playoff game against Central Florida in 1987. Cignetti and Hostler have been part of the same coaching staffs at IUP and New Orleans.

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Cignetti’s family has many football ties. His father, Frank, recently retired after 24 seasons as the head coach at IUP and West Virginia.

He and his wife, Ellen, have three daughters: Alyssa (7), Gabrielle (5) and Ella (2).

Posted by Plasticman on January 5, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds to me like in the article GerryOP references above that Gundy wants to call the plays which means Trooper would not really be the OC. THe best move Fulmer could make right now is to put together a package that keeps Trooper in Knoxville. IMO, he is the key to the Vols success in recruiting. We've got to keep him if there is any possible way...

Posted by marc_ash on January 5, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well folks, what do you think? Looks like Fulmer wants to make a decision by Tuesday...so he's thinking about it over the weekend. This guy has a lot of experience..but he's not a Tennessee guy...should be interesting to see what Vol fans have to say about that.

Any guesses who it will come down to? Either way, Go Vols.

Posted by Oenoboy on January 5, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Check this out...

http://utsports.com/football/page.asp...

Looks like Troop had his name taken off his office door along with everyone else.

Posted by FWBVol on January 5, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLinDAWGland, I undestand what you are saying about the way the game is played. But I don't think you take one job and then break your word. If TT wanted to use the OK St. offer to force Phillip Fulmer's hand, that's fine...more power to him. But don't accept a job because Fulmer didn't act quickly enough and then go back on your word to OK State. Coaches are always talking about character, and to go back on your word to OK State isn't a good example

By the same token, if all the rumors are true, unless Fulmer asked OK State's permission to reopen talks with TT, I'm a little disappointed in him as well. I can see why he would want to keep TT on staff, but Taylor was the one pressing for a decision.

Again, if things work out and TT comes back to UT, I'll support him as a coach of my alma mater and I think he would continue to be a big asset to the staff.

I'm sure the rumor mill will continue for the next several days until CPF has his full staff assembled. I not worried about recruiting as some people are.

Kids will change their minds several times in the next month.

After having a huge class last year, we only have about 15-18 scholarships to offer. There is no way this class will be rated as highly as some of the past classes due the limited number of scholarships and the fact this class will probably center less on the name skill position players.

I'd like to see a name QB in this class, but with Crompton, Stephens and Coleman already on the roster I think we'll be in good shape even if we fail to get one of the guys on the board.

At this point I think it's more important to get a great QB coach and offensive coordinator than a top quarterback in the class.

As others have said, the important thing is to go after lineman in this class. Sometimes determining a good lineman isn't as easy as evaluating a running back, wide receiver or QB. A lot of times lineman are so much bigger an stronger than the guys the go against in high school they tend to coast. When they get to college and have to face other players of similar size, and, as freshmen, greater strength and then you find out what they are made of.

Demonte Bolden is a prime example of how hard it is to evaluate linemen. He struggled a lot his first two years and finally had a nice season for this year. And, if he can get his act together with his grades, I think he can be a force as a senior. But he hasn't lived up to the hype of being the next Reggie White or John Henderson.

Come the first week in February, I'm sure Phillip Fulmer will close the deal on many of the players he wants. He is the most valuable recruiter on the staff.

Posted by utwick on January 5, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Since we can't figure out what Fulmer's decision will be, does anyone know the reason for all the secrecy? This is more hush-hush than when Dickey was hired as HC. This certainly won't stop the second-guessing when all's said and done.

Also, did you notice how quickly Mack Brown grabbed Muschamp to fill the coaching vacancy at Texas? The deal was done in 2 days and they got a quality coach. It did cost $425 grand which is $74 grand more than the OC made this year.

Posted by tnbanker_govols on January 5, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hear Cignetti is talking with Cal about an OC position. Has anyone else heard this rumor??

Posted by FWBVol on January 5, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Even as a CPF suppporter, I'm starting to think he'd better pull off a hire that will send shock waves through the coaching and recruiting ranks. There's a little more wiggle room with signing day still four weeks away, but he'd better do something big and soon with the hire.

If money is no object, then Fulmer should be able to hire the candidates of his choice for all the openings.

Posted by utwick on January 5, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard the same rumor about Cignetti and Cal. Some have gone so far to say that Cignetti is out of the UT picture. No facts to back this up, just hearsay.

Posted by tnbanker_govols on January 5, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I also hear that Trooper's deal isn't as sweet as originally thought. I guess Gundy is a man! and he's 40! He can probably call his own plays! No facts to back this up.....just a rumor from VolQuest.

Posted by threehundredbowler on January 5, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bring on Cignetti.

Posted by FWBVol on January 6, 2008 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All the past poop is that Jeff Tedford likes to run his own offense at Cal, so, other than being close to San Francisco, I really don't see what the attraction it might present to Cignetti.

The fact that he's been all over the geographic map in his coaching career would suggest to me moving cross country again wouldn't be a problem.

I'm just wondering if all the delay is an indication that Gus Malzahn might still be in the mix. Tulsa doesn't play in its bowl game until tomorrow (Sunday) night and he wouldn't be available before then. Again, everything is speculation on everyone's part since CPF is playing things so close to the vest.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on January 6, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point on Malzahn...the fact th