Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
Buy this photo »
Stan Drayton, new assistant coach at Tennessee, formerly running backs coach at Florida.
Tennessee officially introduced Stan Drayton as its new running backs coach Wednesday night.
That’s running backs coach.
Not wide receiver-turned-running back coach or quarterback-turned-fullback coach.
Drayton, Florida’s running backs coach for the past three seasons, expressed excitement at the opportunity to join Tennessee’s staff because of its history of producing quality running backs.
He described his recruiting style as honest and relationship-driven.
And he spoke frankly about the challenges of coaching running backs in Florida coach Urban Meyer’s spread-option offense, which is just as likely to give the ball to a wide receiver or keep it in the quarterback’s hands than hand it off.
“There have been a lot of questions asked about why leave Florida for Tennessee and the rivalry that goes behind it,” Drayton said in a press conference in Thompson-Boling Arena before the Vols’ basketball game against Ole Miss. “Obviously Urban Meyer (is) not too happy right now about me leaving to come to a rival. But I tell you what, I’m happy to be here. The reasons were very clear. It was a career decision for me. I’m happy to be a Volunteer.”
Drayton, 36, said he got a good feel about Tennessee’s family atmosphere — and another good feeling about Tennessee’s pro-style offense that features the tailback more than Florida’s.
Drayton said he wasn’t looking to leave Florida, but after speaking to friends and mentors in the coaching business it became clear that moving away from the spread could help him achieve his career goals.
“The offense that we were running at Florida didn’t have much involvement from the running back,” Drayton said. “There was some frustration there, to be honest with you. But you’re in a community that’s very supportive of Florida. Florida’s been good to me for three years. It was a very comfortable situation, it really was. Urban Meyer made it a very comfortable situation for me.”
The conversation about leaving, however, wasn’t.
According to Drayton, UT coach Phillip Fulmer called Meyer on Friday morning, presumably to ask for permission to speak with Drayton.
Meyer stepped out of a staff meeting to answer the phone and then dismissed everyone but Drayton shortly after returning to the room.
“I can’t go into too much detail, but it was a little rough, a little rocky,” Drayton said. “He had a coach that was getting ready to entertain a situation at his rival school. I understood that completely.
“Eventually we broke it down to what was really important: Is it Tennessee/Florida or is it about a career and a family move. For me, it came down to for my family and myself. That’s why I’m here.”
Drayton interviewed Sunday and arrived in Knoxville by plane Wednesday evening, in time for his pre-tip off press conference.
Since accepting the position, Drayton has spoken to UT’s running backs, including junior Arian Foster who has yet to announce whether he will leave for the NFL.
Details of Drayton’s compensation package were not immediately available.
Tennessee must still hire an offensive coordinator to replace David Cutcliffe and two more assistants.
Richmond coach Dave Clawson, who coached with Drayton while at Villanova in the late 1990s, interviewed for the offensive coordinator job Monday.
Former Michigan offensive coordinator Mike DeBord and former Michigan quarterbacks coach Scott Loeffler both left Knoxville on Wednesday after interviewing with Fulmer.
As of Wednesday night, no decisions have been made as to who will be Tennessee’s next coordinator, however Fulmer said he hoped the process will be completed “pretty soon.”
But whoever Drayton winds up working with on UT’s staff, he knows the Vols will be running the football — with a running back — and that’s good enough reason to come to Knoxville.
“It was a decision based on what the tradition of what Tennessee running backs are all about,” Drayton said. “(Fulmer) told me, ‘Stan, get those guys protecting the football and get them running the ball down hill.’ I was pretty comfortable making the decision based on that.”
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee 60, Connecticut 57 men's…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 220
texvol writes:
It's clear now where we are headed.
Phowell23 writes:
Welcome to UT Drayton. We are glad you are a VOL.
james#216392 writes:
Appears to be good hire.
GerryOP writes:
Drayton sounds like a guy that really, really wants to be a Volunteer. Welcome aboard.
indianacurly writes:
I'll miss the chest-bumps, but I like this guy. Maybe he'll give us a new sideline signature move .....
gohawks1 writes:
And while you're at it, Coach Drayton, maybe you can help our defense understand how to exploit a spread offense.
Welcome to the Big Orange Nation, Coach!
FWBVol writes:
Sounds like Urban Meyer wants a running backs coach in name only, but not someone to coach running backs.
I hope every running back Florida and Urban are trying to recruit reads this and sees what happens to a tailback in Urban's spread.
Phillip Fulmer did things the right way by asking UM permission to talk to Drayton. And Drayton wasn't going to be bullied by cry baby Urban.
Welcome aboard Stan.
asleep#212036 writes:
Where we are headed is back to the days when Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry ran "down hill" and we ran to the BCS. I'll say it again, none of the top 6 BCS teams (pre-bowl) ran the spread. True, Missouri and West Virginia, both bowl winners, do run it, but 4 of the top 5 final BSC poll teams run a pro-style offense featuring a strong running game and a pocket passer. That's how we have recruited and like others have said, our lack of a spread offense was not the reason we lost 4 games this year - it was our inability to defend a spread offense that cost us dearly. Get a good OC and then lets shore up that D and let the good times roll. Go Vols!!!
wyomingvol writes:
Welcome Coach! Who is next??!!
Run the ball and keep the spread off the field!!!!
Now keep Foster for another year and let all the blue chippers know TN is going to run the ball!!!
Best news of the new season thus far. Tickin off old Urban and FLA, for the first time in 3 years, and helping us and hurting them!
Go Vols, I'll hang up an listen to Ya....
CoverOrange writes:
Almost sounds to me like Fulmer put Drayton in a position that he either had to turn down the interview or accept a job that hadn't yet been offered. Glad Fulmer offered him the job right away. UM may have cost himself the ability to attract good assistants by treating upwardly mobile prospects as disloyal. Just my read.
trivol writes:
Welcome to Vol country Coach Drayton.
shopsports#273141 writes:
who is the fourth game we lost....AL, FL, and Cal. Don't remember losing a fourth game. where was I?
byobbio writes:
Tennessee has gone from an abysmal bowl season to hugely successful off season in a few days. This is another of a string of good news events. Maybe the Michigan people can keep the momentum. Can't say we took the creme of the crop from two of our most heated rivals (Conference and non). I love where we're headed and kudos to Hamilton and Fulmer for keeping tradition, stability and a winning attitude here in Knoxville.
FWBVol writes:
texvol, it has always been clear that UT will never run a spread as long Phillip Fulmer is head coach. He likes a pro style system, which, in my opinion, would be the type of offense kids hoping to play in the NFL should be attracted to.
I believe the new OC will be allowed to spread things out some with four receiver sets, which we have used.
If Crompton earns the starting QB job this year, he'll be a legitimate run threat in the mold of Heath Shuler.
It's funny, but UM won the NC with Chris Leak, a drop back passer as the starting QB, and finished 13th in the nation this year running the spread. Just a thought.
FWBVol writes:
LSU in SEC title game was fourth loss.
shopsports#273141 writes:
My bad. We did play 14 games and lose 4...We lost to the National champs....barely.
Volalumnus writes:
LSU
rabidvol1998 writes:
maybe Urban should quit spending time analyzing football games for Fox and focus on his house. Here's to Urban Blight.
ThaiVolFan writes:
I, among many others. am very excited about next years season. We will actually have a very upbeat and exciting offseason with all the new hires, new wrinkles to our offensive scheme, strengthening D with the addition of Morely.
I noticed we play Florida next year after an open date. With the new hire of Drayton, along with the open date, we should be pretty well prepared to beat the Gators at home. The Gators will be ranked in the top 5 but not after September 20th! I predict that we prepare for that big game all spring and summer long in order to win our first big game of the year and land us in the top 10 early in the year. It will be a fun season!
Go Vols!
andy112382#209793 writes:
Well we just got a guy from Florida that was considered a top 25 recruiter in the nation, sounds like someone who can take over the role of 'key recruiter' that was left by Trooper.
Good hire, lets get three more solid ones!
GO VOLS!!!
GrandCanyonVol writes:
I like this family man. Welcome to Vol Country!
Hacksaw57 writes:
I think Coach Fulmer has spent a lot of "QUALITY TIME" by himself thinking how close things were to becoming unraveled for him personally as the Head Man of the Vols, the status and future of the football program and the eminent loss of support that would be upon the program if thing didn’t get turned around pretty quickly. From all aspects, it looks as if Coach Fulmer has indeed “turned the ship into calmer waters” by his first hire of Drayton and the, hopefully, successful hiring of some of those names in contention for the other vacant coaching positions. It is vitally important in doing this for recruiting purposes and to somewhat salvage the recruiting process. What was staring Coach Fulmer in the face was the potential of having a horrible recruiting season, something for which he is definitely not know for being one of the top recruiting coaches in the country. So far, it looks like a salvage job that could turn out to be pretty good. GO VOLS!
p.s. PEARL’S THE MAN! Good effort tonight against the Rebs! A QUALITY WIN!
BigOrangeVol writes:
The only QB in our history to ever lead the team in rushing was my buddy Willis James Streater III. Jimmy would have turned 50 back on Dec. 17th. His smile, attitude and friendship are sorely missed.
"Bird" passed for 3,433 career yards and 17 TD's while rushing for 1,374 and 25 TD's. I wish UT would retire his #6 jersey.
Heath had 4,089 passing and 383 rushing with 8 more total TD's. I think the World of Heath, Benjie, Joe and Margie but as far as his running ability was concerned...he was no Sylva Streak!
Anything that puts Urban Oscar Meyer or St. Stevie Superior's drawers in a bunch has to be a good thing right? I know it brings a smile to my heart!
scvolalum writes:
One seldom knows but this acquisition could be the cornerstone of a solid OC staff. Loeffler and Debord (from a solid Michigan staff)apparently share similar policies and should meld and feed off one-another's ideas. As a bonus, Bryan Mallett would almost definitely play quarterback in Knoxville. This guy is a stud with a bona-fide NFL arm and has demonstrated dynamic leadership qualities. It's doubtful anyone could make a Wade/Allan Houston connection here. I just hope these executive decisions are made with eyes wide open.
FWBVol writes:
One of the things I like most about this hire is that Phillip Fulmer identified a coach he was interested in and went out and got him. At least that's what I take from the story. It looks as if he was the one who initiated the contact with Stan Drayton.
Former UT RB coach, Woody McCorvey is the OC at Mississippi State, and I would imagine CPF got a strong recommendation for Drayton from him.
I'm excited about the news we'll hear on the other hires in the next few days.
TommyJack writes:
Chest bumps, schmest bumps. Spread, schmed. Win the line of scrimmage. Back to basics.
FWBVol writes:
You said a mouth full TommyJack. Football is still a hitting sport and the teams that hit the best usually win.
rootin4volz writes:
Coach Drayton...As the T-shirts say: "You picked the right one, baby!" Welcome aboard.
jawjavol writes:
I am excited about this hire but I wonder how good a recruiter he would have been at a lesser school in a less talented state over the past three years?
Either way he has to have many strong relationships built up with Fl HS coaches!
DannyVol writes:
He did not get fired, Gator. He left for a better situation. He left for a higher ranked team who runs the ball with backs instead of receivers and its quarterback.
The only thing that is turning your backs into "garbage" is the 8 carries a game they get.
Btw, how happy are you guys with your bowl loss to the team who got whipped by Appalachian State?
threehundredbowler writes:
sportshop,try LSU, in Atlanta, SEC championship game.
mtnvol writes:
h1gator...nice finish vs. Michigan. Nice final ranking behind UT. Nice finish in the SECE. Nice final W/L record. Gators looking up at the Vols in every area!
(But I am big enough to give your PR dept props on winning the Hypeman award. Tebow had a great year.)
The guy wants to work in a program that develops RB's rather than HC egos. Get over it.
southernACmavs writes:
Will not miss chest bump.Never fear Fulmer and chavis have been seen BELLY bumping... SPEND MORE EXPECT LESS
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Welcome aboard Drayton. Vols actually have utilized running backs. Gators did not, finally caught up with them.
TJ, I'm still waiting, are you? Have we got anyone that can stop opponents pounding the fritter? Such as decent d-linemen. Out - from waiting central.
GreerVol22 writes:
Run it "down hill" eh Phil?....better take a look at your offensive linemen.......seems like you've spent enough time interviewing, make a friggin' decision and then recruit somebody for Pete's sake.
Ditchdigger writes:
Hey H1Gator who is Dratyon?
williamshockley#225607 writes:
Regardless of what H1Gator says, Drayton is listed by Rivals as one of the top recruiters in the country and a good hire....remember, Florida's spread offense can work without a feature back.
Does anyone out there know what is going on with Branden Warren?
ALLVOL12 writes:
Well done Fulmer, as usual your going out business in the right way, and going at it 110% for this football program. Keep up the good work.
DennisVols writes:
The more UF tries to put a spin on Drayton leaving the more I believe it really upset them. No one ever gets fired after they quit. Meyers system didn't use running backs and Meyers hadn't really sought one either.
We got a highly touted recruiter and from what I have seen so far a very motivated coach.
If the output on the field is a reflection of what we have seen this far then this is a good hire.
stroker writes:
Some of us have posted all along pro style will continue to bring the athletes who wish to play at the next level. Glad most of the spread fans are seeing the light.
RockyTopRK writes:
Hot off the press from Volquest.com - Brent Hubbs reports this:
It appears to be final stretch time in Phillip Fulmer's search for a new offensive coordinator and all signs point to it being a two horse race. Monday was Dave Clawson's turn to impress and Wednesday Mike Debord got his chance. No other interviews appear to be planned as Fulmer's search looks to be winding down.
vol4life writes:
Hey H1gator. quit hatin. By you being on a Vol website does that mean you are thinkin of converting to the BIG ORANGE. Demps just trying to be like Harvin. Demps knows he is not big enough to be a featured back at UT.
ssukonic#254241 writes:
One thing I'm wondering about is that here we have Fla.'s running backs coach and a great recruiter leaving Fla. and coming to Tennessee. Theres a really good running back who is torn between Fla. and Tenn. (Demps). Fla uses the spread and the running backs are not featured. Coach Drayton leaves fla. to go to tenn. who features the pro set and the running backs. Demps verbals to fla. Hmmmm.....not logical. Of course, nothing has been signed on the dotted line yet.....that comes later in Feb. BTW....what is the exact date of National Signing Day?
ssukonic#254241 writes:
The papers here in Richmond seem to think something re: the OC position and Clawson will happen today.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Dennisvol 9:13 agree- something else bothers Gators. gatorsports.com says Holliday (other recruiter/coach) is also outward bound. This right in the middle of recruiting. Urban not a happy camper is an understatement.
Maybe Clawson + one Mich coach is the answer we need. It's a phooey shoot at best. Keep the faith.
bustervols writes:
A little heads up before you physically arrive here. Everybody and his half step brother cousin hates Florida, the Gators that is, we still like to vacation there. Don't be confused when someone says the United State of Tennessee, some of us know for a fact that there is something outside the state line. Don't ever wear crimson red with Tennesse orange, major faux paux. Last but not least, saluting Coach Summit is NOT a state law. Welcome to Hillbillywood.
RockyTopRK writes:
Pondering this; If Fulmer goes with Clawson (which I hope he will), will Loeffler still come without Debord - and what about the Michigan QB that is looking seriously at the Vols now? What's your thoughts?
DennisVols writes:
The nice thing about the word "contender”, it in no way is a guarantee that you win. Look at this season for an example. Was UT listed as a contender to win the SEC east? Not in most polls. I saw many giving UF their usual overrated position at the top of the conference, even USC was mentioned as a possible winner of the eastern division. No matter what the experts say, no matter where they claim you will win up, it will be settled on the field. At the end of the season if UT has more “W’s” than the other teams in the east, who the experts said was a contender won’t mean a hill of beans.
UT has to earn that respect back. We use to have it almost every year. The ’05 is still very fresh to many who make these so called predictions and it is going to take the continued progress, winning the title and not just playing for it. Can’t lose by a combined 100 points to your 2 biggest rivals. Those are the next steps UT must make to be considered a so called contender.
It looks at this time the new hire and possible new hires may just be that difference maker. It will be determined on the field though no matter what anyone says.
Go Vols!!!!!!
CoastGuardVol writes:
Today is a good day!! Love the run. My bet is on Foster staying. Next season is starting to look good. Go Vols!!
bustervols writes:
sjt18 What's your point?
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.