Posted by dfreeman on January 11, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great Article Strange!! I can't wait til spring!! Go Vols!!!

Posted by tenndave on January 11, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen. Good teachers can teach anything anywhere. Go Vols

Posted by utwick on January 11, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree totally. Is there still room on the staff for Quarles?

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on January 11, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For y'all that were clamoring for Jon Gruden, looks like there's something in this hire for you as well.

Posted by ORANGEjayhawk on January 11, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This man will seem like a BIG fish in a SMALL pond when all said and done. Lets help him transfer from being Spider Man to a savage, ravaging, orange blood dripping, Canine Smokey...(lets feed him the naysayers on these walls first. Whom should we start with?)

I BLEED ORANGE!

Peace

Posted by cdldoc on January 11, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on touchdowntn, we need some negativity on this. Where are you?

Posted by dallasdog1 on January 11, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1-aa guys cant coach. I mean look at Tressel. He cant win the big one and he looks fat in the sweater vest. I mean, for sure man, give me a break....totally, for sure.

Posted by dallasdog1 on January 11, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Doesnt matter anyway. ESPN has already crowned Georgia world champs in 2008...cause we all know that past performance is always a predictor of future success. Just think if GA wins the red-black game.......they will burn down athens....thankfully.

Posted by takebkknox on January 11, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This could be a defining moment in UT history. I hope we were careful enough what we wished for. I like the new blood, fresh ideas approach but we must not lose our identity. The only way this outsider can pay his dues and become one of US is to win it all. He must have a National Championship to secure his place on the wall. If he helps to accomplish that, then the sky is the limit for many years to come. Welcome aboard Claw! Welcome to the the Vols!

Posted by a10acfan1 on January 11, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When is the Spring Game? I can't wait. Good Hire. Welcome Coach Clawson

Posted by JohnyLobo34 on January 12, 2008 at 2:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If he attended Williams College he's damn smart too! A thinking man's coach! Luv it

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 12, 2008 at 5:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i just hope that the 1 famous saying doesnt come true and that being "when it sounds to good to be true, 9 times out of 10 it is"

Posted by Cherokee on January 12, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If this guy does well, he will either become the heir apparent to Fulmer, or we will be saying goodbye to him in 2-3 years.

I'd love to see him succeed, Fulmer finish his career with another SEC title or even NC, and then retire gracefully for this guy to take over. But there's a lot that can happen other than that.

Posted by RocketVol on January 12, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now Phil, leave him alone and let him do his job. When you disagree with a call being made on the field, let it go - he is the expert now. Try taking off your headset and stop micromanaging each game. Let the coordinators do that. Your job is to look at the game as a whole and steer your coaches to make halftime adjustments. Paterno's system works pretty good.

Posted by fencevol on January 12, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Been in and out of country last 2 weeks.Can anyone fill me in as to 1) was the UF running back coach unhappy, or did we just offer money?(seems like a lateral move at best) 2. I have heard several references to a "huge surprise" to come out of the coaching searches, what is this about? It does look that Clawsen should be a great addition to our staff. Spring game should be VERY interesting!!! Go Vols

Posted by why36knot on January 12, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All of these crystal balls have come out here and seen the future of Tenn Football. WOW....
This poor guy hasn't even met the players yet and some are saying he must win a National Championship.
All through our history we have only won 2/two.
There is only one National Champion each year and the task of winning is much harder than we realize. Unless you are Southen Cal, Ohio State or Oklahoma and can get the media to vote you number 1 in preaseason you will be hard pressed to ever win one playing in the SEC.
I just want to enjoy College Football with all of its ups and downs and all of its hype. Sure, I'd love to win National Championships but realistically it happens only rarely at best.
Let's wait and see how things go for a couple or three years and then make our judgements. Fulmer will be here until he is not here any longer. The same goes for Clawson and every other coach. As fans we will be here also.
At this point if you can say that you don't like the new OC... YOU ARE AN IDIOT.

Posted by jweaver3 on January 12, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TOUCHDN has been supportive of this hire the whole time. He has had some really good post on Coach Clawson. Let's give the man a chance to prove his worth. Sounds like he knows offense.
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by marc_ash on January 12, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those of you that even have a thought of getting season tickets you better drop the thousand bucks and get em now. They won't be obtainable in the next couple of years.

Posted by pdhuff on January 12, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

why36knot 8:18 AM - Agree- NC's are a gift from a result of a great team making and catching many breaks.

Top 10's are a result of strong recruiting, great coaching and being prepared for every Saturday. You can't take a game off emotionally or you'll get your hat handed to you as you go out the door. This past season showed us that.

I like this hire and we need to back this man. Hard as it is I'm trying to get over the bumps (being kind) of 2007 and have a little fun in 2008. Go Vols.

Posted by mtnvol on January 12, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff is right in that we need to support our new (and present) coaches. Too often, TN fans remind me of a 10 year old I took to a ball game five years ago who yelled "We're with you all the way...until you lose and then you're on your own."

True Stroy! I told him he'd fit in perfectly.

Posted by TommyJack on January 12, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: I back the new guy 100%. NC's are rare. All I ask is for TN to be in POSITION to win one. If we are, the SEC's will come. Got a new triple option pkg...apple, cherry & raspberry fritters.
Pound'em!

Why36knot? Why all the anger?

Posted by jamcdaniel79 on January 12, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like that he is from the outside....don't love the lack of big time experience.

That being said, Jim Tressel seems to be an above average coach (outstanding if the SEC didn't exist). He came from I-AA.

I am supportive. Why the heck not?

Let's get some recruiting done. Our D will be good next year....we always replace LBs pretty well and I think having Karl off the field just about offsets not having Mayo on it. That guy was just outclassed in every SEC game.

Let's see what the new guy can do with the O. We do not have a lack of talent versus anyone else in our conference....no excuses.

BTW - whoever complained about the guy not meeting the team yet but being expected to win a national title.....that's BS, he knew what he was getting into.

Big goals and expectations is what keeps us where we need to be or at least headed in the direction to get back where we need to be.

Posted by khelton657 on January 12, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No Polyanna here but this is the most excited I have been for Tennessee football in several years. Have to give Coach Fulmer his kudo's too..he went quietly about his job and, so far, it looks like he did well.

Posted by tennisvol on January 12, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like ole Phil did a great job so far of getting a good staff. Congratulations!

Posted by VOLINSC on January 12, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what about the other coaches?

Posted by grvol on January 12, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hopefully he'll be smart enough to anticipate defensive calls and will not have to rely on the QB to checkoff every single freaking play like Sanders and Cut did. If no more shotgun dink and dunk I may be able to watch again without throwing beers at the TV.

Posted by jsm67vol on January 12, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The excitement of the unknown is overwhelming. This looks like a good hire on paper for sure. I've always respected Fulmer for hiring great asst. coaches and letting them do their job. I think it will be difficult for Fulmer to give this new guy the reigns of the offense and let him do it his way completely. If we see Fulmer let Clawson take the reigns, then I think Fulmer definitely hired this guy as a possible replacement when he is ready to step down. Go Vols! I wonder how many calls Richmond U. has gotten from SEC def. coor. asking for game tape of the 2007season. lololo

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 12, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well stan left the gators and also doc left so most of the time they take recruits with them or some back out of commentments so has anybody heard of such so far

Posted by IPOrange on January 12, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fencevol - Coach Drayton, the running backs coach at UF, was very professional about his decision to move and with the comments he made about it. Meyer, on the other hand, didn't handle it as well, expressing anger at one of his coaches going over to the enemy. It seems as though Drayton, as a running backs coach, wanted to go to an organization where running backs were actually used in the offensive scheme.

As far as the "big surprise" goes, we're still scratching our heads on that one. We don't know if that was referring to Clawson or not. I think we have one more coaching position to fill, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see.....

Posted by tngeoff on January 12, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I really like this guy the more I research him. I also like Coach Drayton. I just hope that Fulmer and Clawson aren't going to bifurcate. If Clawson and Drayton click and the final hire (whoever it will be - obviously no "BIG ANNOUNCEMENT") does too, this could be a very defining moment in Tennessee football history. Was I annoyed in 2007? Without a doubt early on. Am I excited about 2008? Incredibly. Do I need to hear anymore folks pontificating about their "right" to say who can and who cannot be excited by these developments based on their "100% support of whatever?" No. The folks who are and have been realisttic and not just contrary for the sake of being contrary, to the man (no bender bias implied intentionally or unintentionally - just an expression) shown support for this new development.

vol_in_lsu - Send me an e-mail directly at tngeoff@hotmail.com For some reason I couldn't answer you through the website here.

sjt18 - CRAZY last couple of days. Today after some much needed home stuff will try to get to other site amd join and will send you a message.

All - Keep the Faith!

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 12, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

isnt the press comference at 9 10 central

Posted by waterskier3 on January 12, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i'm all for outside the family.... a little surprised its from richmond but fulmer is the leader and he must rise or fall with this decision....

we needed these coaches because the off staff was stale and predictable. we need some changes on defense to bring in some fresh attitudes also... everyone has to admit in the 2000's tn has been very inconsistant on both sides of the ball and the teams have quit when they face the best teams.... that's not what we're used to and i think that's why everyone is excited about outside the family hires...

recruit baby recruit......... we need some studs on D and a couple of stud receivers to stretch the field.

GO VOLS

Posted by IPOrange on January 12, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The press conference is likely at 10:00 eastern, which means now, as we speak.

The first thing that needs to happen is for Clawson, Drayton, and Chavis to meet and have a session on how to stop a spread offense. The new guys have worked in that type of system and could be a very valuable source of information for us on how to defend it.

Posted by tngeoff on January 12, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange,

Good points on the spread and the new coaches.

Posted by tngeoff on January 12, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange,

Do you have a Sister named Michelle - same last name?

Posted by johnlg00 on January 12, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Richmond is a small, expensive, academically-selective school, a la Vandy/Duke/Ivies, yet Clawson was able to get significant contributions from walk-ons on a division-championship-contending team. In fact, all of the schools he attended or coached at are of that type. I think he will emphasize class attendance and academic success to a degree this year's squad could have used. This should be a tremendous contribution in addition to his pure football credentials. Put me with the "excited" group!

Posted by inquiry on January 12, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good article John Adams..

Posted by inquiry on January 12, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

oops. even better article Mike Strange :).. eeks

Posted by IPOrange on January 12, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No sisters, tngeoff, just two brothers.

Posted by tngeoff on January 12, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange.

Thanks. I had worked with a young lady with your same last name and was just curious.

Posted by asleep on January 12, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ole Coach Phil isn't as dumb as people would have you think. Forget footballl, this was about politics. Phil certainly knows football but the program has had some rough years by recent UT standards, which of course, he helped to set. He had to hire outside to shake things up. Given that, I think this guy has real potential and I can't wait til next year. Same discipline, new playbook, bigger balls during the game. Right, wrong, or indifferent, it looks like we're in for some excitement - as so is the rest of the SEC! Go Vols!!!

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 12, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

since stan and doc left florida has any recruits backed out of commentments

Posted by IPOrange on January 12, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Agreed, asleep. I'm looking forward to the new season already and it's only January. Of course, I'm that way every year. Off-season, new hiring, recruiting, spring drills, summer magazine publications, injury updates, etc, etc, and finally the season begins. Maybe I can make it until then.

Posted by tngeoff on January 12, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IPOrange and asleep,

I agree with both you guys. Like IPOrange says, I also get excited every year and look forward to all the preseason publications. They seem to get a little earlier every year. I hope they're REAL early this year! I know one thing, we will stuff Schlabach's ESPN preseason top 25 down his nasty Dawg throat. Go Vols!

volunteer_cowboy,

Haven't heard a word in days about then recruit tagging along scenario.

Posted by takebkknox on January 12, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not saying that he has to win a NC to be liked as a coach. I'm saying in order to take his place among the greats in program history, and be accepted as a future Head Coach, he will need to win a National Championship.

Posted by srote on January 12, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a High School Friend and teammate of Dave Clawson I'm so happy for our Tennessee Football Program. I say this as a fan from Lewiston NY the town next to Youngstown NY where Dave Clawson is from. Great coach with exclent ideas and a true leader. Phil just saved has job with this move. I can't wait for the season to start. Congrats Dave

Posted by southernACmavs on January 12, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Damn hard to be negative today.Once again the Orange Blood has started to burn the vessel of my once hardened heart.I belive this was ment to be... just like the ball pulling away from the goal in the Vandy game.And the fumble against the gamecocks,where a O lineman made his was 15yards down field to recover.Or a blocked field goal against Kentucky...DESTINY.... ONE MORE TIME DARE I BELIVE???

Posted by croweman on January 12, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

2008 season is going to be great and I can't wait to come up for the orange and white game. The change for us I think is a good one and one that has been needed for a few years now. Good Job Coach and looking forward to this season. GO VOLS.
"Does anyone know where I can find orange overalls?"

Posted by dfreeman on January 12, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I love that Fulmer said he "was just hard headed enough to argue with me" during the interview about some things!! I like to hear that! He isn't going to be afraid to tell Fulmer what he thinks!!

Posted by GerryOP on January 12, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Clawson is a good thing! His enthusiam came bubbling through during the announcement this morning! Got the impression that it was flowing over to PAF too! It was good to hear.

When is the O & W game? Let's all root for our footVols continuing to be undfeated in 2008!

Posted by tenacvol on January 12, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great hire Coach Fulmer! I live in the Tidewater area of Virginia and there is tons of high school talent in this area. Beamer from Virginia Tech seems to grab up most of them, but Tennessee has done pretty well in this area, too (Jerod Mayo being the most recent example). Hopefully, Clawson's ties to Virginia will help him recruit this area successfully! Go VOLS!

Posted by thesavageorange on January 12, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman , Agree 100%.I guess ole CPF was telling the truth when he said he wanted someone to challenge him.I like it.I like it alot.

Posted by arkyvol on January 12, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if the strange axiom is indeed true: 'good coaches can coach at any level', then he should have grabbed guz malzahn. i hope phil is right on this one.

Posted by hueypilot on January 12, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And, dfreeman, to ol Phils credit, he had the good sense to hire somebody who has the sand to stick to what he believes, even in the job interview with a potential future boss. I think many have assumed Fulmer is averse to change. I don't share that. He is the dean of SEC coaches. I don't think he has stood still, because the game hasn't stood still and I don't think the game has passed him by just yet. Go vols.

Posted by vol94 on January 12, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

anyone know of the so call surprising news? or was that the hiring of clawson?
I love the enthusiasm. Just the medicine the vol nation needed.. I loved it when
clawson mentioned UT and natl title. I I know GA and Florida are loaded but i don't see why we don't compete for the SEC again next year as Crompton should be okay.

Posted by budd on January 12, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was ready for CPF to go. He and his staff had gotten lazy. He has made a solid hire in both the OC and the RB coach. I would guess this receivers coach must be good if Clawson is bringing him in.
CPF has done the right thing and now we should all support the team and coaches. CPF now must win and bring us back to the days we all know and love. He can do it if he tries. That is the key. Trying. Anyone questioning his ability to do it does not understand the process. He can coach, recruit, lead, and win. He just has to want to.

Posted by BubbaTN on January 12, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer knew he needed new blood in a program that has fell behind LSU, Florida, Auburn and Georgia. All of those schools stepped outside of tradition to hire what they thought was the best man for the job. Now it is our turn.

Interesting that the other schools went to first division not the second division for their man. But, I agree...it was a mater of time before this Spider would have moved into the big division.

One question remains, how does this help our defense. It was the absolute worst defense in over 15 years. Looks like Fulmer isn't making moves here! What about the "un-special" Teams?

Posted by pdhuff on January 12, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman-11:50 AM -In the solemn sense of levity, do you think this disagreement took place because Clawson ate the last two glazed?

BubbTn -4:07 PM- dead on about D. If they don't do something about D-linemen, rolling the rock from the tombs of Neyland and Rockne won't help them this fall. Cold, but true realism.

Posted by dfreeman on January 12, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - LOL maybe!!! But ya gotta love it huh?

Posted by bigfan502 on January 12, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HOLD YOUR HORSES GUYS...LET THIS OLD COOT AND I MEAN AN OLD COOT EXPRESS HIMSELF PERHAPS FOR THE LAST TIME. AS 72-YEAR FAN>>NOW THAT'S FAN OF THE VOLUNTEERS...FIRST BECAME A BLEEDING ORANGE FAN WHEN I WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD, OK?..AS I LOOK BACK AT THOSE MANY YEARS...ONE THING IS APPARENT AND I WANT YLOU FELLOWS TO REMEMBER THIS...ITS NOT ALL COACHING...ITS THE PLAYERS STUPID...GOTTA HAVE TOP PLAYERS FIRST. OH, YEAH, I HAVE SPENT MANY YEARS WAITING UNTIL NEXT YEAR. HERE I GO AGAIN, GO VOLS.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on January 12, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Strange is right on with the article, but the question still remains: is Clawson a good coach?

We'll find out next fall.....

Posted by budd on January 12, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigfan502 you are half right it is 50% coaching and 50% players

Posted by uwishuwereassmartasme on January 13, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Budd-

The coaching staff lazy? You may not like them or think that are are any good, but I bet they put in twice as many hours in a week as most people.

Posted by bigfan502 on January 14, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BUDD, THANKS FOR THE COMMENT...BUT NEYLAND AND "BEAR BRYANT ALWAYS SAID THAT PLAYERS ARE 90 PER-CENT OF THE TEAM....DON'T WORRY THAT 10 PER-CENT OF COACHING IS PLENTY IMPORTANT. EVEN THE PROS WILL TELL YOU THE BEST ATHLETES BECOME THE WINNERS. THEREFORE THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB FOR ANY COACHING STAFF IS RECRUITING.