STORY TOOLS

• E-mail story
• Comments
• iPod friendly
• Printer friendly

More Football

• Just add offense? Only half the equation for Vols
• 13-point underdogs? Vols 'brought it on ourselves'
• Ramone Johnson, Myers suspended for two games

Share and Enjoy [?]

Get Reprints

Want to use this article? Click here for options!

Jason Michael is quickly rising on the short list of candidates vying to be Tennessee’s next tight ends coach, a source close to the situation told the News Sentinel.

The Louisa, Ky., native just finished his fourth season in the NFL. After coaching as a graduate assistant at UT, Michael joined the Oakland Raiders in 2005 as a video assistant and offensive quality control coach.

He has spent the past three seasons with the New York Jets, currently as an assistant tight ends coach.

Michael played quarterback at Western Kentucky 1999-2002, guiding the Hilltoppers to the NCAA Division I-AA national championship in 2002.

Former Tulane head coach Greg Scelfo also is thought to be a serious candidate for the position, thanks to his strong recruiting reputation and connection to UT offensive line coach Greg Adkins, who coached with Scelfo at Marshall and Georgia in the 1990’s.

Maryville High School head coach George Quarles has interviewed twice for the position.

Former South Carolina head coach Sparky Woods and Clemson tight ends coach/recruiting coordinator Billy Napier also have been considered but neither is thought to be a strong candidate, the source said.

The tight ends coach position has traditionally helped coach the offensive line and served as recruiting coordinator. It is unclear if that will remain the same.

Matt Luke handled those three duties for the Vols before departing to be Duke’s offensive line coach.

Southbound: Former UT quarterback Erik Ainge has been selected to play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. The game will be played on Jan. 26 and broadcast on NFL Network.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.