North Carolina football coach Butch Davis says he's happy in Chapel Hill and committed to building a championship program there. His agent, Jimmy Sexton, also downplayed the Davis-to-UT rumor.
So you immediately crossed Davis off your University of Tennessee coaching candidates list, right?
Of course, you didn't.
If you're football savvy enough to know that 10 yards gets you a first down, then you know that veiled denials mean nothing when it comes to coaching searches. And you're also savvy enough to know that outright denials are just as bogus.
On the same day that then-Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban told the world he wouldn't be the coach at Alabama, an Alabama insider told me he was "75 percent sure" Saban would be the next head coach at Alabama.
You know how that turned out.
Davis was hardly as emphatic in dismissing speculation connecting him to the UT vacancy. In fact, he might be the most reasonable rumor of all the high-profile candidates.
A source told me weeks ago that "UT representatives had expressed an interest in Davis."
That's hardly shocking. He laid the groundwork for a national championship at the University of Miami. He was an NFL head coach with the Cleveland Browns. He has had a sudden, positive impact at North Carolina.
What's not to like?
Maybe it bothers you that he's 57. Big deal. Saban is 57, too, and his team is ranked No. 1 in the nation. And I won't even mention how old the coach of the No. 3 team is.
Also, consider Davis from an athletic director's perspective. You're taking a chance if you hire a college coordinator or even an NFL coach with no track record for recruiting.
How could anyone second-guess you for hiring Davis?
You might wonder why Davis would leave North Carolina, where the expectations are lower and the competition is easier. This just in: It's a basketball school, and he doesn't coach basketball.
He was a head coach in the NFL. He was a Dallas Cowboys assistant. He was in the national spotlight at the University of Miami. He's accustomed to a bigger stage than North Carolina football can provide.
Certainly, UT would have to flash enough cash to get his attention. But that won't be an issue. This is no time for being frugal.
That's why I disagree with the assessment of Sexton, who is also the agent for outgoing UT coach Phillip Fulmer. He said on a Memphis radio station that he thought UT would go after a successful coach at a school with fewer resources or after a coordinator.
The successful coach at another program makes sense. The "coordinator" doesn't. UT is too big of a program with too many resources. It doesn't have to gamble on a coordinator with no head-coaching experience.
Texas Tech coach Mike Leach falls into the category of a successful coach at a program with fewer resources. In the most competitive conference outside of the SEC, he has made headway against the likes of Oklahoma and Texas. And his team plays in a stadium with about half the seating capacity of Neyland Stadium.
A source told me that Leach is "very, very interested" in the UT job. Of course, Leach isn't going to say that. In case you haven't noticed, he's currently preoccupied with trying to win a national championship. He's also on the verge of having his contract renegotiated.
So he's probably happy where he is and committed to building a championship program at Texas Tech. But don't cross him off your list.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 181
volsare1 writes:
first but who cares about davis lets get kiffin, gruden, or cowher
MANVOL writes:
bring on Kelley, Brewster, or Graham. Don't worry about winning the press conference. Don't worry about losing recruits the new coach will probably have few to bring with him.
mlbrown5454 writes:
I'd like us to win out, UNC lose out, and we beat them in a bowl.
MemphisVol writes:
gruden or leach!!!!!!!
imw8n4u writes:
you firsties are all losers! As for this article, I'd take Butch Davis in a New York minute.
blitzshoot writes:
What do people expect Davis to say? His team is playing well and recruits are watching...do you expect him to come out and say, "sure, be there tomorrow."
As far as North Carolina being a basketball school and there is no pressure. Butch Davis is not afraid of competition, including coaches in the SEC. That holds no water. If anything, it works to UT's favor. Do not give up on this man. He would be a great fit for UT. Open the check book and if you are serious and want a keeper, be ready with a few zeroes.
utfpmd writes:
I agree imw8n4u, I think Butch Davis is the man for the job.
FWBVol writes:
My biggest concern with the NFL guys continues to be their ability to deal with "ALL" the bosses. It's one thing to answer to a Rooney with the Steelers, but it's something else to answer to Mike Hamilton, UT's president, UTK's chancelor, the athletic board of trustees and other power brokers with big bucks.
A NFL coach has access to his players almost full time since it is their job. A college coach has to work under NCAA guidelines that restrict access to the players. I'm not saying Gruden, Cowher or some other NFL guy couldn't make those adjustments, but it might be a challenge.
I have no problem with the idea of a coordinator at a name program coming in. Granted, CPF did have a few games as acting head coach when he got the job, but basically he came in as a former coordinator. Mark Richt is another OC that has done well and Bob Stoops has done OK at Oklahoma coming in with a DC background.
If you want to go with a DC why not look at the guy, I believe it's Nix, at South Carolina or Charlie Strong at Florida.
asleep#212036 writes:
Butch Davis' denial did seem half-hearted. I just cannot believe that he wouldn't jump to a high-profile (if somewhat down at the moment) SEC school with UT's facilities, traditions, and resources. Of course, there is immense pressure for the next guy not just to win, but win big and win immediately. A guy of Davis' stature doesn't have to subject himself or his legacy to that kind of uncertainty when he can stay at UNC and be a legend. We'll see but I have always thought (and posted it on this site many times) he is Hamilton's primary target and I think he is the next coach. Go Vols!!!
Waldorf writes:
Muschamp.
Muschamp.
Muschamp.
Pullingguard writes:
Why would John be so high on Butch Davis? He needs to look at his record at Miami... His W/L there would not keep Vol fans happy.. Larry Coker had a much better record than Davis including a National Championship and he got canned. Butch did not do well in the Pro's either. North Carolina has improved this year but you have to look at the competition.. John must be friends with Davis...
andy112382#209793 writes:
I SERIOUSLY do not understand the love for Mike Leach other than he is a big hit this season (after being there since 2000!)
First, how is his record over his time at Texas Tech anything that makes someone honestly says 'oh my gosh, he is a step up from Fulmer over the past few years!' Let see, here are his records from 2000 til now compared to Fulmer since 2000....you'll enjoy this, Fulmer on Right, Leach on left:
7-6 8-4
7-5 11-2
9-5 8-5
8-5 10-3
8-4 10-3
9-3 5-6
8-5 9-4
9-4 10-4
9-0 3-6
Now heres the kicker, since 2000 Fulmer and Leach have the EXACT same record as of TODAY: 74-37. This is with Fulmer coaching in the SEC versus Leach in the Big 12...compare the opponents, and take a few to think about that if you are big on Leach. I don't know about you, but big numbers on offense are cool and all, but, I rather have the wins and championships any day.
My second question is, how good of a recruiter is he? I don't think we can accurately answer this, he recruits in TEXAS....why WOULD he have to go out anywhere else and recruit? We all know at Tennessee you have to travel the nation, I would be willing to call this a big gamble in the recruiting department.
And finally, how well does a mormon fit into the lifestyle at Tennessee? Yea, yea, not the BIGGEST deal, but I would see it playing at least a minor part in the grand scheme of things. Kind of like how I was real high on Chris Petersen, but something about him being a scientologist has really closed that door for me. I don't think too much of people who worship Tom Cruise, or whatever they do.
I am liking three options at the moment: Lane Kiffin - yea, say what you want about his NFL record, but Saban, Carroll, and Spurrier were pretty bad in the NFL, turned out it meant that were far better in college. Plus, he got fired by the same guy that fired Gruden and Shanahan! Al Davis never truly let him run the team, and if he could, have you seen their team??? Not much to work with. Plus, facts dont lie, look up his time at USC, awesome recruiter, young, gret at developing talent and running offenses.
Second and third would be Will Muschamp, I would expect him to end up at Auburn if Tuberville does indeed step down, and Gruden, which is the longest shot I think. Brian Kelly wouldn't be a bad choice. Brewster sounds the riskiest choice out of ones I would even want us to consider. I do like the fact Hamilton is using a searching group to help like when Pearl was hired. Smart move.
GO VOLS!!!
andy112382#209793 writes:
Oops.....sorry for the extremely long post, too! But there is plenty to be said about this!
VolFaninTriCities writes:
This is the first time I can say this but I actually like this article by John Adams. (Pause as I just threw up in my mouth for saying that) Great points though. My vote is for Leach. We need someone who can recruit out of Texas and outside of the SEC. The doors are shut in GA, AL, SC and FL. We need someone who can go into Texas and pull the "Colt Somethings" off of the ranch and into Neyland Stadium.
Fred08 writes:
bring on leach or davis!
imw8n4u writes:
When Davis left Miami, it looked like he had built a machine that could never be stopped. Their program was clearly headed in the wrong direction when they fired Coker, and they still haven't recovered. If he had stayed at Miami, I'm convinced "The U" would still be rolling.
MANVOL writes:
Davis will follow the dollars here, then follow the dollars somwhere else in a couple years.
orangecountry21 writes:
I want Butch Davis. Hamilton wants Butch Davis. You want Butch Davis. Recruits want Butch Davis. Tennessee wants Butch Davis. Brainwashed?
rockytop47 writes:
I want to get Gruden, but I think Davis or Leach would be good moves as well. I am against getting an assistant. That is why there are smaller universities to test their abilities as the front man. UT is not a testing ground we need and deserve a proven winner. Gruden is a Super Bowl Champ. He will sell UT, he has ties and he can flat out coach and he has the guts to take on Saban, Meyer and others. Davis has the experience as well. Leach would be a bigger stretch, but has done a lot with less at Tech. Kiffin would also work. Being fired by Al Davis is good thing like someone wrote earlier. Gruden and Shanahan both won Super Bowls after Al. Anyway, we need to go big or stay home. The bar has been set high in the SEC and we need to set the pace not chase these teams!
weisgarber2003#313889 writes:
"he recruits in TEXAS....why WOULD he have to go out anywhere else and recruit?"
Because recruiting in Texas for Leach means getting someone to Lubbock, Tx., not exactly the garden spot of the world, although the people there are friendly. Lubbock is much smaller than Knoxville in metro size, and it is in the middle of nowhere. Recruiting in Lubbock isn't exactly "recruiting in Texas."
orangecountry21 writes:
I don't want Leach. He's a mad man. And fat. Plus all you Leach fans saying he is a great Texas recruiter....check it out. Not gonna cut it in the SEC.
http://texastech.rivals.com/default.a...
blitzshoot writes:
trying to convince yourself?
zqvol writes:
Who cares what Adams thinks, he is as classless as Hamilton if he knew UT was expressing interest in Davis a few weeks ago.
Fire Adams
Fire Hamilton
orangecountry21 writes:
Butch Davis
John Gruden
Brian Kelly
Tim Brewster
Lane Kiffin
Not exactly in order but my wishlist.
TDTN writes:
Muschamp? If I am not mistaken he is currently the defensive coordinator at Texas? Please correct me if I am wrong. The best defense in the Big 12 is ranked #57 nationally. If he cant do better than that he needs to stay out of Knoxville. Heck, Chavis is much better than that. The Big 12 schools are scoring 60+ points a game these days. Tennessee could score 60 points agains a lame big 12 defense with our lousy offense. How canthe guy have a defense ranked that low as the D coordinator and be considered a candidate to take over our program? No thanks. We dont need Gruden either. I'll take the guy a Minnesota over any of these guys.
orangecountry21 writes:
An absolute genius post. Bravo. Bravo.
gavol2572 writes:
I have to now agree with the "first" thing. Granted back in the summer when nothing was really going on, it was fun and yes I too participated in the festivities. But come on guys, it's over, the gig is up, it's played out, move on, LET IT GO!!!
Now if we landed Leach, I would smile. If we landed Davis, I would shout. But if we landed Gruden, I am certain that I would soil my pants.
Greer_Vol_22 writes:
Davis has tasted the pro deal and didn't like it much...UNC folks that I know here in SC think he would bolt for UT in a skinny minute. He made almost the same comment before he left Miami.
orangecountry21 writes:
No one wants Leach. He is a one year wonder.
rusty_shackleford writes:
What's the buyout for a sport editor who hasn't won any award of note...$3.75?
orangecountry21 writes:
Anyone remember, who was it, Callahan? That god awful Nebraska coach that ran Nebraska into the ground. Well his story is awfully similar to Lane's. A failed Raiders coach. Comes to a big time university. Ker-plack! I would make Lane at best my fourth choice for supersitous reasons.
orangecountry21 writes:
I am pretty sure Penn State runs a form of the spread and they aren't exactly nose diving.
orangecountry21 writes:
Ignorant
gavol2572 writes:
this would be an issue we will probably have to agree to disagree on orangecountry. Ive been watching TT for a while now and while Leach's win/loss record looks mediocre, the offensive stats of his teams are impressive. Now I know everyone will say that the Big 12 doesn't play defense but to put up those kind of numbers in any conference is remarkable.
orangecountry21 writes:
I know our offense is sorry and this is in no way going to matter, but I want Tennessee always to be known for defense. Hard nosed defense. Not 5 WR sissy passing.
gavol2572 writes:
can we not have the best of both worlds?
murrayvol writes:
And let's not forget Belichick, Dungy, Coughlin, or Del Rio.
bobbyutvol writes:
LEACH
orangecountry21 writes:
I know Herm Edward's nephew. Maybe I can get him to put a good word in for the Vols. Let's not forget the possibility of John Madden coming out of retirement.
orangecountry21 writes:
DAVIStheman
murrayvol writes:
Agree with you excepting the immense pressure, win big, win now statement.
It's taken awhile to reach this point and it will take awhile to get back on top of the heap. Some may not accept or believe that but I certainly do.
Bufforange00 writes:
Leach would be a great hire. He has a proven track record of producing great offenses. His quarterbacks are often called "system" quarterbacks because it doesn't matter who is pulling the trigger. They always rack up huge numbers. If you want exciting offensive football, bring in Leach. He will have the offense humming in no time.
Butch Davis would also be a great hire. He has proven he can recruit and win everywhere he has gone. Miami was arguably one of the most talented teams ever between 2000-2002. Look at this list-Edgerrin James(1998), Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Najeh Davenport, Ken Dorsey, Andre Johnson, Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, DJ Williams, Jon Vilma, Sean Taylor, etc.al. Butch Davis built them--brought them back from the doldrums. I would take those teams over even 2004-2005 USC (Bush, White, Leinart, etc). What he has done with John Bunting's team at UNC is remarkable.
BTW-anyone will come for enough money--regardless of what they say. Denying interest is the expedient thing to do (for all you greenhorns).
bobbyutvol writes:
WHEN MIKE LEACH WAS OFFENSE CORD AT KENTUCKY, GO LOOK AT THE STATS UNBELEIVEABLE.. THIS GUY IS AN OFFENSE GENIUS.. I THINK TENNESSEE COULD USE SOME OFFENSE.... LEACH WILL BRING EXCITEMENT TO THE PROGRAM PLUS GREAT QB'S AND RECEIVERS.. LET CHAVIS STAY AS DEFENSE CORD. ITS A WINNER.. THOSE RECORDS AT KENTUCKY ARE SEC RECORDS.LEACH FOR HEAD COACH
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
If we get Kiffin, who's going to buy his players for him?
What if Kiffin decides he wants out of Knoxville but insists on the big severence package he'd get if fired. Are you ready to watch him tank games like he did with the Raiders?
Leach is a great coach and so is Butch Davis. I'm cool with either one. I wish the Vols could get a young up and comer who could stay 16 years or more, but with the way they dumped Fulmer, I can't see 'em rolling the dice on anyone besides Kiffin, and Kiffin would be a disaster.
Personally, I like Brian Kelly of Cincinnati and Paul Johnson of Georgia Tech the most. Especially Johnson. To see what his brilliant football mind and GA recruiting ties could do with the Vols resources boggles the mind...
soccervol writes:
Gruden!! Hire Chucky!
orangecountry21 writes:
NO! No Mike Leach!
lewhs93#205993 writes:
Many people in Tampa hope Gruden goes to TN.He won with Dungy's team then dismantled the team and has done nothing since.Ihope he stays in Tampa.I don't see him as a good recruiter,since his picks of the college kids have not been that great.
murrayvol writes:
Larry Coker followed the Bill Battle model: Milked Davis recruits for 3 years before the crash and burn.
Pete Carroll didn't do well in the pros either.
If Davis will come(and I think he will), he should be the guy.
murrayvol writes:
Brilliant!
orangecountry21 writes:
Butch Davis had better be pulling a Nick Saban straight up lie. Otherwise he is going to end up like Gary Pinkel back at Toledo.
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