In some rare public comments concerning Tennessee’s search for a new football coach, UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said the search process should conclude within a month.
“I think it’s reasonable to expect that sometime early to mid-December,” Hamilton said when asked about his timeline on WNOX’s Hallerin Hilton Hill radio show on Wednesday morning. “But I don’t want to put a date on it because as surely as you put a date on it, then if you don’t have a contract nailed down by that point then people assume you’re not getting your guy.”
Hamilton is searching for a replacement for Phillip Fulmer, who was asked on Nov. 3 to step down at the conclusion of the season. The Viols (3-7, 1-5) play at Vanderbilt on Saturday and finish the season a week later at home against Kentucky.
Hamilton said he wants current players and prospects to know who will be Tennessee’s next coach as soon as possible.
“I want them to know in relative short order what their new direction will be and who their new leader will be,” Hamilton said. “Also we’ve got these commitments out there, and they need to know who their leader is going to be.”
Hamilton said he is pleased the progress of the search.
“We’ve been interviewing folks here over the last week or so and got a few more to go,” he said. “Just based upon the interest level and the conversations that we’re having, I feel good about the process and the direction.”
Hamilton said UT’s next football coach’s pay would depend on his experience level, background and the coaches he might bring with him.
“We’ll be market competitive, though,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton was asked if UT would need to pay $4 million a year to secure a top-name coach.
“There’s only one guy making that kind of money,” Hamilton said, alluding to Alabama’s Nick Saban. “I don’t think you have to pay that kind of money necessarily.”
Hamilton declined comment on the specific criteria he’s looking for in a coach.
“We’ve done a pretty good job of protecting the individuals involved in the process right now,” Hamilton said. “That’s a key part of them wanting to remain in the process, is the confidentiality of the process. My agreement with all those guys is that we’ll keep it on the low down.”
Just because more names haven’t leaked out doesn’t mean the process has stalled.
“We’ve had tremendous interest from a number of great coaches around the country,” Hamilton said. “I feel very good about over the next few weeks bringing someone to the table that everyone can be excited about.”
Hamilton said negotiations are ongoing with Fulmer, who is to be paid $6 million over at least four years. That payout could be affected by Fulmer’s decision on whether he’ll remain with UT in an administrative capacity.
“We hope he’s around UT,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton also addressed whatever short-term advantages may be gained by hiring a coach that has strong fan support.
“We’re trying to win the Southeastern Conference, not the press conference,” Hamilton said. “We hope that we win the press conference too.
“But the main thing is how is this coach going to be judged (in the coming years). He’s going to be judged by wins and losses. So we’ve got to have a guy that’s going to win in the end.
“That’s the thing.”
Drew Edwards contributed to this report.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 413
allvolinatlanta writes:
We want to know too, Mikey?
Docrok writes:
Considering the current date, I think it is safe to assume Mr Hamilton at least has an idea who his potential coach is
holleyab writes:
This makes me think that he already has his man in place. I don't think that he would use the word "contract" if he didn't
okievol writes:
Here's some food for thought, especially after all the early talk that Fulmer should have voluntarily stepped down if he really loved UT:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colleg...
tnbigg writes:
Good link...good story...thanks...
Now...fill us all in Mike...who is in the ballpark and who isn't?
Huttdawg100 writes:
I completely agree; he's got his main guy lined up, and the main issue is the price.
TommyJack writes:
Phixable does too.
vol2211insc writes:
Well, while that is an honorable thing to do, I think we cannot reasonably expect Phil or any coach for that matter to "fire" themselves. Yes it was a big contract, yes it may or may not have been necessary, and yes Phil says he really wants Tennessee to be united, but what are we really saying by thinking a guy should give up his buyout? One could argue that by saying "I quit take the money" a coach admits that he has no confidense in his ability to have a winning season. If that's the case, you must not have confidence in yourself. If you say that then you shouldn't be a head coach. He is owed a buyout and he should be paid the buyout. Now if you want to target Hamilton, fine he has to answer to that extention. However, I think people need to stop taking shots at Phil for not "firing" himself. I mean would any of us do that? Absolutely not! Just my opinion; well written article though.
knoxnewsuser writes:
Once I take a look at the film I'll be able to tell you who the new coach will be, but not until I see the film.
vol2211insc writes:
I think its going to be Kelly too man. He should be the front runner. Muschamp out, Davis doesn't want it, Cutcliffe doesn't want it, not Gruden, Cowher, etc. He would say yes if they would only ask him
CoverOrange writes:
Unsolicited advice: Mikey, whatever you do, call a closed team meeting BEFORE you call a press conference. They deserve to know first.
Concerning the New Mexico HC: interesting last quote about being a coordinator means being in charge just that nobody knows it. Did Phil know that Cut was in charge?
mhillvol#275693 writes:
I would say that this will probably rule out an NFL coach?
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
We know that you're the kind of guy that likes his privacy, but wants everybody else to not have any. When you think of film you probably think of skin flicks. Sad sad, Fulmer was serious and you are not funny! You are not a majority, nobody wants this tennessee job because of people like you and John Adams, no matter what the money, who wants the hassle.
blitzshoot writes:
I think they have known since Fulmer resigned who it would be. The research firm has been looking more than just two weeks. "contract nailed down."
It must be in front of someone and negotiating.
Gruden, Davis, Leach, Kelly???
I'm hoping for Whittingham, but we all may be phooled.
invisiblekid writes:
Apparently, he missed the memo because no one appears to be in charge of the offense this year.
mhillvol#275693 writes:
Who is Whittingham?
invisiblekid writes:
I just read where Cowher was going to be the head coach, Kiffin was going to be OC, and Kevin Steele was DC. I also was told to "book it" so it must be true LOL.
blitzshoot writes:
Head Coach at Utah. #7 BCS.
Solid, no nonsense type of guy.
Would be a great fit a UT. Also worked with Urban Meyer while at Utah. He can coach.
chbradshaw writes:
I think Leach is going to be the guy. However, the timing is problematic given how Tech's season is going.
Leach is likely willing to announce he is leaving if TT is out of the national championship picture. However, if they beat Oklahoma on Saturday night - as they very well may - they will have the inside track to the BCS championship game with only a Big 12 championship game against Missouri in the way.
In that case, Hamilton would not be able to announce him as coach until a full week into January. Obviously, there would be a great deal of speculation from both camps in December if UT's job remains unfilled and Leach has not convincingly ruled himself out.
It is quite a dilemma. Apparently, Leach is very interested in the UT job and may have already indicated he will accept it through back channels.
He is also a perfect fit for Tennessee given his ability to use an innovative offensive scheme to overcome a talent shortfall. He has not beaten Texas and Oklahoma with better players, he has beaten them with better coaching.
The dilemma for Hamilton - besides the timing - is how convinced is he that Leach will take the job even if he wins a National Championship at Tech and oilmen from West Texas match whatever financial offer UT makes.
blitzshoot writes:
My only concern with Kelly all along is not his coaching abilities, but he has strong roots in Boston and I believe that if Boston College calls, he goes, but if I had to place a bet, it would be Kelly. I think they have known this the entire time and that the other stuff was just
smoke and mirrors.
blitzshoot writes:
Leach's personality will never fit with Haslam and Thornton. Just wouldn't work. I do not think he was ever in the picture.
mhillvol#275693 writes:
I believe if Hamilton knows what he is talking about, we should be okay with recruits by having a new coach announced by mid December. And the right hire could sway more recruits to come our way?
BigVolinCarolina writes:
It's obvious that we are--and have been--waiting until the end of the regular season to speak with Coach Butch Davis and/or Coach Mike Leach.
Hammy, please stay away from Kelly and Leavitt.
WVVOLFAN writes:
if you're not bothered by Leach being a practicing mormon why did you mention it?
auttat writes:
Hamilton said negotiations are ongoing with Fulmer, who is to be paid $6 million over at least four years. That payout could be affected by Fulmer’s decision to whether or not to remain with UT in an administrative capacity.
“We hope he’s around UT,” Hamilton said.
Would Fulmer's pay set some kind of record for an administrative assistant
blitzshoot writes:
BigVolInCarolina,
I think the ink may still be wet, but that it is quickly drying. I think the deal is done.
hotrodvol writes:
They were not going to hire someone till after the regular season anyways. Now if that coach gets to go to his conference championship game, we will have to wait till then. This seams to rule out Kiffen.
shipperman#280095 writes:
I would bet anyone that it isn't Leach. Likely not Davis either. Whittingham is a possibility as is Kelly and kiffin. However, there are names we likely have not heard yet
jamesd3741 writes:
I think the comment about hoping to win the press conference points to Mike Leach. He's practically confessing that the guy might be a great, winning coach, but a little off in the press conference area.
southerntnvol writes:
What comment are you referring to?
hotrodvol writes:
I'm with you on this one, it has to be Leach or Davis, either one would make a big spash!!!
UTKQUEDOG writes:
TROOPER TAYLOR!!!!!
NO_DIGGITY writes:
Bowden wouldn't be a good fit here, he can't see over the sideline chalk.
jobrando#216494 writes:
It's either Kiffin or Kelly based on mid december timing. Kelly's bowl would be a low tier and done by mid December. I suppose Davis is a possibilty also but please no Davis.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Do not forget about Michigan States coach. Loved what I have read bout him, and he has MYSTERIOUSLY slipped under the radar. Not cause he isnt a great coach, but maybe a little slight of hand. He would be great here IMO.
southerntnvol writes:
I would be very excited if it is Mike Leach. I think you need to have a big splash in this coaching announcment. I am not sure if he would be a good fit in K-town or not but it sure would be interesting.
vol88 writes:
“We’re trying to win the Southeastern Conference, not the press conference,” Hamilton said. “We hope that we win the press conference too.
Best quote ever.
GoVol writes:
I read where Fulmer was going to copyright and trademark his coaching product this year and was quoted as saying "I can teach what NOT to do with the best of them".
SemperVol writes:
This has been a CIA-style covert operation from the get-go. No sense in wasting sleep over this, fellas.
We just need to sit back, relax, and watch Coleman take Crompton's job away from him on Saturday...in comeback-style perhaps.
Kingsport, that's no way to treat Aunt Bee...shame on you!
NO_DIGGITY writes:
I just talked to Hal Holbrook and he told me to "Follow the Money".
bluetick writes:
“I feel very good about over the next few weeks bringing someone to the table that everyone can be excited about."
Now that's funny. You forgot you're talking to the most fair weather fans of all. Just be quiet until you get a coach lined up. :)
tyler1 writes:
the best deal would be for clemson amd UT to exchange fired coaches.bowden to UT and fulmer to clemson then they could keep all their orange stuff.
holleyab writes:
The university would like you to think that the price is the reason this is a difficult search, but i'm not convinced. They have plenty of money to through around, but the trick is finding a guy that will come to a university that fired a football coach with a +.700 win percentage and a national championship. Between you and me, my money's on Cinci coach
Go4Two writes:
the guy was 65-69 let me get this right he decided to step down RIGHT!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
By saying we didn't have to pay the big bucks for the next coach I would rule out any NFL guy, as well as Leach and Davis. Any of them would demand, and receive, near what Saban makes at Alabama (about $3.75 M). That would lead me to believe we have agreed in principle to hire a successful mid-major or lower-tier BCS guy, like the Utah, TCU, Cincinnati, or Boise State coach. Still doubt if the big money folks would want to go with a coordinator. I would also be pretty certain only the minor details of the contract are still in the air - not the big issues like money and length of the contract. Who knows?
Go Vols!!!
wagee12 writes:
I find it laughable that even when told by those who know about these things, some here take for granted that certain coaches who have said they are not interested really were slamming the door shut for good. Kelly will not be hired, this hire will be a big splash as has been predicted. All early names except for maybe Muschamp, are still very much in play. Hammy seemed supremely confident in this interview and he obviously knows this hire will be the signature hire of his career as AD at UT. I, for one, was wrong about this man, he is much more than just a premiere bean counter, he is in charge of his department and he is devoting all his time and energy to getting this thing right. I think the new coach will come from these four names: Gruden, Kiffin, Davis, or Leach!
bugman (Inactive) writes:
People it's Kiffin and his dad obviously. Now they must work out the money side of things. The search has ended.
Volunatic writes:
After reviewing the film, I am convinced that some folks posting here are morons.
OakyVol09 writes:
Sounds like the new man is pretty much in place from this beginning of December comment. All they are waiting on is for the season to be over. If this is true, it is very likely we are getting someone not currently coaching. My guess is Kiffin or Cowher. Could possibly be a coach not in a major bowl like Kelly.
bluetick writes:
I just found out that Saban is going to take a pay cut and be our next coach. He was feeling sorry for Rocky Top not being able to beat Bama lately. How nice. :)
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.