We don't have a playoff in big-time college football. It just wouldn't work, we're told.
In the void, it might be interesting to determine Tennessee's coaching search with a playoff.
Perhaps it already is.
After all, we know very little about what athletic director Mike Hamilton is thinking as he plots the course to hire Phillip Fulmer's replacement.
We know neither Bill Cowher, Lovie Smith nor Jon Gruden are going to bring their NFL clout to Neyland Stadium.
We know Will Muschamp will eventually get his head-coaching break at Texas, not at Tennessee.
With the exception of Lane Kiffin, who's tanned, rested and ready, the remaining candidates are slugging it out in the final weeks of the college season. Given Kiffin's abbreviated head-coaching history, I'm betting Fulmer's replacement was coaching like heck over the weekend.
For all we know, Hamilton was perched in front of a 52-inch flatscreen with a checklist, maybe even a bracket, in his lap.
If so, Brian Kelly easily had the best Saturday. Survive and advance.
Cincinnati won a huge game in front of a Nippert Stadium-record crowd. A 28-21 win over Pittsburgh means the Bearcats need only to beat Syracuse to win the Big East title and land in a BCS bowl.
When it comes to quarterbacks, Kelly can coach 'em up. Tony Pike, an afterthought buried on the preseason depth chart, was 26-of-32 passing for 309 yards and three TDs.
We're pretty sure Hamilton has been aware of Kelly for more than a year and is impressed. For his part, Kelly obviously has not let Tennessee speculation distract him from the mission at hand.
Mike Leach and Butch Davis, meanwhile, had Saturdays they'd like to forget.
Leach's previously-unbeaten Texas Tech team got blown to smithereens at Oklahoma, 65-21.
The result wasn't a stunner. The margin was. It was the most points allowed in school history. The Sooners had 402 offensive yards in the first half, by which point they led 42-7.
Leach's prolific offense, which averaged 57.8 percent on third-down conversions in its first 10 games, was 1-of-13 against Oklahoma. No, Bob Stoops is not a candidate at Tennessee.
North Carolina's Davis, who has repeatedly denied interest in UT, got hammered 41-10 at home by archrival N.C. State, an 11-point underdog.
When I read the lead to the Associated Press account, it rang a bell:
"Jamelle Eugene jogged in for a rout-punctuating touchdown to the delight of thousands of red-clad N.C. State fans crowded into a few sections of Kenan Stadium. Most of North Carolina's crowd had long since departed their home stadium to skip the humbling final minutes.''
Since Davis has been linked to UT's search, the Tar Heels are 0-2 and have been eliminated from the ACC championship.
That's not as bad as poor Tim Brewster. Minnesota was 7-1 the week before Fulmer was canned. The Gophers are 7-5 after a 55-0 no-show against Iowa.
Tim who?
Troy Calhoun's name has come up in the past week. The Air Force coach's fine resume was not enhanced Saturday when the Falcons got hammered 44-10 at TCU. It was the worst loss in Calhoun's two seasons at the academy.
If I were heading a coaching search I'd at least look at two guys who wrapped up the regular-season Saturday.
Utah's Kyle Whittingham clobbered BYU 48-24, is sitting 12-0 and awaiting BCS bowl announcements. The last Utah coach who took an SEC job is doing OK.
Gary Patterson, the guy who drummed Air Force, is done at 10-2 and has the nation's No. 1-ranked defense.
Did Saturday have any real effect on the UT search? Probably not a ton, but it still helps to win if you're a candidate for a job.
Reviewing Tennessee basketball coaching searches, Kevin O'Neill auditioned in 1994 by leading Marquette to an NCAA-tournament upset of Kentucky.
Buzz Peterson guided Tulsa to an NIT title by beating three UT rivals: Memphis, Mississippi State and Alabama.
Four years later, Bruce Pearl upset Alabama and Boston College to get Wisconsin-Milwaukee to the Sweet 16 spotlight.
Maybe UT would have hired all of the above regardless, but late-season wins made them an easier sell to the fan base.
One final thought about the weekend that could impact UT's search:
Notre Dame's loss to Syracuse leaves Charlie Weis on thin ice. If the Irish bite the bullet and make a change after two years, who do you think will be on their search list?
Here's a hint: You'll probably recognize the names.
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strangem@knoxnews.com.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 135
COVolsFan writes:
Coach Kelly attributes reluctance to talk in Graham case on black culture
http://media.www.cm-life.com/media/st...
The race and socio-economic backgrounds of former Central Michigan University football players indicted by the DeMarcus Graham grand jury may have played a part in their reluctance to come forward.
That’s according to what head coach Brian Kelly told the Detroit Free Press for a Thursday story.
“A number of them were African-Americans that had been in that culture of violence, and they’re taught to look away,” Kelly told the Free Press. “This is a culture that they are immersed in.”
Graham, a Flint native, was beaten outside Shaboom’s Pub Club June 25, 2004 and died 19 days later in Saginaw.
A grand jury has indicted four former football players for Graham’s death and a fifth player for perjury in the year-long secretive proceedings that ended Wednesday.
“You had some young men that didn’t think they saw some things or didn’t think that was what they should be doing because that’s how they were brought up. Don’t squeal,” Kelly told the Free Press. “Don’t squeal. “They were challenged in their own being as to what the right thing was.”
Top university officials declined to comment on Kelly’s statements to the Free Press.
Athletic Director Herb Deromedi is quoted in the same story, defending his decision to not conduct an internal investigation of the football players’ alleged involvement in the incident.
“...There was a group that obviously stuck together and didn’t want to single out any one or two individuals,” Deromedi told the Free Press. “That to me is the crux to what has caused the perjury charges.”
Journalism professor Alice Tait, who teaches classes about racial images in the media, was offended by Kelly’s remarks regarding the former players and their race.
Tait said Kelly’s statement suggests African-Americans are naturally violent, when really the culprit is the sport of football, which she said fosters and encourages violence.
“It’s insulting to the players, the parents and the African-American community,” she said. “He should be given release from his duties for such a statement.”
Former football players Jerry Seymour, Spencer Lewis, James King and Mike Thomas have been indicted for second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice and perjury.
James Edward Cooper Jr., also a former player, was indicted with accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice and perjury.
COVolsFan writes:
Seymour, Lewis and Cooper were dismissed from school earlier this semester, even though they have not had their trials yet.
Kelly was caught in the middle of the DeMarcus Graham homicide case before he even coached a game at CMU.
Kelly sat down with former football players after the incident and explained the difference between truthful and forthright.
“...We had a team meeting, and we laid down he ground rules for what the expectations were for our players, post incident,” Kelly told the Free Press. “We told them there was a difference between being truthful and forthright.”
“Our players were truthful,” Kelly said. “They may not have been forthright in the early beginnings... They weren’t volunteering information needed in the investigation.”
Tait said violence is part of American culture, not African-American culture.
“Their silence is more related to being part of a team,” she said. “It’s more indicative of sports, and for the coach to take the position that violence is related to race is to really detract from the issue of sports.”
TommyJack writes:
Indeed. And it's usually a below the belt punch.
soccervol writes:
I am liking this guy more and more after seeing what's he has done with Cincy and hearing him talk...I definitely don't think he would hurt the program.
bradhall34#217239 writes:
oh man, here we go. I think Kelly would be a good choice. He has proven a lot as a coach.
stayingorange writes:
I didn't understand the thrill of Butch Davis weeks ago and I hope after the past few weeks no else does either. It's the ACC after all and they're getting whipped by the bottom of it.
utmichael20#546617 writes:
Just a thought, but what about Andy Kelly...?
hotrodvol writes:
Is Gary Patterson available, or will he rather stay where he's at, or go to Kansas State?
I really liked Calhoun at Air Force and he got thumped as did my top choices Leach and Davis.
Where is Chris Petersen's name?
cainclifton23 writes:
Kiffin is our man
DroopyDrawers writes:
Chris Petersen is the man.
Doobz15 writes:
Who cares? The race card was obviously played here. The guy can coach.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Gary Patterson: Eight years of head coaching experience; 72.4%; $1.3 million salary; only three All-Americans; only five Top 25 finishes and a really bad comb-over.
Kyle Whittingham: Four years head coaching experience; 72%; $750,000-$1,000,000 salary; two All-Americans; maybe a Top 25 finish this season and he's a Mormon which may not play well in the Bible Belt.
Brian Kelly: 17 years head coaching experience; 72.8%; $825,000 salary; zero All-Americans; two Top 25 finishes and the above baggage.
andy112382#209793 writes:
Kansas St is going to bring back Bill Snyder, so Patterson is not going there.
I am really interested in Whittingham, he apparently knows how to coach and, like the article pointed out, the last coach to come from Utah to the SEC is doing alright. Take that for what its worth, but I'll look for any silver lining I can dangit! haha
Brian Kelly would be solid, as well.
Chris Petersen, I still just don't know about his recruiting, especially in the southeast....and I know people have said this shouldnt be an issue blah blah, but a scientologist??? That isn't a religion, it's a cult, imo, and I just don't know how well they would mesh with the lifestyle in the good ol' southeast....unless all of that news and talk about that is just not true, if so, then nevermind but still shaky on him.
hotrodvol writes:
Big-O, who do you like?
bobbyutvol writes:
Whittingham and Peterson would be very good choices.. Whittingham was an Urban Myer assistant Never Know. I dont like Kelly that much a very soft Cinn sch. very boring football. have not played anybody. What to you think?????
hotrodvol writes:
Jimmy Hyams has said Petersen is a Mormon, as is Leach, and Whittingham.
BillsBrother writes:
I think there are still a lot of quality coaching candidates that we have not even mentioned.
Gigavol writes:
Weis has been at Notre Dame for longer than 2 years. See http://smashsouthsports.org/forums/sh...
Volwatcher writes:
There is no way they will hire a mormon to coach at Tenn. Anybody but a Mormon...I don't care if he taught Urban Meyer everything he knows. Tennesee Fans wouldnt stand for it...no matter if he was a winner in the MWC..Do you guys even know any mormons at Tenn.?
kabul_vol writes:
I wasn't aware that MH has religion in the job listing. Just so I know, what are the accepted religions for the job? Can someone list them for me? I mean, we have Bruce Pearl, who is jewish. So, is being Jewish okay? Or is that just for a winning basketball coach? I am just trying to understand. A little help, please.
seattlevol writes:
Brian Kelly is the guy.
He is a good coach who has won everywhere he has been. His team plays with energy and they execute well. He does a lot with very little talent there in Cincy. In addition, he is a good recruiter. Most importantly, he is probably the best coach we can get. The Pete Carrolls, Bob Stoops, and Jon Gruden's of the world are happy where they are. Those big name guys that are "proven" in the coaching world have gigs and the budwieser clydesdales couldnt drag them away. No matter who we get they will be a "risk" to a certain extent.
Is Brian Kelly a Bob Stoops, Urban Meyer, or Mark Richt? Who knows, but we do know he has won everywhere he has been. People said that Urban's offense wouldn't work in the SEC and look at what he has done there. People at USC screamed bloody murder about the hiring of a failed NFL coach when Pete Carroll came to town. He has done alright.
If UT hires Kelly (which it seems like they will) he may not be the greatest coach, but he also might be. You just never know. There is no crystal ball. There is no magic genie. There is no way to guarantee exactly what will happen. So, if I were Hamilton I would go after a guy who is a proven winner and that is EXACTLY what Brian Kelly is.
Lest we forget that people thought Bruce Pearl was a nobody when he was hired and you know what? HE WAS! Now he is considered one of the best coaches in the country and will almost certainly take UT to the final four and beyond before long. Sometimes you have to take a chance on a not so big name.
seattlevol writes:
That is a dumb argument.
The only thing bigger than religion in TN is football. Put up a bunch of wins and people could care less what religion you are.
If Urban Meyer were at UT wining SEC and national titles people wouldn't be complaining one bit.... until he started losing football games
JBruce writes:
Given the choices, I would bring in Kiffin as long as he can bring in a top-knotch coaching staff.
It is sad that these are the only names being mentioned for this job.
Hopefully Hamilton can pull off a miracle and bring us a superstar that has not been mentioned.
TommyJack writes:
Are you serious?
d2l writes:
Let's see 147-54-2 in his career. 2 Nat'l Championships in Division II (Bruce Pearl or Jim Tressell anyone?) 2002, 2003 Div II Coach of the Year, 2007 Big East Coach of the Year. Took a team (Cent Mich) that had only won more than 3 games once in 4 seasons to a bowl game in 3 years (MAC Champions). Finally, he is on the verge of taking a program who's never won 10 games in a season to a BCS bowl in his 2nd season with a fourth or fifth team QB. Hmmm...seems like a solid pick to me.
newtonrail writes:
Several players, Erik Ainge, then J.T. Mapu took 2 years off to go on mission. My current pastor came from Utah, and is Southern Baptist. And no, as several have mentioned religion shouldn't have anything to do with coaching unless prospect carries it into workplace in an offensive way. And that would be true at GM or McDonald's. I hope Brian Kelly is truly the target as I've said for awhile, and that Butch Davis or Leach are not being considered. I also hope they keep Weis for awhile at ND, because that's the one job Kelly really wants from what I've read.
cpahiker#231287 writes:
I hope butch davis is off the list after undercoaching Carolina angaist a much less talented NC state squate for the second year in a row.
tenuscvol writes:
Kelly it will be....(I hope)..
GoVols!
Go Auburn!
VOLKING writes:
Thank you Al Sharpton. Now, the question really is....can he recruit and can he consistently win at a big time program like TN? Fulmer could recruit, but he rarely was able to "coach up" players.
VOLKING writes:
OK, either you are a) kidding, 2)just trying to rile people up, or 3)really, really dumb and a biggot to boot. Please tell me its a or b.
VOLKING writes:
Ok, I confess to being fairly dumb by using a), then 2) and 3). Barney Fife strikes again.
dc4 writes:
Similar breakdown on www.legitsports.com
kb7398#233189 writes:
Folks...Brian Kelly has won squat at the D-IA level...he's playing with Mark D'Antoni's players from a few years ago and looking for his next gig. That and the Big Least sucks out loud this season.
DO NOT HIRE BRIAN KELLY!
OldBob writes:
You have the best coach in the country now in Phil Fulmer. Tennessee should keep him and fire Hamilton.
shipperman#280095 writes:
Phil Fulmer is gone bud, get over it. And he is FAR from being the best coach in any country
shipperman#280095 writes:
Expect our next coach to be either Kiffin or Kelly. Given the right staff, Kiffin would work out better. However my choice would be Whittingham
jabark82 writes:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/83...
jabark82 writes:
You are exactly what is wrong with most fans today. Kelly is a tremendous coach who has attracted 4 star recruits to Cincinnati. Sure he's playing with mostly Dantonio's guys now. BUT he's had 4 QB's this season! 4 QB's! And he's about to win the Big East with them. I know the Big East isnt much of a conference, but winning any major football conference with 4 QB's is unheard of. We've had 3 and won 4 games!!!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/83...
Alabaster_Jones writes:
I knew alot of people would be out after the Oklahoma game ready to bash Leach. Same goes for Davis, but I'll concentrate on Leach. The man just ahd his team go through the gauntlet of his schedule with no breaks and finished 2-1. Would Tennessee fans take going 2-1 against the likes of Georgia, Alabama and Florida ths year? I THINK SO! As far as his offense no working, please its hard to throw when your on your back.
Bring in Andy Kelly? Gimme a damn break. Now I'm not opposed to the Coach from Cinci but don't hammer Leach cause they got beat by a team that would beat any team in the SEC.
jabark82 writes:
I take serious offense to your assertion that all religions are cults. You are dead wrong!
jabark82 writes:
Leach would never work in Knoxville. I know he's the "sexy" pick but his style would NOT work in the SEC. Plus he's an idiot. How many 4th downs did he go for early in the game Saturday? Almost more than Fulmer in his entire career!?! lol. Leach would be horrible at UT.
andy112382#209793 writes:
This isn't the place to start a argument over this, but I must at least say you are dead wrong there, no ifs ands or buts about it.
txvolsfan writes:
I agree TJ!!!
GreerVol22 writes:
3-4 call ins on local talk radio this am saying that Sexton has an offer for 4.1m on the table for Davis....these same call ins are saying don't let the door hit you on the way to knoxville....
graphpro#231211 writes:
Kelly is my vote.
Discipline
Excitment
Motivation
Accountability.
His team shows all the things our current team doesn't consistently show. Plus, he is a head coach that calls his own offensive plays. Hamilton would get a 2 for 1. One salary and two coaches. Never again an offensive coaching carrousel. Its hard to imagine after the ride Fulmer has had us on. Hiring unqualified offensive coordinators!!
Butch Davis... stay at NC!
Leach... enjoy Texas.
Volumni writes:
No Way. Sexton has been stirring this pot since the start. He is trying to direct his boys where he wants them.
1. Kiffen. Recruit, recruit, recruit.
2. Peterson. Reminds me a lot of Spurrier
3. Kelly. He was a great QB here
BigVolOnBoard writes:
Amen brother.
drwfocus#660070 writes:
You are right on Bob - and bleeding hearts have the stupidity to question and protest about the percentages of black Americans in jails and prisons as compared to white Americans, school drop outs teen pregnancies, etc., etc., etc.--- I am sure this will label me as a racist but I do not have to worry because the recent election says racism in America is dead.
BTW - we need to BUY a top coach with BIG bucks like Bamer did. A Stoops, Carrol, even a Fisher, etc. If the "boosters" can handle a 6 to 10 million dollar "buy out" they can handle a 6 to 10 million dollar "buy in." Why settle for less than the best at Tennessee?
JMP_Vols writes:
I think we can feel safe crossing Mike Leach off the list. He's a great coach and an offensive genius, but Saturday showed why he'll never make it in the SEC.
In our conference, you will have to win ugly from time to time. Tech will never win an ugly ball game. They either win in a shootout, a blowout, or get blown out themselves.
Defenses can either stop that offense or they can't. Every year, Leach would be stiffled by atleast 2-3 teams in our conference.
Don't know who the next guy will be, but Saturday sealed it that it won't be Leach.
Alabaster_Jones writes:
This is absolutely pathetic and dumb. TTU just played Oklahoma St, Texas and Oklahoma in a 3 week period and went 2-1, yea 2-1. Ok say they got hammered but Oklahoma, so what. The Big 12 South is the most difficult division in the country hands down. This would be like Tennessee having Alabama in the SEC East along with Georgia and Florida. Oh yea UT is 1-5 in 2 years against those programs.
How many Top 15 teams has Brian Kelly and Cinci beat this year, how abot Butch Favid and UNC?
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