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B.J. Coleman looks to pass the ball during the UT spring Orange and White football game at Neyland Stadium on Saturday.
Frustration overshadowed what had been a solid spring on the field, leading B.J. Coleman to leave the University of Tennessee football team Thursday.
Coleman told the Times Free Press he did not believe he had a legitimate opportunity to win the starting quarterback job, adding it was a painful decision to give up his dream.
“It’s the best move for me,” the former McCallie School star said. “What changed my mind is, after this spring, I don’t see myself getting a fair shake. Based on conversations with coaches and things that happened this spring, I feel the staff has goals that do not include me.
Continue reading at the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
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Comments » 154
101st_AIRBORNE_VOL (Inactive) writes:
Dang, he really called out JC and Kiffin. Don't quite know what to think of this yet...
LCReader writes:
As always, time will tell. To tell the truth if I was a 5 star recruit coming in this fall I wouldn't care which one of this bunch of qb's was at the helm, I would believe I could beat them all out of a job, no All Americans standing in line at UT.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Yeah, this is about to get dirty.
GreerVol22 writes:
Sounds like someone on the coaching staff gave an honest evaluation of next seasons expectations to BJ. Probably something like, "even if you do beat out Crompton this fall, next seasons QB, who ever that recruit may be, will replace you."
best of luck where ever you land.
give_him_6 writes:
Don't be haters of BJ. Hate the politics of the game. there seems to be some truth in what BJ is saying based on Kiffs past actions. How many players has he told that they "don't fit in here"? That, coupled with trying to plan ahead for the QB of the future, seems to back up BJs story as being true. Why would Kiff reschedule their meeting twice? All BJ ever wanted to do was to play of rUT. From the time he was a Freshman at McCallie, Tenn was his team. You can't just walk on in state guys like that. Other in stte guys will look at this now and wonder. It's just not good. I can't wait to see how Kiff spins it.
uwishuwereassmartasme (Inactive) writes:
“I didn’t just quit. I didn’t just walk out", said BJ Coleman after quitting and walking out.
volnsc51 writes:
This is not the first, but the 2nd coaching staff that has felt he did not have what it takes to be the starter. Climer has a great point of view in his article.
It is what it is this year. Hopefully the running game and the defense carry the load, and the QB position manages the game, and doesn't have to win the game.
BSweet writes:
Wow. I had thought highly of Coleman until reading that interview. There's a difference between confidence and arrogance, and BJ crossed that line. I can understand why he would be frustrated and why he would want to leave, but to take those parting shots shows a total lack of class. I hope this was a heat of the moment thing and not truly indicative of his character.
I don't believe he was being held back for recruiting purposes. A top QB prospect is not going to be intimidated by BJ. If he believes differently, his ego is getting the better of him. Not saying he has no talent and that he can't be a good QB, but he was third string under Fulmer and staff, and could possibly have fallen to third string with Kiffin and co. when Nick gets healthy. Maybe the kid is getting overlooked, or maybe these coaches are seeing something the rest of us don't see.
vailvol writes:
honestly after watching bj's press conference after the OW game, i was a little uncomfortable with him. he seemed completely full of BS. way too much acting and politicking. not sure if that personality bled over onto the practice field, locker room, etc, but just my observation.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
good call. how can he say that?
give_him_6 writes:
Get ready for a heaping helping of Crompton. How many time could he not make a hand off in "real" games last year??
JMP_Vols writes:
Really interesting comments from B.J. in that article. For all the talk about opening up competition at every position, and "the best will play" promise, seems B.J. was being funneled into a backup role.
Somethings not right here.
BSweet writes:
I'm not hating BJ for leaving, but how he left was classless. He could have left with his head held high but decided to throw mud instead. Not cool.
Why would Kiffin need to reschedule twice? Umm... because he was busy. The guy has a lot on his plate. Why couldn't BJ be patient and wait? I highly doubt BJ is going to leave before the end of the semester so why the big rush on his part? Why push your coach? Seems like he was putting himself before the team.
If I was Kiffin, I wouldn't spin it at all. I'd wish him the best and let him go.
marinevol writes:
Exactly. He got his feelings hurt and quit. We had too many quitters last year. Now we have one less.
BSweet writes:
Coaches see a lot that we the fans do not, perhaps Coleman wasn't the best. If that's the case, then the coaches were living up to their promise. Just because Coleman says he was better doesn't make it fact. And please, don't point out OW game stats. As has been noted many times, he wasn't facing the first string D. And let's face it, we aren't stacked with depth, there's a big drop off between first and second string. Our biggest opponent next year will be injuries.
StroVol writes:
Talked to some folks at sport talk in Chatt. This thing stinks to high hell. Kiffin is going to spin this like a lob wedge. If you're the best prospect from Tennessee, you obviously suck with this crew. Good luck BJ, who wants to watch Crompton fu.. up a season again anyway.
give_him_6 writes:
Way to spin it for him
give_him_6 writes:
I hear you man. Just when I thought I might make it through a season without having to watch Crompton fumble his way through games. We got him!! BJ will tell the Chatt papers a bunch of things that Kiff won't want made public. Kiff is the coach and should be held to a high standard of truthfulness. So far, he is looking a lot like Fulmer. Kiff said he wanted to build a fence around Tennessee. He may need to build a fence around his office if Crompton plays like he has so far!!
steve22043#233791 writes:
What a prima donna! As another wrote:
"BJ, along with L. Creer, is showing the crybaby, me-first attitude that has plagued the Vols for the better part of the last decade. Fulmer placated them; Kiffin has no intention of handing out pacifiers. Kiffin will get nowhere if he continues the status quo. We may lose a few more games in the next year or two, but I am impressed with the way this coaching staff is establishing the rule of law around the place. This just in---the inmates no longer run this asylum!"
I had high hopes for BJ but good riddance!
Bearwuzacheater writes:
A bama bubba with a username like that is an oxymoron. you support a university where cheating and expecting to get away with it are the norm.
Go back to combing your mullet and drinking you budweiser on the front porch of your trailer and get of the local library computer!
Docrok writes:
I know why Kiffin rescheduled yesterdays meeting and I guarantee it had nothing to do with football. It was personal in nature and no one else on the planet would have kept the meeting!
BigOrangeJeff writes:
In reality, amid all the speculation on here, no one knows what was/wasn't said between BJ and the coaching staff. Perhaps it's just like you called it. Maybe he walked in and demanded to be named starter. The truth is that none of us know.
So far, there's only one side of this story out, and that's likely all we'll get. Yet some on here seem to know not only what transpired in these meetings, but also how to assess and develop talent better than anyone in the country.
BOJ
9krpms writes:
I actually respect Bj for this move, he could have been a little more PC with the comments, but at the end of the day this is a business and once the boss dtermines you're not a fit, there is very little you can do to change that perception. To me, he is showing maturity by taking control of the situation, seeing the big picture, and ensuring he is able to do the things he wants to do. Unfortunately, he negates some of these positives with a response that is clearly full of anger, but it shows his passion. Either way, I've said from the begining JC will be our guy for better or worse.
Those that want to call him a quitter, have at it, but the reality of the situation is that this is a business and he is taking a calculated risk so that he can do the things he wants to do in his life, i.e. play in games.
commonsense32 writes:
Let me say that first and foremost, BJ Coleman was far and away the best Quarterback we had. I am not a coach, talent evaluator, scout or anything of the like, I am just a fan. Now I don't think BJ was the next Peyton, but he was definitely a servicable QB in the SEC. But after saying that you should be afraid with what we have left we will be lucky to win 5 games... Not looking good for Kiff, I don't care what kinda talent you got comin. Very few Froshmen will come into the SEC and start let alone at the QB position.
Oh yeah and by the way, I trust David Cutcliife more than any coach we have or have had, and he said BJ was the man! Good luck BJ, and I still love my Vols but am falling out of love with Kiff.
Jon Crompton will singlehandedly kill this team this year.
BOOK THAT!!!!!!!
EdgeMan writes:
It appears rumors of BJ departing have been flying around the message boards for some time now, with that talk you are showing you are not 100% team... and if we knew, the coaches certainly knew as well. And with CLK if your not committed 100% your not going to be part of this team.
BJ may be a great person, but it was more about BJ than team.
Best of luck with the next stop!
marinevol writes:
It always amazes me how some posters can read a few newspaper clippings about palayers' performances in practice, and feel that makes them more qualified to judge talent than the UT coaching staff. Two very different head coaches, both of whom have coached national championship teams, have determined after months of evaluation, that Crompton is the best quarterback to lead this team, not Coleman. Yet, these posters still feel they have superior knowledge. Evidently, Coleman also suffered from these delusions of grandeur.
BSweet writes:
lol, Way to respond without really responding. You want to see one side so that's all you're going to see.
TommyJack writes:
Not sure what to believe. Either way, this is not a plus for the team. I wouldn't categorize this one as "getting rid of dead wood".
ellerbee123 writes:
WELL, if BJ is as good as he obviously thinks, every school in the nation will be scrambling to get him.
thebjd#424943 writes:
BJ obviously doesn't lack confidence and that is a huge part of success in any sport. I have no doubt we will land a great QB but BJ seemed really passionate and was not timid at all comparing himself to the other QB's. I will pull hard for Crompton but BJ's comments don't make me think less of him. The kid wants to play. I hope he lands somewhere and does a great job outside of the SEC.
BSweet writes:
I don't blame him for wanting to play. I do blame him for running off at the mouth. All he had to say was he felt he had a better shot elsewhere. I would have respected that and wished him well. I still wish him well, to be honest, but I lost a lot of respect for him. He certainly didn't carry himself well in this interview.
just4utk writes:
I know that there are going to be those that say that BJ played against the 2nd team defense. If that’s true, that’s not his fault. That’s the coach’s fault. If I were Coach Kiffin, making $2 million a year, I’d test all my quarterbacks to see who was the best. BJ was not given a fair shake.
That being said, look at the opportunities that Crompton and Stephens got compared to Coleman. I think Coleman has a gripe. This information game from utsports.com http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/t...
Crompton’s Drives
10 play drive - TD run by Hardesty
7 play drive – DEFENSE SCORES 5 POINTS
16 play drive - DEFENSE SCORES 3 POINTS
7 play drive - DEFENSE SCORES 3 POINTS
3 play drive - DEFENSE SCORES 3 POINTS
12 play drive – TD pass to Rogers
Stephens’ Drives
6 play drive – 44 yard FG
5 play drive – TD pass to Warren
3 play drive - DEFENSE SCORES 3 POINTS
9 play drive – FG attempt no good
7 play drive - DEFENSE SCORES 3 POINTS
5 play drive – End of Game
Coleman’s Drives
6 play drive – TD pass to Warren
14 play drive – 31 yard FG
14 play drive – TD pass to Hancock
BOTTOM LINE, BJ WAS NOT GIVEN A FAIR SHAKE.
We just lost our best quarterback and future.
Docrok writes:
Hey man Dont judge Kiffin on missing an appointment with BJ! He had much more pressing things to do! Far more pressing!
commonsense32 writes:
ITV you seem to be one of the most sensible posters on here. people will call us "fair weather" fans and that's fine. I have watched this progress and it's obvious that BJ never had a shot at starting although he was and is better than the other 2. People will say that BJ has better stats because he played against the 2nd string, which just drives home the point that Kiff has repeatedly lied about it being an open position. Jon Crompton is easily in the 5 worst QB's in UT history and we are depending on him to lead us. Bottom line is this David Cutcliffe said BJ Coleman is the man, and I trust David Cutcliffe over any poster on here as well as the coach we had then and have now! Hell even Clwson said BJ should be the starter!
commonsense32 writes:
You keep saying this like you KNOW. If so what was "more pressing"? Also what are your sources? I think Kiff is a damn liar, but I will support the team, not the man.
kazoo writes:
I'm glad Coleman spoke his mind. I haven't even seen the kid play, but I know this: His scrimmage numbers have been between good and very good, Crompton looked pathetic last year, and the only real question is not is Coleman destined to be a good or great QB, but rather: Is he better than Crompton? Can he move the football team, ten yards at a time, better than Crompton.
My take is that Kiffin, having been at usc and in the nfl is a guy who wants kids with elite physical skills--and I can't blame him for that. On the other hand, QB is a unique position in which heady qbs often out-perform guys with big arms. In fact, NFL history is littered with top QB draft picks, strapping studs, who sucked at moving the team. We'll see soon enough how it all plays out. Crompton was the only problem last year--the whole offense suxed--and the offense (run blocking, wrs, etc) should be better this year. We'll see how Crompton performs in the clutch.
Pullingguard writes:
Yeah, think you are right on this getting dirty, and will not be surprised if Kiffin is spitting some dirt this morning, for it seems he could have handled this much better than he did.
mtnsvol44 writes:
Bye,bye, you egotistical little brat. Quitters never win and winners never quit!!!!
Docrok writes:
My sources are a clerk that did the paperwork! And TRUST ME when I say if you knew what I knew you would be more worried about that too!! It causes me great concern!!! And this was before I read BJ was leaving!!!
Docrok writes:
And the issue as it relates to Kiffin is not about the team, however it does affect the team!
dcap8424 writes:
it's not ok to tell the truth? coleman is the best we've got, but kiffin wants to bring in better QBs (i don't blame him). they basically told him he has no shot of playing next year and most likely none of playing this year. why would he not leave and say what he did.
congrats to kiffin for losing our best QB and RB from last year. better know what he's doing.
StroVol writes:
Good Lord dude, spill the beans. This isn't "All My Children"
Docrok writes:
I cant!! But it will come out within a few days for certain! Till then I cant cause a very good friend of mine would lose her job!
TXTN writes:
A lot of people are blowing this waaaaaaaaaay out of proportion in my opinion. I'm not happy that BJ left, I thought he had the chance to be a decent QB for us and this certainly makes QB depth an issue for this year. However, BJ Coleman was not good enough to force the coaches from either coaching staff to put him on the field over JC or Stephens. All you people who are saying Coleman was so much better than those 2 guys are basically saying 1 of 2 things:
1) You think you can evaluate talent better than both Fulmer and Kiffin. By the way, these guys both have NC rings and have coached some of the best QB's in the history of college football. YOU DON'T KNOW MORE ABOUT FOOTBALL THAN THESE GUYS. There is a reason that when UT let Fulmer go, they didn't call YOU.
2) You think that for whatever reason, these coaches aren't trying to field the best team and win as many football games as possible. There is absolutely no motivation for these guys to try to lose games. Seriously, Kiffin realizes that after going 5-15 in the NFL, if he tanks here, his coaching career will be derailed completely. He wants to win. He's not benching Coleman out of spite. He's benching him because he thinks its for the good of the program.
And to everyone who thinks Kiffin is running off Coleman for recruiting purposes, you're delusional. BJ Coleman is not going to scare away the Jake Heaps type prospects. Name one major college program where you can go right now and have a better chance of starting at QB early...go ahead. Everyone knows that our QB situation is shaky at best. Most of these high school seniors probably haven't even heard of BJ Coleman.
Docrok writes:
And when it does I think some will change their opinion of how Kiffin has handled this! I am in no way happy about Coleman leaving even if he didnt start or play, we need the depth! But there is no way Kiffin could be at a mtg with Coleman yesterday
Docrok writes:
It is NOT GOOD BROTHER!! NOT GOOD AT ALL!!! I bout died when she told me!!!
TXTN writes:
WHY does Kiffin want to start an inferior QB and lose games? I'm still waiting for someone to explain that to me.
Docrok writes:
This is in now way a bad thing about Lane! I would not have been at a meeting with Peyton Manning yesterday had I been in Lanes' shoes!
StroVol writes:
Does Monte have cancer or something? This is going to drive me nuts
Docrok writes:
You still got my email address?
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