The NFL officially came to Tennessee when the Houston Oilers arrived in 1997 to become the Titans.
Now there's another prominent football program in the state being run like an NFL franchise.
When the University of Tennessee hired Lane Kiffin last December, the new head coach lured several SEC assistants who were outstanding recruiters.
Fresh from his short-lived term with the Oakland Raiders, he also brought an assortment of NFL brains to Knoxville.
Kiffin and four members of his coaching staff were working for NFL clubs this time a year ago and that is reflected in the way the new regime is conducting business at UT.
"Our whole staff treats us like pros,'' All-America safety Eric Berry said Sunday at UT's Media Day.
"I like the way that feels. They treat us with respect, everything is organized and, it's hard to explain, but it's just a different feeling.''
Kiffin's 20 games as head coach of the Raiders changed his perception of how to run a program. Or at least it reinforced what he had taken from working as an assistant at Southern Cal under Pete Carroll, a former NFL head coach.
His father and UT defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin, had been in the NFL since 1983.
Jim Chaney, the offensive coordinator, comes from the St. Louis Rams.
Offensive line coach James Cregg followed Kiffin from the Raiders.
Ed Orgeron, the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, expanded his coaching horizons last year with the New Orleans Saints after a long career in college ball.
"I loved the NFL,'' said Orgeron. "I learned a lot of football.''
Perhaps Nick Saban would say the same. After leaving LSU for the Miami Dolphins, Saban returned to college and quickly restored Alabama to a championship contender.
The NFL resumes give UT's coaching staff instant credibility with collegians who want more than anything to reach the ultimate level.
"I think it's an easy sell to a young man,'' said Chaney, "because we've been there, we've done that, we've seen that.
"We know what is appropriate up there and what it takes to win up there at that level.''
But the NFL experience also taught the coaches how to maximize their efficiency at the college level.
"We hear it every day, multiple times every day,'' said senior center Josh McNeil.
"They tell us 'We're going to treat you like professionals, we're going to coach you like professionals and we expect you to play like professionals.'
"Professionals go out and practice good every day. They don't have off days. They go to work because it's their job, every day.''
Lane Kiffin spent the 2000 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars staff before he went to USC. He had also observed his father's life in the pros. He is a firm believer that the NFL enriches a coach's strategic experience.
"The NFL - I don't think anybody can argue - it's the highest level of Xs and Os,'' he said. "You do it all day long. You don't go on the road recruiting. You're not on the Big Orange Caravan.
"If you're a college coach your whole career, half the year you haven't done football. After 10 years, that's 60 months of ball.''
The Vols are conducting fall camp much like an NFL preseason. The scrimmages, like the one on Saturday, are treated like preseason games.
"In the NFL,'' said Orgeron, "you have those preseason games where you can fix those mistakes and in the fifth game, it's your real season.
"But over here it's not like that. So we've got to put 'em in a game-type atmosphere. I think it's going to be successful for us.''
Returning to college ball from the NFL hasn't been a dramatic adjustment for the coaches. As a group, they're impressed with the Vols' ability to absorb information.
"I think young men are apt to learn as much as you want to teach them,'' Chaney said.
"We're stretching the brains on a few of them. I see smoke coming out of their helmets once in a while, but for the most part they're keeping up.''
Monte Kiffin is trying to keep up with recruiting, which has changed considerably since his last college job in 1982.
But even in that area, he sees his son and Orgeron running a pro-style operation.
"He's got it set up like a pro draft board,'' Monte Kiffin said. "We call it the War Room, like the NFL getting ready for the draft.
"We have seniors up there, juniors up there, sophomores up there.''
Cregg coached in college 10 years before Kiffin hired him with the Raiders in 2007. He believes the pro atmosphere will spill over to class work and off-the-field behavior. UT hasn't had an arrest since Kiffin took over.
"It's just taking pride in the way you do things,'' Cregg said. "Appreciate what you're doing and act like a professional.
"Then you carry it over to the field on game day.''
Which, in UT's case, will be Saturdays instead of Sundays.
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
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Comments » 42
rich182x writes:
GO VOLS!!!!
FWBVol writes:
I think the future will be sooner than a lot of people think.
OldSmokey writes:
We will be a NFL pipe line, if we keep this staff!
I just hope UT dose what we have to to keep these guy's with us.
vol_chaz writes:
Treat them like pro's. Hope they respond well, if they don't, we might need to call an audible..
yeavols#228407 writes:
I like the article...most of all, I like the line, the one headliner that captures it all: NO ARRESTS SINCED KIFFIN WAS HIRED. End of story.
BillVol writes:
Is there something wrong with the Big Orange Caravan?
bluetick writes:
I will have to agree with that. Reading this article totally gets me pumped up! I'm ready for game day! Go get em boys!
Call me an idiot but I am saying we shock the football world this year and take down those gators.
teampenny#658108 writes:
Every fan has high hopes before the season starts. This is what drives fall practice. No one ever knows how a team will do. Game time is closer. Go Vols
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
okay, you're an idiot.
these articles are really revving some fans motors. need to be realistic without being negative. eight wins.
Mansonlamps writes:
You got that right. These types of preseason articles have been pumping sunshine in us for years. Its easy to be optimistic when you haven't played anybody. Everybody needs to remember that we're not as talented as Florida, Georgia, and Bama, and above all realize we've got major problems at qb and depth on the OL and DL. Just cause they're expected to play like pros doesn't mean they will. All this article is is talk.
blitzshoot writes:
Nothing wrong with being positive. The UT fans deserve some good news after last year. Win or lose,
I'm glad Kiffin is here. If nothing else, sounds like he cleaned out the closet and with not arrests, that's good enough for me.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
"It's just a different feeling".
Thank you Lord.
longertimevolfan writes:
I agree, very good way to treat men CLK
Florida may be ripe for an upset by looking past UT and at LSU, plus the buzz around Gainsville is almost like all Florida has to do is show up and the UT Vols will go down - badly beaten down. They (Fl fans) have no respect for UT football team - I hope the Fl team fells the same.
And don't forget Tebow wants to go undefeated = trying to hard if he has a problem - EB and Co.
Florida will loose one reg season game to (PICK ONE) LSU, GA, or the Tennessee Vols - My Pick UT - GBO Beat bamma
olddawg91 writes:
YES! I really believe this we are still THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE! Fulmer had talent I believe he got too laid back and didn't insist they perform, I think this staff will change that alot faster than most expect.
deadheadvol writes:
Bill, I dont they said something was wrong with the Big Orange Caravan, just in the NFL they were in the office or fieldhouse working, not speaking to boosters and alum, kissing babies and all that during the off season. They were just pointing out the differences, in my opinion. Bluetick, I hope you are right. Go Vols
pms151 writes:
As usual from Strange, another piece produced by Mike Hamilton. I hope that I am wrong, but this program is going to end up like the Miami program from the past. If these coaches need NFL training to have the edge, just how long do you think they will hang around? That story is going to get old PDQ. Oh and by the way Strange, how much NFL experience does the Florida coach have?
gnm53108 writes:
Amen.
give_him_6 writes:
Ok...you're an idiot. We are laying the foundation for great years to come this year. and I think we may get to 8 and maybe even 9 wins if we're real lucky. but beating Florida...at Florida...after all the stuff that's been said and gone on...that will be a loss. Now just how bad of a loss is yet to be seen. there is the old adage "that's why they play the games" so we'll see.
GerryOP writes:
There is no conflict between being realistic and being optimistic.
A new day for Tennessee Football.
Your fearless prediction PD?
26 -- Fear The Kiffin...
DennisVols writes:
The more disciplined approach will show this year. Expect better ball control on offense, fewer turnovers, clock management. On defense no more playing lose on 3rd and long, more sacks, qb pressure, greater numbers in creating turnovers and defensive scoring.
The past few years we have seen a lack of discipline, on and off the field and it has played a big part of the success or lack there of, of UT's football program.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
sizeDD writes:
I'm hoping for a W against a UCLA team that beat us last year and when that happens it will be "shock the world time". At least in theory. I just want to see a motivated team take the field that at least gives the appearance that they have a purpose every Saturday.
jsm67vol writes:
Shut ur pie -hole. Some of these coaches will move on just as some of urbies asst coaches have moved on. BFD!! You and all the other gator fans hate Kiffin now, but write this down, UF will try to hire him when urbie bolts to become a golden domer.
gainesville_vol writes:
I am a UT fan, have been for 40 plus years. However, living in Gator land has given me the opportunity to see every UF game for the past 16 years. One thing I will say about Meyer lead teams, they don't lose to teams because of a lack of effort, they do not overlook anybody.
Last year's loss to Ole Miss was a result of Ole Miss playing great, and UF having three turnovers along with a great defensive call on fourth and 1 along with one (read it one) missed block on an extra point attempt.
Otherwise, UF and Meyer have only lost to teams that dominate their OL with the four down DL. If a defense can neutralize the OL without blitzing, it gives them an advantage by covering 5 or 6 with 7. Two years ago, UF lost to UGA, LSU, Auburn and Michigan, all of which had monster DL's.
If we are hoping that UF overlooks us and doesn't show up to play, we are going to be in for a long day. If we go into the swamp expecting UF's best, I truly think that Monte and crew can keep UF under 30. If we can get the running game going, we might keep them under 24. Can we score? Who knows. But I would take 24-10 this year! Playwell, no turnovers by us, UF does find any OL to fill out the line, Eric return one for a TD, maybe we squeek out a 24-21. I don't think we will know much about UF with their first two games.
Chomp writes:
I was in Gainesville last week to watch them begin their practice sessions. I find it amusing that some of you are giving so much of your time and attention to worrying about the Gators. You have quite a few good games on your schedule this year and Florida is but one of them.
We don't know what sort of coach Lane Kiffin will be. We (and I do mean all of us in the SEC) hope he is successful because it only strengthens the conference top to bottom, but we really don't know if can coach or not based on his one head coaching job which was, without a doubt, a total failure. On the other hand, we know what kind of coach Meyer is, his track record is pretty good.
If you believe for a moment that Florida is going to show what they have in their first two games you are sadly mistaken.
Good luck Tennessee. I hope your new coach and this Tenessee team meets, and exceeds, all your expectations.
99gator writes:
none of you should complain about the KNS anymore.
they have pumped enough sunshine and served enough kool aid that everyone is high and can't think straight.
keep the following in mind.....
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2008/a...
there are some major holes on the roster, including a starting defensive tackle who has no knees and has never played defensive tackle. but, i digress.
it will take time.
givehim6 writes:
Fulmore was good coach for the 90's in that good ol' boy system. Than NNCA ball grew up. now there is a pro mind set. UT is about 8 yrs. late in becoming pro.
gnm53108 writes:
You're a real downer.
Right now ,with enough kool-aid,were gonna be sec champs.
Well,it helps if the kool-aid is fermented.
99gator writes:
they serve kool aid in gainesville, too.
people are talking about this being the greatest football team in history of college football and stuff like that.
people have to be reminded that florida has never had an undefeated season. as in never, ever.
while there is a first time for everything, that usually sobers up the orange and blue faithful from the kool aid goodness.
gnm53108 writes:
Yeh,you're right.The kool-aid flows abundantly all across the south this time of year.
I have to admit that I'm a willing,and fervant participant.
gnm53108 writes:
Thanks Bob.
It's this kind of talk that gets me most excited.Contrary to what alot of others beleive,I think the OL is the one position that has the most room for improvement over 08.
2nd...special teams.
gnm53108 writes:
Can ND be put to rest?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I am very close to a predict.
DL is a worry with depth (as always). I look for Stephens to get the start by Gator time. We should still have 24 DB's and 9 RB's.
I will go North of 7 wins. Just a hint.
Let you know by Friday. A little more Grey Goose koolade to be stirred with perhaps a wee dram of white sunshine.
gnm53108 writes:
I'm with ya on Nick being our qb.
Be carefull with that "white sunshine".Drink too much of that koolaid and you'll lose a month or so.
Mabey thats what I should've tried last year.D#mn near killed the ole liver with my frost brewed method.
deadheadvol writes:
Why dont you post an article from THIS year, slimy azz lizard.
deadheadvol writes:
I hope Urbie stays at Florida for many years to come, so UT can beat him down to a pulp, now give me a shot of that moonshi..... kool-aid, Go Vols
Go4Two writes:
College Football is cluttered with NFL coaches that failed at the college level. Being a former NFL coach should lend advantages but it does not mean success.
Volsnfl writes:
Living in Fl,I can see all the bashers and haters starting to shut their Gators,they read the papers just trying to see what the big orange is up to,looks like their a little NEARVOUS LOL.GBO!!!!
secsecsec writes:
This is the SEC- almost all of the teams- except for maybe Auburn (whose coach decided to schedule practice during the evenings to avoid the hot part of the day. True story)- instill toughness and preach physical play. This is still your granddaddy's conference - defense and physical play are king at Florida, Georgia, LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, etc. It is great to read that CLK is trying to instill a physical personality into this team- but is it really that shocking? This is the University of Tennessee- shouldn't that be expected? I don't think that toughness was the issue last year- but rather talent and coaching. In my opinion- we won't win games this year because we are any tougher or any more physical than the opposition- but we should win more because of smart new ideas and an upgrade in talent- that is the hope, anyway.
BuckFama writes:
"The NFL - I don't think anybody can argue - it's the highest level of Xs and Os,'' he said. "You do it all day long. You don't go on the road recruiting. You're not on the Big Orange Caravan."
Translation: "If I had been successful in the NFL, I wouldn't have had to come to this dump and deal with the common folk on the BOC."
"If you're a college coach your whole career, half the year you haven't done football. After 10 years, that's 60 months of ball."
At least the Vols' coach can multiply correctly.
Sounds like a bit of disdain for the college game and for college coaching from the old ... er, young ball coach. What's the over/under on how long coach Kiffin is here before he bolts for the NFL?
Go Vols!
volhome writes:
The 'Big Orange Caravan' comment is a bit out of line from Lane. Successful NFL programs do have community connection programs, and there is nothing wrong with staying in touch with the fans. The fans pay the way, whether we want to believe that or not. If it weren't the case the current TV contract would have not been signed. Keep the rabidity in the fans, and you will fire the team up, too. That carries over to the 'W' column, and it was nurtured by watering that little seed of hope through the Caravan.
panties4tebow writes:
The trolls NIGHTMARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hueypilot writes:
I sure hope so. Catching three pre season top ten teams on the road, we're walking into a meat grinder. A good team could get nicked up pretty bad.
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