How has Lane Kiffin done so far as Tennessee's head football coach?
Peyton Manning can't answer that question.
The former Vol and current Indianapolis Colts quarterback said it will be at least two years before he can properly evaluate Kiffin, who was announced Dec. 1, 2008, as the 21st head football coach at Tennessee.
"Kind of what I've learned, it's kind of like when we draft players with the Colts," Manning said Monday morning at Fox Den Country Club during a break in a golf tournament fund-raiser. "Two weeks after the draft they say 'well how was the draft?' I used to be wrong. I used to say 'this guy is great and on and on.'
"My answer now is ask me in two years. I'll tell you how we did in the draft. I think it's kind of that same way (with Kiffin)."
Manning met with Kiffin later in the afternoon. It was the second time Kiffin and Manning have met in person since Kiffin was hired.
Manning also worked out with current UT players.
"To be fair to Coach Kiffin, everybody is making a judgment either one way or the other already," Manning said. "I think we need to let Tennessee play some games this year and maybe not just necessarily this year. I know it's a long offseason and it's more time to talk and analyze.
"I'm trying to get to know Lane. I can tell from people I talk to how hard his staff works and how hard the players are working. They're excited, which is good. Everybody should be excited during this time. It takes some time to develop."
Manning said he first met with Kiffin in March during an event for former UT players to meet the new staff.
"I know he is excited," Manning said. "I know he's got a lot of work to do. It (the SEC) is a hard conference. The conference is like the NFL - it's just gotten so competitive. I know they're working hard, and I'm going to pull hard for them."
Though they've only met in person twice, Manning said he and Kiffin communicate in other ways.
"We trade numbers and texts," Manning said. "He'll shoot me a text with a football question maybe and I'll check in with what's going on."
Manning was mum when asked about Kiffin's issues with the Oakland Raiders.
"I wasn't privy to all the information," Manning said, "so I'm probably the wrong guy to ask about that."
Manning said UT defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin was "a great hire by Lane to bring his dad in and bring his experience."
"It'll always be a change going from the NFL to college," Manning said of Monte Kiffin. "He's coming in to some of the top offenses in the conference. It will be interesting to see what kind of changes he makes to the college game.
"He'll probably have some wrinkles that these college teams may not be ready for or have to adjust to."
Manning made his comments during the Mercy Foundation's "Golf Classic with Peyton Manning" at Fox Den. Manning was there to shake hands and take pictures with the participants.
"It's fun for me to be with the people here in East Tennessee," Manning said. "I live in Indianapolis now, but this is still very much like home. The people have been so good to me here. It'll always be a big part of my life."
Manning said the tournament, an annual event, always comes with about a month left until NFL training camp.
"It kind of gets you excited for football season," Manning said. "We've had a good offseason. We've had some transition there in Indianapolis.
"We've got a new coach (Jim Caldwell) and have lost some players, so that will take some adjusting to, but the players have worked hard which is the most important thing. I think we have a chance to have a good year."
Manning said he is often asked how long he plans to play in the NFL. He said he doesn't ever think about it except when asked.
"Of course, with Brett Favre - is he going to play is he not going to play - people kind of will take that to me,'' he said. "I feel fairly fortunate because I've been healthy for most of my career. I still feel like I've got some years left in me. The game is still fun for me, I'll say that.
"I want to always be enjoying it. As soon as I'm not enjoying it - not just the games but the weight lifting, the meetings, the plane rides - as soon as none of that is fun then I probably need to find something else to do. Right now I still enjoy it and look forward to going to work every day.
"I'm thinking about it every day, thinking about what I can do to get better, thinking about our team and as long as I'm doing that I plan to play for a number of more years."
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Comments » 87
Bigger_Al writes:
Glad he still considers us his family. The Vol Nation!
stayingorange writes:
Maybe the most honest and appropriate assessment of Kiffin and the new team yet. Great attitude from a great asset to the Vols program.
TommyJack writes:
Naffy will be #1 on my Ignore list if they ever get it going.
kiffownsfla writes:
Would luv to see him at ut on the coaching staff one day.
TD_4_UT writes:
You got to give it up to these former players. They won't forget their roots. Could give an even bigger boost to the morale and confidence to the current player's. GO VOLS!!!!
1manningfan writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
LifetimeVolFan98 writes:
friggin' idiot!!!
heatcoach3030 writes:
If you were smart you'd crawl back in the hole you came out of. How the hell do you get a Mr. Know it all from his comment. Sounds like to me a very smart assesment of Kiffin and his new staff. None of us really know how it's going to work out, we're all in a wait and see mode. Peyton was not knocking the coach or the staff, just not enough time or to see how the players will do in the near future.
kiffownsfla writes:
Go back to HOGMOLLY AND YOUR 5LB CALZONE LMAO!
FWBVol writes:
I can't think of another former Vol in any sport that has given more back to UT than Peyton Manning. As a fellow Speech Communication grad, I'm proud of everything that Peyton has accomplished on the field and in the classroom.
Lane Kiffin is smart enough to know he needs to surround himself with former Vols that have been successful in the NFL.
tums writes:
Ahh yes, another Florida fan. Everyone can tell this because true Vols fans know he only started and played Florida 3 times.
teampenny#658108 writes:
Bad post. He is a class act-know matter where he played college ball or what games he won. Go Vols
teampenny#658108 writes:
I agree with you. Lets give him time and wait & see. Go Vols
teampenny#658108 writes:
Would like him to assist in going after QB's now!
gnm53108 writes:
Agree.
We'll always have a place reserved for Peyton in k-town.
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
Wrong...troll....wrong....any QB (high school or college) & WR (high school or college) would die for the opportunity to learn from Peyton Manning or run routes for him.
HE IS ONE OF THE IF NOT THE BEST IN THE GAME (I know Tom Brady)...if the Colts had a stronger defense he may have at least 2 more Super Bowl rings to his other superior pro stats/records.
VOL fan or not...how can you really honestly think telling recruits Peyton Manning will be coming by time to time to work out with you will scare away kids? Just the fact you said that...VOL fan or not...shows how ignorant you are.
I bet even the mighty Tmmy Tebow hirself would want to take pointers from Peyton Manning....honestly guy get real.
Obviously you're not "Mr. Know-it-All"...Manning started against Florida 3 times....and he can win the big one....SUPER BOWL XLI Champion & SUPER BOWL XLI MVP....I don't know where you are from but that is as big a game as it gets.
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
I bet even the mighty Tmmy Tebow hirself would want to take pointers from Peyton Manning....honestly guy get real.
Meant Timmy Tebow himself...oops...or Tammy Tebow herself I guess.
Seriouslyorange writes:
Peyton is a class person. No matter what the situation, he always has appropriate, measured comments. The other folks from other schools may not admit this but put him up against most former players from their schools and he is head and shouldes above them all.
Not only that, but he leads one hell of a good rendition of Rocky Top by he Pride of the Southland Marching Band !!
Texas_Slim_Bevo writes:
2 years and probation? I missed what he said
utmdm writes:
Still seems it would be easier to just tap the IP's and end them for good.
newtonrail writes:
Back before he was banned so many times old Naffy posted under his real name, which I haven't forgotten Robert. I used to think you were just a Manning hating black racist, who attacked every white FB or BB player we had. I'm beginning to believe you are a few bricks short of a full load old boy. No sane person can rant like you do. Well I'm out of here since I'm trying to just ignore you like the interlopers from other schools.
gohawks1 writes:
Hate sometimes eats at a guy until he loses sight of many of life's joys. Don't give in to the dark side, Naffy.
2407westTN_VOLSfan writes:
I wondered what happened to Boobbyavol! Looks like Vol_RobE has manifested from his old name. I am not sure what Manning did to you to deserve the bitterness you spew on this channel. He must have slept with yo mama or something for you to be this upset with him. At least I know since he didn't play for the Gators, he is not a father-raper! lol That would truly have you up in the air.
BasketVols writes:
No, you were right the first time...
dvols writes:
last time im sayin
im just sayin
old_number1 writes:
Sorry, too late for Naff. He can never turn back.
GREATVOLSAFIRE writes:
your days are numbered!
Gator_Hater (Inactive) writes:
1997 ring a bell bozo? Maybe he can tell Urban Cryer how to beat UT and still lose the SEC East. Oh wait.....oops! Looks like he already learned how to in 2007!
Get your facts straight before you open your mouth idiot.
pms151 writes:
Great way to say ET is a great palce to visit but not live. Way to go PM. You just said what most graduates know already.
Salpointe writes:
Get a life man! Manning is one of the best that has ever played the position and he hails from UT. He's a class act with not a hint of arrogance. Negative posts like yours are unwelcome and totally off the mark.
dvols writes:
lane just keeping the seat warm?
TommyJack writes:
I retract that. Naffy would be #2, you worthless mope.
TommyJack writes:
You clearly read a different article than I did, PMS.
finn writes:
I actually feel sorry for guys like Tim Tebow that their fans are such dipsh$ts. Tebow, like Manning, is a great representative of college & hopefully pro football and great role models for anyone, fan or not. I've never understood why Manning inspires such hatred in these self-loathing clowns. That means you, Vol_RobE. Get a little self-respect and come out of that little closet you've been hiding in.
kman29 writes:
Urban Meyer is pretty close to the Mannings and sends his starting QBs to the Manning QB camps every year. Leak went and Tebow has gone.
TommyJack writes:
Your little "jests" have become very stale, Naffy.
jackdup4vols writes:
In case you have forgotten or are just that incoherent on Saturdays, there ARE other teams that we play -- NOT just Florida!!
voloffaith writes:
What was wrong with your 9:30ish post that you had to come back at 9:47 and say the same thing again?
On topic ,coach Kiffin can pick Peyton's brain all he wants to. Oh yeah I remember the old line when playing Florida or whoever that Peyton didn't play defense. That's in the past and his current career isn't too shabby though....
go_vols_go writes:
Peyton always says the right thing. Class act and Vol always!
bfsvols#378833 writes:
Manning did more for UT football than anyone since Neyland. He is a class act - something UT desperately needs. Enough said. Any more elaboration would just add unmerited dignity to your comment.
chargervol writes:
Boobbeagator, put down the crack pipe and pull up your jorts. I guess you are going to tell us next, that you truly are going to be a Gator fan. There is no way you are a Vol fan. There are some dummies on this site, but they're not that stupid. Keep talking with the gator posters because you are a gator poster. You are still the biggest idiot on this board. GO REAL VOLS!!!
tums writes:
DCgators
jackdup4vols writes:
Your insulting crack pipe users everywhere!
tums writes:
Oops what? Manning won an SEC Title. Kiffin hasn't coached a game yet so he couldn't have won one by now. Was there some sort of pun there?
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
Dude is good...no doubt but he took over an offensive squad that was already very good with Bledsoe in control.
But the Patriot's defensive team since he has been their QB has been STELLAR with Ty Law, Willie McGinnest, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Lawyer Milloy, & Asante Samuel to name a few.
I know they are not all there now but if Peyton had a defense like the Patriot's have had it makes you wonder how many more Super Bowl appearances the Colts would have.
givehim6 writes:
This is my gut reaction for Kiffin but can't help pulling for the guy.
Volunatic writes:
I'm pretty sure that Vol_RobE used to be BobbeaVol (or as I called him, "BobbeaCommodeOdor") before that posting account was banned from the site.
Volunatic writes:
Nope-- most ISP's "recycle" IP addresses based on which of their subscribers is online at any given moment. Therefore by doing that KNS would be penalizing those who merely subscribe to the same ISP as the trolls.
Volunatic writes:
He needs to go sit with "Group W". Why do I have the song "Alice's Restaurant" going through my head right now?
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
DT Prospect Evan Hailes is Rice McCoy's cousin....hhhhmmmmmmmmm very, very interesting.
http://tennessee.scout.com/
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