I'm not sure exactly how Mike Hamilton spent his Sunday. This I do know:
It wasn't as gut-wrenching as the one following the South Carolina football game a year ago.
Perhaps Tennessee's athletic director had to field a couple of phone calls assuring deep-pocketed boosters the black jerseys won't be coming out of the trunk again any time soon.
That's ice cream and cookies compared to coming to grips with the fact that it's time to fire your football coach.
The coach who won you a national championship. The coach who essentially devoted his adult life to UT football.
On Saturday a year ago, Tennessee fans watched South Carolina dominate a bumbling Vol squad, 27-6.
On Sunday a year ago, I wrote a column quantifying how low the season and the program had sunk. I'm pretty sure it's the most negative piece I've ever written about UT football.
On Monday a year ago Big Orange Country digested the news that Phillip Fulmer was out after 16 seasons. Some of us attended a press conference that was, by turns, both sad and angry.
Today, the mood is considerably different.
That's an understatement, of course. A big one.
A year ago, Tennessee football was embattled and dysfunctional. Today Tennessee football is vibrant and relevant.
That's not to diminish all that Fulmer accomplished, nor to say all the issues that led to Fulmer's exit have been solved. They haven't.
That's not to say all the wounds resulting from the Fulmer exit have healed. They haven't.
But as any CEO knows, you're not going to please all the people all the time. You do what you think is best for the big picture, understanding some pain will be involved.
With a year to reflect on the decision to make a change, the majority vote is thumbs-up.
With 11 months to reflect on the choice of Lane Kiffin to right the ship, the majority vote is thumbs-up.
Tennessee was 3-6, 1-5 SEC, after the South Carolina loss a year ago. The Vols were ranked a dismal 114th in the nation in total offense, averaging 272 yards a game.
Today, after whipping South Carolina 31-13, Tennessee is 4-4, 2-3 SEC. The Vols are 59th in total offense, averaging 379 yards a game.
Those numbers represent a solid improvement, not a dramatic one.
Want dramatic? Try this:
In 2008, the Vols lost to Florida and Alabama in Neyland Stadium by a combined 44 points.
In 2009, the Vols lost on the road to No. 1-ranked Florida and No. 1-ranked Alabama by a combined 12 points.
But judging change isn't about mere numbers. It's about attitude and atmosphere.
In hiring the young and relatively inexperienced Kiffin, Hamilton opted for promise and energy over a proven track record.
Two of the candidates Hamilton might have considered, Brian Kelly of Cincinnati and Gary Patterson of TCU, continue to have amazing success. Both are undefeated. They're ranked No. 4 and 6, respectively.
Troy Calhoun, the quiet candidate, is quietly leading Air Force toward a third consecutive bowl bid. Two veteran possibilities, Butch Davis and Mike Leach, aren't doing anything to make you wish Tennessee had hired them.
Kiffin, meanwhile, has rattled cages throughout the SEC and beyond. No 4-4 program and coach in America have gotten more exposure.
In short, I can't imagine that UT fans would swap him for any of the above-mentioned alternatives.
Kiffin is the first to say that the process of restoring the Vols to the prominence of Fulmer's best days is still in its early stages.
A Neyland Stadium ticket isn't as precious as it once was. For a variety of reasons, empty seats are not unusual. Attendance is actually slightly down from 2008.
It will take more than one recruiting class to restock the talent pool and the beef up the depth chart. The 2010 schedule is daunting.
So it will be a while before we have a definitive read on Kiffin.
But compared to a gut-wrenching weekend one year ago, whether you're Mike Hamilton or Joe Fan, you should feel encouraged about where your football program is when you woke up today.
And more than where it is, where you think it's going.
Mike Strange may be reached at strangem@knoxnews.com or 865-342-6276.
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Comments » 55
cloudodust writes:
Black jerseys and CPF's last straw one year ago..? Timing is everything I guess.
TommyJack writes:
A rock solid staff.
DennisVols writes:
I have heard people say UT has a new attitude, energy, competitiveness. I have been a Vol for many decades and this is not new. It has been missing, hidden under years of underperforming, under achieving and most importantly under coached.
Change was necessary and no true fan can deny that. UT received votes in this weeks polls with a 4-4 record. Not enough to get into the top 25 yet, but getting votes at 4-4 shows others are taking note of the improvements this team has had already this year.
I like the "in your face" attitude Kiffin has. The way he backs his players and yet at the same time holds them accountable for their actions on and off the field.
Great things are returning to UT. We see what this staff has been able to do with a group of players that have suffered injuries with little depth to fill them and a whole new set of schemes not yet fully installed.
We can only imagine how much better this will be as the holes get filled and the players become more comfortable with what they are asked to do on the field.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
djstatik writes:
I thought the black jerseys looked great! More importantly, the players were excited about them. If you feel like a bada-s-s you'll play like one. Keep up the great job coaches...both on and off the field!
hillsborovol writes:
ditto...to what DennisVols said.
mlsoft#228820 writes:
No report card this week??
I will make one comment on the black jerseys -- Although I was not particularly in favor of the idea, I ended up liking them. My suggestion, though, would be that if we are going to use them occasionally (which I now favor) for big home games, we should do it right.
The jerseys were very nice, but the player's names need to be on them. The helmets need to be black with the orange power "T", and the pants need to be orange with a black stripe.
'Nuff said.
mlsoft
orangevolz writes:
MH did exactly what he needed to do, and that was "nothing." CLK needs to learn to control his mouth, and it would have been silly for MH to try to fight that battle for CLK. We have the best AD in the country, and I bet you that CLK would agree with that.
doctorvol#211700 writes:
I doubted the jerseys, but agree they are ok. would not be in favor of changing helmets AT ALL!
volpreacherman writes:
CLK has put together a great staff. I wonder has there been any talk of any of them being considered for any upcoming head coaching or co-ordinator postitions? Just wondering? GO VOLS!!
Cldvols1 writes:
Like Mickey D's, I'm lovin it! Go Vols!!!
MidTennVol writes:
That's the key, ain't it, TJ?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Well said.
Leaving personal likes or dislikes, loyalities, etc.. out of it, Ray Charles could see what a slope this program was on with NO prospect of turning it around.
Kiffin brought what the old regime lacked-
fire in the belly!
PEYTONFORHEISMAN1997 writes:
I'm with you. I really liked the black jersey, but didn't think they matched with the helmet or the pants. I think if you added a black helmet with an orange T and black stripes on the pants, I think we might have the best uniform in the SEC. Of course I'm biased, but I think the black jersey come out once a year. Go Vols
punkin writes:
Good article. Expressed my sentiments exactly. The black jerseys were good for this game, now put them away.
volsfannsc writes:
Strange, I'm impressed! This is one of your better articles- very well thought out. I was a huge Fulmer fan and could never piece together what was wrong. His firing left me empty and wondering. When Kiffin was hired I never slammed him or made judgement on him and his staff until the Bama game. The preparation for that game was incredible and showed how hard this staff is willing to work. I have seen an intensity in our program that had been missing for years. Even with a 4-4 record I am extremely proud to call myself a volunteer. I appreciate what Fulmer did with this program and no digs here. The game and the program had simply gotten away from him. He had a good ride. As for our future, I see nothing but great things from this program. I think many people mis-interpet Kiffin's intent and effect when he vocally regergitates. I am beginning to see that his comments are actually well thought out and have a subliminal purpose for our players and our program. On the surface they may seem brash and kamakasi-like. Those comments seem to serve a purpose in it's own way. Hamilton is smart in just letting it be. The black jerseys had their shock value for both me, many fans, but more importantly the SC players. It worked- more method to the madness. This team has what it takes and if you look at the big picture, most teams that have been in a tailspin take a couple of years to turn around. What has happened in four games is nothing short of incredible. Go Vols!
gillblog writes:
UGA tried black helmets this weekend. Supposedly, players were all excited about it. The change was considered in keeping with the tradition of 'in-your-face' game strategy when playing Florida. It didn't work.
Difference between UT and UGA uniform tricks is the same as the difference between Lane Kiffin and Mark Richt.
Winning has nothing to do with jersey or helmet colors. Dedication, focus, and execution wins games. Kiffin is getting that from his players, Richt is not. I don't have much respect for Kiffin but right now his players are doing all of the above.
jmr68ut writes:
I haven't been this excited about TN football ever!!!! GO VOLS!!!
10ECMATT writes:
We could have been wearing pink and won. All coaching and tallent.
vol98champ writes:
I was totally opposed to the black jerseys until I saw them. For this one time they were great. I really don't like the all orange. As for Fulmer I still love the guy, but without Coach Cut he was mediocre at best. Why did we not see that years ago? Go Big Orange and Fear the Kiffin should be or mottos from now on.
Brillovol writes:
As for the attendance note in the article, some measure has to be given to the worsening unemployment rate within Tennessee. Combine that with ticket prices that seemingly increase yearly, and you have empty seats. I love the Vols, but, for me, they are no longer a cheaper alternative to going to see the Titans play thanks to ticket and gas prices (especially living in the Nashville area). Therefore, I do not believe attendance is a good measure of this staff's success.
As for year-over-year progress, I now have hope for the future of the program!
thevoice writes:
The decision to use them was not finalized until late in the week, thus not allowing enough time for names. Also, the plan was to wear black pants as well. But again, not enough time to pull it off.
PennVol writes:
I love the direction the program is going. It would be great to win out and finish 8-4 and this coaching staff should be GREAT for bowl game preparations - potentially giving us a 9-4 record. That would certainly turn heads across the country for an unproven head coach using predominantly Fulmer's players following a 5-7 season. GO VOLS!
Huttdawg100 writes:
The game I now have circled on my schedule is Ole Miss. If we roll into Oxford and knock off the rebels, we're gonna be looking at 8-4 without any hiccups along the way. We owe this to Houston Nutt.
Being in Knoxville over the weekend for the game, I was reminded of the electricity or the magic that Neyland has. Unfortunately, I felt that since the 2001 SEC Championship loss to LSU, we were losing that electricity with each year under Fulmer. Fulmer would have an up year, followed by a down year. There was no consistency. By 2005, I felt that we were farther away from the SEC Championship than ever. Furthermore, I felt that Chavis was far overrated; his defenses were extremely talented, but they never seemed quite as tenacious as some of the defenses coached by a guy like Will Muschamp. I love Fulmer, but the change was necessary.
We still have a long way to go. But, I love what I'm seeing. I remember Mark May amongst other "experts" saying that Kiffin was not the coach for Tennessee. Now, Mark May looks crazier than Lou Holtz.
Pompey writes:
This post is spot on. I can only add that even with Dickey's arrival in the sixties this coaching change has more upside than any I have ever seen at UT!
CrankE writes:
I personally liked the absence of names. TEAM. I wish Tennessee would do this as a permanent change.
This program is pointed in the right direction and making great progress. They've done a lot with the horses they have. We can only imagine what they'll do when they get the horses they want. Rest assured, our opposition knows it too.
shoelessvol#236864 writes:
I loved the Black jerseys! I think that Orange helmets would have been a great combination, but with little time, not feasible. In regards to the attendance, it is disappointing, but with the economy and with the fact that the visiting teams aren't selling their allotment, it is understandable. I really like the direction this team is going! The players play hard and are enthusiastic! The coaching staff is upbeat and the sideline is organized. Saturday night we called time-out for the first time all year because we did not have the play in on time. A vast improvement from 2008. GO VOLS!!
TommyJack writes:
I think the new GA helmets looked sharp...red face masks....But black IS one of THEIR colors. Peace
arkyvol writes:
i wasn't totally sold on kiffen. not that he doesn't have it in him, but that his resume didn't justify turning over a program like the vols to him. i've been pleasantly surprised in several ways. his emphasis on assembling a great staff to his own economic detriment. that takes saavy. phil was no slouch at recruiting, but kiffen is doing even better. and most of all, there's an enthusiasm in the team that is unmistakable and has been missing for years. i'm sold now.
GerryOP writes:
Tennessee football is back along with Temmessee pride--
Fear The Kiffin...
REVOL writes:
This is one of the best posts I have read in a long time. I totally agree. I love Phil for his service to UT, but, it is strikingly obvious that the change had to be made. It's still early in the process, but it is a very promising future.
Go Vols! Beat Memphis!
RoadTrip writes:
I agree.
It just goes to show that ESPN is all show biz and not serious about real analysis. I mean really, Holtz and May, that's the best you can do?! Throw in Corso and you have a 3 ring circus.
im4davols writes:
I don't know if it has been mentioned yet, but collegefootballnews.com has us ranked #21 and "playing like a top 15 team." The nation is seeing what we already know. Keep it up Big Orange!!!!
brentrod writes:
I remember this day one year ago very well. I don't think that Fulmer put enough emphasis on winning and it cost him his job. The players were no longer putting their heart into the game because of that lack of emphasis. Go Vols and I hope they go to a good bowl. The seniors deserve it. I can't believe that Montario Hardesty had to play backup to Foster for so long. Way to go Phil.
Volunatic writes:
Hamilton doesn't care about what Mike Slive does.
Hamilton cares about the Hamiltons (and Franklins and Grants).
As long as the SEC is distributing big checks to Tennessee athletics, Mike Hamilton will be a church mouse with respect to SEC affairs.
Huttdawg100 writes:
Brandon Spikes has only been talked to by Urban Meyer:
"Brandon is a very emotional guy..... I had a stern talk with him about it after the game"- Meyer reported by Sage Steele on SportsCenter.
WTF!!! Emotional? I guess it was just that time of the month.
Huttdawg100 writes:
What's the difference between Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount's punch thrown at a Boise State lineman and Spikes' ripping a defenseless guy's eyes out?? If Slive allows him to continue to play the rest of the season, he should be removed from his post as commissioner of the SEC.
Mpboldt writes:
The Vol Nation is definitely back!! Even after a loss this season, I can't wait for the next game, because of the steady improvement. No quit in the team; they get stronger as the game and season progresses. I'n looking forward to the rest of the season and especially the future. Go Vols!!!
Brillovol writes:
Off topic, but has anyone seen Fulmer in the ad for that new "Blind Side" movie? Looks like he plays a cameo role and has a UT hat on! I guess he's still supposed to be the coach?? Good props to the university and to a former coach, but a little wierd, nonetheless.
VolunteerLifer writes:
It beats reading your posts. And, BTW, what do you mean by 'we'?
kman29 writes:
gets beat badly by what? A true freshman QB behind an entire new offensive line in their first SEC game? While I agree it looks like Tennessee is recruiting well, some of you are in for a rude awakening if you think all of a sudden next years team is going to be some sort of SEC East champ. This year's team is the veteran team. Next year will be full of new starters and true freshman. While schools like Florida and Alabama will have veteran led teams.
kman29 writes:
first of all, the difference with Blount was that this was not his first incident of being out of control. Secondly, it was not just a punch, it was swinging at his own players who were trying to pull him back, it was swinging at a police officer who was trying to control him. Slightly different situation than someone in a pile allegedly trying to poke someone in the eye.
As for "ripping his eyes out". Funny how with all this coverage about it, not once did the UGA running back leave the field with an eye injury or even after the play get up holding his face. But if because you see him sticking his hand in a facemask your going to suspend him for the season, then you would have to suspend the UGA player who went for Spikes head in a pile and ripped his helmet off after the play. Have to suspend the UGA player who head butted Spikes with his helmet after Spikes helmet was ripped off again. Fact is, while none of that is acceptable, it is a rivalry game and despite what people whose only experince with football come from watching on the couch think, this stuff happens in every game in every pile. You want him suspended for the season because he is a Gator, nothing more.
Cash writes:
what CLK has brought to the Vols is discipline, both on and off the field. and it shows.
what a pleasant surprise CLK has turned out to be. he doesn't smile, he's all business. I like it.
gainesville_vol writes:
Spikes suspended for the first half of the Vandy game! Whoopeee!
First of all, if I were starting a football program, I would want Spikes, Al Wilson, Ray Lewis, or one of those types as my middle linebacker. They are flat out mean!
That being said, a half game suspension to Spikes is a joke. There is one big difference between ripping a helmet off or a blantant face mask and intentionally sticking your fingers into a person's eye. Beside, I have watched the play with Spikes losing his helmet a dozen times; he doesn't even have his chin strap snapped at all four places.
Spikes should be suspended by Slive for at least two games. In my mind, there is very little difference in the Oregon player slugging the Boise State player (who had no doubt taunted him to start with) and intentionally gouging at someone's eyes. If anything, you can almost excuse the reactionary punch. Gouging is totally premeditated intent to harm/disable a player. Their is absolutely no room for that.
Huttdawg100 writes:
I'm sorry, but I have to disagree. What happens if that Georgia running back is blinded because of that play? You have to admit that it was a dirty play. This was blatant conduct that puts a "black eye" on football in general, the SEC and the University of Florida. Why is it getting so much press? Why is it getting all those views on YouTube. It's not because it's Florida; its because it's classless. He has only been suspended for the first half of the next game. That's not enough.
CHS52VOL writes:
Totally agree. Our boys are "Junction Boys" 2.0
TrouserCough writes:
Good article. However, stop saying Fulmer devoted his adult life to UT. UT devoted more than $10 million dollars to Fulmer. It wasn't volunteer work.
murrayvol writes:
Wouldn't trade Kiffin & Co. for any staff in the country................period.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I was...okay with the black jerseys after I saw them, and agree completely with the earlier poster who said that it was clear the team was fired up about them. Since I was not all THAT crazy about black in the first place, I won't comment on your suggestions for, ah, enhancing them.
My point is that the very improvised appearance of the whole ensemble is ample proof that this was not some long-planned nefarious scheme hatched by a perfidious Hamilton so he could sell more jerseys and deliberately besmirch the sacred image of UT football, as has been suggested by some stick-in-the-muds on this board.
I would just as soon not see the black jerseys, however enhanced, until MAYBE our next Halloween home game, but I was just fine with them THIS time, and if the players got off on them, I am MORE than fine with that.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Well said! I'm with you 100%.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Not only do I think you are right, I think Hamilton is right not to get into the middle of this. As much as I generally like CLK's brass, no sports league can tolerate public criticism of its officials by coaches or other program representatives. Perhaps if several of the other coaches, along with CLK, had been willing to sign a letter to Slive questioning the officiating without releasing it to the public, the point would have been made and Slive wouldn't have had to threaten suspensions. Since there IS a rule against public criticism of officials, Hamilton would not have helped CLK or the image of the school in the league offices by publicly supporting CLK's comments.
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