Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
Tennesse defensive coaches Justin Wilcox, Chuck Smith and Lance Thompson direct players against LSU at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010. UT lost the game 16-14 after a defensive penalty in the final play of the game.
Derek Dooley made it through National Signing Day without anybody raiding his first staff at Tennessee.
Changes are coming for the Vols coach heading into his second season anyway.
In what was termed a mutual decision according to a school release on Sunday evening, UT announced the first departure under Dooley's watch with defensive line coach Chuck Smith parting ways with his alma mater to "pursue other career opportunities." There will be no search for a replacement though, with graduate assistant Peter Sirmon earning a promotion to coach linebackers and Lance Thompson sliding down to fill the void left by Smith.
“I am grateful for the personal investment, hard work and passion that Chuck contributed to our program this past year,” Dooley said in the release. “He is a dear friend to me, and more importantly, will always be a part of the Tennessee family.”
His time serving in an official capacity again with the Vols was short-lived though, ending just one season after Dooley signed Smith to a two-year deal worth a total of $475,000 to help rebuild the program and develop the defensive front.
UT had some issues creating pressure on the quarterback early in the season, though a pair of injuries in the first week of camp to expected starters and the lack of much depth were clearly factors in the lack of sacks. But Smith, himself a former UT standout before a productive NFL career, was widely praised by the players at his position for his knowledge of the game and he also had two talented freshmen that he seemed particularly excited to work with over the coming years.
“If I’m here as I plan on being here with Corey Miller and Jacques Smith, we’re going to bludgeon the conference,” Smith said in October. “I got a guy right there in Jacques Smith that has the potential to be a top-five pick in the NFL.
“We’re working towards that, and all I tell folks is just stick by us. We’ve got some bright days ahead of us and young, talented players here that are as talented as anybody in the conference.”
That should still be the case for the Vols, who added a handful of significant pieces to the rotation on the defensive line last week on National Signing Day to go along with Smith and Miller.
But the plans for Chuck Smith to stick around to coach them have changed, with Thompson now in charge of molding them after working with the linebackers over the last two seasons. Thompson brings significant experience to the position after handling linemen for seven seasons during his career before shifting his focus to the middle of the defense.
His change in roles also provided the opportunity for Sirmon to become a full-time member of the staff after serving as a graduate assistant working with the secondary last season. Sirmon brings plenty of expertise to the position after a seven-year career playing linebacker with the Tennessee Titans, and he’s already considered a rising star in the coaching profession and was clearly well regarded by both Dooley and defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox.
“Lance’s extensive experience coaching defensive linemen combined with Peter’s work product over the past year makes these decisions seamless,” Dooley said. “Lance has experienced tremendous success as both a defensive coordinator and line coach, while Peter’s work ethic, professionalism, coaching ability, and success as a linebacker at both the collegiate and professional ranks precluded me from pursuing any other candidates.”
Austin Ward covers Tennessee football. He may be reached 865-342-6274. Follow him at http://twitter.com/Vols_Beat and http://blogs.knoxnews.com/ward.
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Comments » 131
VolInIndy writes:
What the?
eVOLved writes:
I guess we'll soon hear where his new job is.
bluetickhound writes:
Drats, Hoodwinked again!!!
eduardo writes:
dadgummit!!
SATCHMOE writes:
I was told that he and Wilcox did not get along and Dooley also wanted him gone.This is all speculation but also a pretty good source.Chuck was a great recruiter,I dont know but I wish this stuff would stop for a while.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
What in the world is going on? Hate to speculate but I do wonder.
They were high school teammates, so this isn't some "business as usual" college coaching relationship.
Odd times, indeed.
Huttdawg100 writes:
Yeah, I heard the same thing. The rumors were that CS and JW were bumping heads, and that was how the Wilcox to Texas rumors got started. Wilcox said that one of them had to go: Wilcox or Smith... I guess it was smith.... Wow I'm disappointed to see Smith leave.
ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:
If you have known Chuck as long as I have known Chuck, this is not a huge surprise. I thought he might make it 2-3 years but knew that his personality would wear thin. Chuck has always been all about Chuck. Hard for him to blend into a staff. He is best suited for running the individual development type thing that he has done for the last ten years.
I thought he might help us with recruiting the D-line but it didn't really click.
Peter Sirmon is a big upgrade over Chuck to the staff. Peter understands his role as part of the team. He is a tirelesss worker. Peter was an absolute warrior for the Titans. The Vols are lucky to get him
I hope Chuck finds happiness and peace in his life. Vol for Life!
PeeEllthree writes:
Pl3 told you guys about this months ago. Chuck has made his money. Asst coach in sec requires 20 hr days. CS ain't into that and I can't blame him. That's the only "riff" between he and Wilcox. Also knew sirmon would be hired from the GA position and Wilcox was assured as much during his negotiations when Texas came knocking. Mutual decision here. CS is a 9-4, bust your hump guy. This requires more, unfortunately.
rkastens writes:
Seems strange for this to be announced as the Super Bowl is getting ready to kick-off.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
some of these defensive line recruits are understandingly going to feel they were deceived since this obviously this was known before signing day and was kept under wraps---------thats buxiness but there might be some ripples over this from some CS recruited
trollhunter writes:
I smell a PRENTENDAVOL
ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:
Florida's recruiting coordinator got fired the day before National Signing Day. It happens all the time. Tough business. In the long run, it is an upgrade for the Vols. Chuck wants to be out in front of the band. Nothing wrong with that, but he needed to be behind Wilcox. Peter Sirmon will understand his role from day one. He is a highly intelligent guy and should be good with the linebackers. Obviously, Lance will be fine with the DL.
bleedsorange writes:
Would have liked to see how it worked out with another year of him coaching the D-line. My guess is he got burnt out with all the hours spent at the job. As far as recruits go I would hope they come to Big Orange country for the team and not just one person. Playing for the Volunteers is bigger than playing for just one person, even a DL coach.
mountainbrook writes:
Brantley and all the kids who just signed up under Zook II and Tubby want to.
Stepchild_nFL writes:
Guys, please don't let these guys impose on a family moment. It shows no class. Chuck is a Vol for Life and I think we all can love and respect him for what he has given to Tennessee.
CCLC writes:
Do you ever tie of this fantasy double life?
ROCKYTOPBRAD writes:
i wonder if anyone will transfer?
clvolfan writes:
Sounds as if he and someone else did not get along!!!!!
heyitsme writes:
No.
Stepchild_nFL writes:
Its about chemistry. Plain and simple.Chuck is a VFL.
Are these trolls sick or something?
trollhunter writes:
I advise you to LEAVE NOW!!!
196SVol writes:
Maybe you have a point as it is odd timing and I don't remember hearing about any coaches not getting along during the regular season.
eVOLved writes:
i missed the part about his subordinate edging him out
volbob writes:
my sister-in-laws neighbor told her that he heard from his wife's ob/gyn that Chuck told the UPS route driver that blahblahblah. Turnover is gonna happen. Harder to accept when talking about a former player, but it is what it is. Lets move on...
BIG-ORANGE-CRAWDAD writes:
Hopefully the NCAA knows that CLK was the problem and will leave us alone
PeaceMaker45 writes:
Derrick Morgan was on104.5 The Zone a few weeks back and said that he told the Titans that he would like to see the team hire University of Tennessee Defensive Line Coach, Chuck Smith.
PeaceMaker45 writes:
Derrick Morgan was on104.5 The Zone a few weeks back and said that he told the Titans that he would like to see the team hire University of Tennessee Defensive Line Coach, Chuck Smith.
...
GoVols025 writes:
Speaking of a sinking ship! At some places the Capt deserts the sinking ship - quit, walked, jumped ship. Left the ship, the crew, and all of those recruits with nary a "Fair the well." And the ship's owner turned the helm over to a dude that has never even captained a ship!
Was it ony 12 months ago that lil' Urbie told the '10 recruits he was always going to be the Head Gata? Way to go lil' Lyin' Urbie.
GoVols025 writes:
Woof, woof..... A gata keyboard bully! Bold dude, really bold!
trollhunter writes:
I will stomp like you have never been stomped before
trollhunter writes:
Your another one too
jobrando#216494 writes:
Would you even be on this site posting if your post just got ignored? As it is your the most popular poster this site has. Keep reeling them in and stoking your ego. Your the best.
SummittsCourt writes:
Thanks for the efforts, move on now. Lets get ready for kickoff 2011!
VOLKING writes:
Little Lord Fauntleroy from Vandy is gonna take his ball and go home if you guys don't start paying attention to him. I'm sorry, sweetie, but your cries for attention from your big brother are falling on deaf ears. Maybe you should try visiting Lipscomb's or Belmont's site. They would play with you, hon. Just trying to help!
thetrollhunter writes:
yo homes u copying me?
thetrollhunter writes:
man you are such a homer lol you and your boyfriend can can go profess your love elsewhere, like at your school for jealous haters.
BubbaJ writes:
Best of luck to you Chuck! Thanks for being a part of Tennessee football in 2010.
trollhunter writes:
I am THE ORIGINAL TROLLHUNTER. I was here before you got here.
Voluvr writes:
Good change. I have complete confidence in Coach Dooley.
murrayvol writes:
Isn't it rich
Aren't you a pair
DC with his pants halfway down
And you in his hair
Send in the Clowns
Apologies to Stephen Sondheim
murrayvol writes:
Dooley's got a good bead on where he wants the program to go and who's going to help make it happen.
Here's wishing Chuck all the best. He'll always be among my favorite Vols.
Vol43 writes:
Chances are that 'CantStandSaban' is presently offline, but I offer the following: According to him, his son is a senior at UT which means that dada is throwing money at UT. That in itself is sweet revenge. The other thing is I wonder if his son is aware that his father is a troll on a UT web site getting it handed to him by us? I mean the kid would certainly be embarrassed to know that his dad is a fool and is being made a mockery of in public view. That is sad.
saintjosephpatick writes:
I love Coach Smith to death but this could actually be a good thing. Our d-line did struggle this year and besides Oregeron, Thompson is the best D-line coach in the nation. I always wondered why he was coaching lb's. If you don't believe he is a good fit, check his lines at LSU, best d-lines in recent memory. I wish Chuck much success in the future and the Vols even more success, this move will help us in the long run.
thetrollhunter writes:
yeh i but i pull it off better :] jk jk rofl
texasvol73 writes:
Oh my word you people want to spread ridiculous rumors! THINK! What did he do before coming to TN - he had a private consulting company training pro athletes. I gaurantee you he is going back to something like that b/c he can make a TON more money and make his own schedule. PLEASE stop this nonsense!
tennrich1 writes:
Know its easy to say now but i really never was comfortable with CS...just wasnt sure how much of a team player he was...When you're not the coordinator and never have been, you shut up and learn....Wish him well but much more comfortable with Sirmon running the show with linebackers...
erst456 writes:
WORD IS FROM NASHVILLE TV SPORTS GUYS IS THAT CHUCK SMITH IS TALKING TO THE TITIANS.
RockyToptoNeyland writes:
peter sirmon our new lb coach? where gonna have some great lbs next year. wow, that was a really bad promotion. what the hell was dooley thinkin on that one?
these_orange_colored_glasses writes:
chuck smith wants back in the pro's...prob with the titans....
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