In Nashville, Jay Graham steals the show — again — while looming vacation puts focus on coaches' families

  • By Evan Woodbery
  • Posted February 7, 2013 at 11:08 p.m.
EVAN WOODBERY/NEWS SENTINEL Tennessee football coach Butch Jones talks to the media on Thursday in Nashville.

EVAN WOODBERY/NEWS SENTINEL Tennessee football coach Butch Jones talks to the media on Thursday in Nashville.

Evan Woodbery/News Sentinel Tennessee football coach Butch Jones arrives in Memphis.

Evan Woodbery/News Sentinel Tennessee football coach Butch Jones arrives in Memphis.

NASHVILLE — Several Tennessee assistant coaches were relaxing in the back of their chartered bus outside the downtown Hilton, trading laughs as they reviewed their performances at the podium on Thursday.

There was one thing on which they agreed: Running backs coach Jay Graham was stealing the show.

"Jay needs to go last," offensive line coach Don Mahoney joked after wrapping up the Nashville appearance.

Mahoney followed Graham in each of the three stops on Thursday, which means he had to come after three standing ovations. It was a tough act to follow.

In a staff that includes seven coaches with ties to Jones from Cincinnati, Central Michigan or both, Graham is the lone holdover from the 2012 staff. He's also a decorated former UT player who took a significant career risk when he joined Derek Dooley's staff before the 2012 season, both of which have endeared him to fans.

Graham was retained — more accurately "rehired," Jones says — in the same role on the new staff, and he's played an important role in recruiting during the past two months.

All that played a role in the standing ovations he received in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville on Thursday, prompting his new colleagues to give him a hard-time about his popularity.

"I'm going to get a standing ovation one of these days," linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen told the crowd in Knoxville on the final stop of the night. A few fans obliged with cheers.

Graham came to UT from North Carolina two decades ago, lured by an official visit that included, as he recalls, a trip to the dollar theater to see Dracula and a meal that consisted of 39-cent soft tacos.

"I committed three days later," Graham said.

Graham's sister Kathy Roulhac is the head volleyball coach at Tennessee State in Nashville, and his mother also lives in the city.

"My momma's made me promise that every time I'm in Nashville, I stop by to give her a hug," Graham said as he turned to Jones. "Coach, I hope we can stop that bus."

The bus never stopped on the ride back to the Nashville airport, but all jokes aside, family matters weighed heavily on the staff on Thursday.

The recruiting tour on Thursday was the last work day before Jones released the staff for a three-day weekend, their first break of any kind since Christmas. Coaches exhausted by the recruiting blitz were eager to see their families for the first time in months.

Graham spent time on the phone with his wife, who was shepherding his four young children through Disney World. While Azzanni is reconnecting with his kids, Graham will be in Orlando, although he said he's not sure chasing his kids through a theme park is much of a vacation.

"They're pretty wild," he said. "Mickey better watch out."

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Comments » 34

VolMoment writes:

What a good person Jay Graham is and has always been. Besides being one of the greatest running backs in UT history. Thanks for coming home.

CroKev writes:

in response to VolMoment:

What a good person Jay Graham is and has always been. Besides being one of the greatest running backs in UT history. Thanks for coming home.

+1

CroKev writes:

Btw, what exactly were they doing in Nashville, etc.? From what I gather, it was some kind of post-Signing Day news conference. If they didn't get by to see Graham's mom, I surely hope they stopped by to see Hurd's mom (and dad)!

RashaadSalabeb writes:

in response to CroKev:

Btw, what exactly were they doing in Nashville, etc.? From what I gather, it was some kind of post-Signing Day news conference. If they didn't get by to see Graham's mom, I surely hope they stopped by to see Hurd's mom (and dad)!

You got that right! Jay is a good coach. I'm very glad we have him. I wish we had another former UT man on the staff. I was hoping we would still go out and get a couple more players since we have the scholarships available. We have several legacy players coming up in 2014. We for sure need to be all over them. I'd like to see us go out and get a dt and rb before we quit on the 2013 recruits also. There have to be some more out there.

Go Big Orange!

PUL4VOLS writes:

It is great to see excitement stirring all across the Volunteer state about Tennessee football. They have a long way to go to get where we who are fans want them to be and this is a good start. I am glad to see this happening even if we did not get the top athletes many expected the coaches to land overnight. Onward and upward is my cry and GO BIG ORANGE!

gillblog writes:

To all the folks here who are enjoying themselves blasting Jones (even before his team is on the field !) his wisdom in 're-hring' Jay Graham cannot be overlooked.
Who knows how depressing this year's signing day might have been if Graham hadn't been on the staff.

jimr07 writes:

T. Martin is being praised as one of the outstanding young recruiting assistants. I think this time next year he will regret not taking the job eith us. Looks like Kiffin may be on his way out next year..sorry to hear that..and i know this is article is about Jay...

volspaws writes:

Will never forget Jay Graham flying down the sideline in a driving rain at Neyland on a 78 yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to hammer a nail into the heart of Bama fans. One of the most underrated Vols ever.

VolsSquid writes:

in response to volspaws:

Will never forget Jay Graham flying down the sideline in a driving rain at Neyland on a 78 yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to hammer a nail into the heart of Bama fans. One of the most underrated Vols ever.

YES!!! One of, if not the biggest and best memories that I have of being in Neyland Stadium. Most people in the section I was in, they had given up. Not me, Not my little 12 year old heart! #GoVols #VFL

McMinnVol writes:

in response to volspaws:

Will never forget Jay Graham flying down the sideline in a driving rain at Neyland on a 78 yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to hammer a nail into the heart of Bama fans. One of the most underrated Vols ever.

He did the same thing a year ealier in Birmingham when we blew out Bama. I was sitting in the end zone and had a great view of him hitting the corner and turning up field. Jay is obviously someone who can relate really well to the recruits and players.

GO VOLS!

clinton_vol writes:

Smartest decision CBJ has made so far..... Rehiring Jay Graham.

Pompey writes:

.....Jay has "Head Coach" written all over him....

formervol1950s writes:

in response to VolsSquid:

YES!!! One of, if not the biggest and best memories that I have of being in Neyland Stadium. Most people in the section I was in, they had given up. Not me, Not my little 12 year old heart! #GoVols #VFL

Absolute classy post and then some .

Theo writes:

If Jay's wife took four small children to Disneyworld by herself she is truly the hero of the family. She could probably coach the defensive line. Wrangling four through Pirates of the Carribean would be experience enough.

GhostofRobertNeyland writes:

in response to volspaws:

Will never forget Jay Graham flying down the sideline in a driving rain at Neyland on a 78 yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to hammer a nail into the heart of Bama fans. One of the most underrated Vols ever.

I remember getting mad because we had run it the two previous plays and I thought we needed to be passing the ball and then on 3rd down, he takes off and John Ward said "why not run it every down". Big time fan of the run game every since.

illinoisvolfan writes:

in response to Theo:

If Jay's wife took four small children to Disneyworld by herself she is truly the hero of the family. She could probably coach the defensive line. Wrangling four through Pirates of the Carribean would be experience enough.

If she can keep four children happy and under control in the chaos known as Disney World, forget coaching. She's ready to be the next AD.

notfunanymore writes:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

volspaws writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

Time to get the Prozac refilled, pal....lighten up

jamgod writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

Dude just shut up and give it a rest! They deserved some down time and thank goodness they didn't have to put up with DA's like you! Who cares what Saban and his sstaff were doing...why don't you run on over there and be a little water boy for them! Give it a break!

Olddogsrule writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

Which NCAA team are you really for? It's for dang sure you are not really a Volunteer Fan!!!! Are your really a Commodore troll? ... Do you actually support the Lizards, or is it actually the C.O.C.K.S.? Your posts pull enough vacuum to suck start a 747!!!

VolGrad writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

neverwereanyfun
nevergonnabepleased
pantiesinpermanentwad
dooleystillfunnierthanme

Ease up.

Theo writes:

in response to illinoisvolfan:

If she can keep four children happy and under control in the chaos known as Disney World, forget coaching. She's ready to be the next AD.

Good point. You've obviously been there. LOL!

Tennpeach writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

I was going to respond to this troll/AH, but the rest of you have done a marvelous job of doing that! All I would add is dont bother posting if you cannot be positive about the VOLS.

BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:

in response to Theo:

If Jay's wife took four small children to Disneyworld by herself she is truly the hero of the family. She could probably coach the defensive line. Wrangling four through Pirates of the Carribean would be experience enough.

No doubt, the best day in my children's young life was in 1995. I took my two young daughters to Disneyworld, the oldest was 5 and the youngest was 3. Though they loved the visit, it was a nightmare for me, and when we finally returned home that evening I vowed to never take them anywhere without help..

rb4346 writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

Can't you say anything positive about the Vols, I bet you CBJ and staff have been discussing recruits as much as Slaban and his puppets have. The coach and his staff have been here 2 months so give them a break. If you are so unhappy about what CBJ and staff talk about then you need to move to Alibammer so you can be near your hero. Good grief!

Theo writes:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

No doubt, the best day in my children's young life was in 1995. I took my two young daughters to Disneyworld, the oldest was 5 and the youngest was 3. Though they loved the visit, it was a nightmare for me, and when we finally returned home that evening I vowed to never take them anywhere without help..

I tried to show one of the kids a big time by making the tea cups really spin. The kid jumped off ready for a snack. I was sick for an hour. Right next to It's a Small World. That song still makes me queasy.

Damitman writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

Please, please, please, if you are so unhappy with the Vols and their couching staff, the gators could use a "true" fan such as yourself!! So, again, please become a Florida, Alabama or Georgia fan, they need people like you.

BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:

in response to Theo:

I tried to show one of the kids a big time by making the tea cups really spin. The kid jumped off ready for a snack. I was sick for an hour. Right next to It's a Small World. That song still makes me queasy.

That's pretty bad, the tamest ride at the park..Too funny.

6972 writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

The new work ethic for all Tn coaches will be 24-7; 365. There will be no time for relaxation and all smiles and humor are strictly forbidden. Bathroom privilages are to be submitted in writing 24 hours prior to any needs and sitting time on the John is limited to 1 minute. But that is okay because Saban limits his staff to just 30 seconds. It's great to be a Vol coach.

FearTheVols1252 writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

^^^^ laughing stock of internet trolls. Your ignorance is truly overwhelming.

VolFanInTheBoro (Inactive) writes:

in response to rb4346:

Can't you say anything positive about the Vols, I bet you CBJ and staff have been discussing recruits as much as Slaban and his puppets have. The coach and his staff have been here 2 months so give them a break. If you are so unhappy about what CBJ and staff talk about then you need to move to Alibammer so you can be near your hero. Good grief!

notfun has nothing positive to say about the Vols because he is not a Vol fan. He is just one of the many instigating trolls that are on this site

usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

No doubt, the best day in my children's young life was in 1995. I took my two young daughters to Disneyworld, the oldest was 5 and the youngest was 3. Though they loved the visit, it was a nightmare for me, and when we finally returned home that evening I vowed to never take them anywhere without help..

My first duty station after boot camp was in Orlando. I was an E-nothing with a wife and 2-year old. We practically lived at WDW...I was always broke, but it was definitely worth it

usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:

in response to notfunanymore:

Let's see....UT more/less finished last in recruiting in the SEC. The football program is practically gone, BUT these clowns are worried/joking about their performance at the podium. Guarantee you Saban/staff were not worried about their podium performance, I bet they were already discussing future recruits. Bullsh%* like this is why UT is the laughing stock in college football. Do you remember all of Dooley's stupid quips and attempts to be comical? How funny is he now?

Speaking of bad performances, just curious if your wife picked your screenname.

BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:

in response to usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad:

My first duty station after boot camp was in Orlando. I was an E-nothing with a wife and 2-year old. We practically lived at WDW...I was always broke, but it was definitely worth it

I too started my military career in Florida..Godpeed.

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