Derek Dooley named Tennessee Head Coach according to reports

Local sports talk radio in Knoxville, Tennessee is reporting that Derek Dooley has been named Tennessee’s new football coach.

Dooley has been the Head Coach at Louisiana Tech for the past three seasons, compiling a 17-20 record, including a 4-8 mark this past season.

Some notes/comments from Shawn Fox of ESPN Radio 97.7 out of Louisiana as aired on the SportsAnimal:

  • Not a great X’ and O’s guy, but he is a great administrator.
  • Not an outlandish play caller. He plays it close to the vest. The most outlandish thing he’s done at Louisiana Tech was in his first year when he went for two in overtime against Hawaii. He missed it.
  • Dooley likes to be multiple on defense. He’s very aggressive. He likes to pin his ears back and go after the quarterback.
  • Dooley would like to be able to throw the football and run a balanced offense but he hasn’t had a good quarterback at La Tech. As a result, he’s had to rely on the ground game.
  • Tennessee fans will like him after the press conference.
  • Many people thought he was an SEC caliber coach, just not this soon.
  • Dooley energized the program at La Tech where he is also Athletic Director.

More to come on Derek Dooley…


Freak

3 responses to “Derek Dooley named Tennessee Head Coach according to reports”

  3. Spent time yesterday compiling and studying La Tech’s stats over Dooley’s 3 years there. There was significant improvement in just about every area, especially points scored. Special team stats are very impressive. His W/L record was not great but La Tech played a number of Div 1 schools (good ones). I understand they were after extra $ to a upgrade their athletic facilities.
    Dooley is smart and has an excellent resume. And, apparently he can recruit. Also, he’s SEC experienced and a southerner.
    He may turn out to be just what UT needs and a big improvement over Fulmer and especially Kiffin. I’m behind him.

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