The was poster by Ron Swanson is the RF
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Well, Sunday brought about more meetings on the University of Tennessee campus featuring Butch Jones, Mike DeBord and other members of the Vols' football program and athletics department.
DeBord left Rocky Top between 1-2 Sunday afternoon.
While DeBord, we are told by folks on campus, left a very positive impression this weekend, as we noted late Saturday night Jones has continued vetting candidates.
In fact, Jones will be flying out to both recruit and conduct additional interviews in airports and other settings along the recruiting trail throughout the next 48-72 hours.
Mike Norvell is a name we've heard consistently and reported since Friday; but Norvell has a $900,000 annual salary per a USA Today report. Sources indicated to us that Norvell has indicated any discussions about a position would need to initiate with a seven-figure salary.
More names we picked up today include Mike Canada, the N.C. State offensive coordinator who just finished his second season with the Wolfpack.
Noel Mazzone, who has ties in the SEC after runs at Auburn, Ole Miss and in the ACC at N.C. State, is the offensive coordinator presently at UCLA but as noted above, has strong ties in the South and is on the list of candidates Jones and his inner circle are vetting.
Typically in these situations, a head coach will bring in his agent --- in this case, Jones is represented by Trace Armstrong --- to help facilitate conversations with potential candidates beyond just the initial texts and phone calls.
South Carolina's G.A. Mangus is a name that we've previously reported and one that has consistently surfaced across the course of the weekend.
North Carolina's Gunter Brewer is another candidate the Vols are exploring and could meet with in the next 48 hours.
Additionally, sources told us that Jones has spoken/will speak with 1-3 NFL assistant coaches.
Other names who have been confirmed by VolQuest.com to have been definitely vetted by Jones & his inner circle include Billy Napier, Josh Heupel and Seth Luttrell.
DeBord met with all of the Vols' quarterbacks, and then had an additional film session with Joshua Dobbs, who brought with him Marquez North. DeBord met with additional support staff.
Several NFL coaches and personnel people, as well as Urban Meyer among others, have reportedly reached out to Jones on DeBord's behalf.
Fit and continuity continue to be top-tier priorities for Jones in the OC search; he's very mindful of returning 10 starters and wanting to be able to utilize same terminology, system and more. DeBord has previous ties with Willie Martinez, Mark Elder, John Jancek, Don Mahoney and Steve Stripling.
While Zach Azzanni continues to be a name consistently mentioned on the short list of head coaching candidates at his alma mater, Central Michigan, where John Jancek also could be a candidate. If Jones can retain Azzanni, it would not be unexpected to see Azzanni elevated to something along the lines of passing game coordinator while Robert Gillespie could be in line to gain a promotion to recruiting coordinator.
-John Brice
