11:30 ET Press Conference Thread

#1
goldvol

goldvol

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#1
University of Tennessee Official Athletic Site - Video

According to the website, it will have 3 parts, with Barnes starting the press conference, then Hart, and lastly Butch Jones. It was basically a question and answer session with reporters.

PURPOSE: According to Hart, this is a "non agenda opportunity". So, no real reason for the press conference.

TLDR Topics Covered: Injury updates (everyone's getting healthy), Butch Jones' Job (no extension or raise yet, but Hart still considering it; Jone's wants to be at Tennessee), turf condition (we're staying with grass)

CBJ: "You're always evolving...you're constantly evolving, getting better. One of the big things you have to do is step back and review your program, A to Z, and that's what I'm starting to do right now. We'll review everything in our program and figure out how to get better."

CBJ: "Four stages in building a program. First is culture: no compromising what you stand for. Next is learning to be Competitive. Third is Winning. And Fourth is how do you handle winning -- everyone bringing their A game against you, and your mindset."

CBJ: [re: Sutton & JRM] "We'll have ongoing discussions. No timetable. Whenever they feel comfortable [with their decisions]. It's all about educating individuals about making great decisions."

CBJ: [re: Richt resignation] "The expectations are very very high, week in and week out, separates the SEC from every other conference. ... I have tremendous respect for CMR both as a coach and a human being. ... Our whole reputations are built on 12 opportunities a year. ... I am concerned, the path we're heading down right now."

CBJ: [re evaluating coaching staff] "It starts with me [evaluating myself]. I have set criteria that we use for every coach, a number of factors. How can we continue to move this program forward. Right now, time is minimal, but when I hop on a plane for a recruiting trip, I'm working on it, always using spaces of time to work on it."

CBJ: [on whether he'd consider other HC jobs] "I've stated it very clearly: Tennessee is the place I want to be. ... I'm a big believer in loyalty. ... This is home to me, and home to my family."

CBJ: [on the transfer rules as they've evolved] "It's gotten to where you also have to recruit your current team. ... We'll sit down with anyone, help map out their options. But it's a reality, every coach has to deal with it."

CBJ [on injuries and the bowl]: "Right now there's really no one ruled out. Fully anticipate Marquez North playing. On Curt Maggitt, still don't know yet."

CBJ [on bowl opponents and prep]: "Graduate assistants are doing their research now, trying to narrow down our opponents and scope them out. But the first few practices are really about us. I'm just excited for our seniors and this loyal fan base. We're top 5 all time in bowl appearances, and we fully expect to be playing in big-time bowls every year."

CBJ: "We don't want a designer offense, we want to own match-ups."

CBJ [on Croom's knee]: "You're at the mercy of the human body. Difficult surgery, he had some setbacks in it healing, but he's making great progress. He will not play in the bowl game, but we're hoping he is able to participate in some bowl prep. He's doing everything he can."

CBJ: [on Curt and a possible 6th year] "It's always an option, there isn't a time frame or time limit or expiration date. It's really what aligns for Curt. He's done some amazing things here, already graduated, he's embedded in our community. Being at Tennessee means a lot to Curt, so this is a very challenging decision for him. Obviously we'd be delighted to have him here. Those are discussions we're having all the time."
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When asked about Butch Jones Raise and Extension...
Hart: We have already opened those conversations and will continue those conversations. Butch is well aware of how appreciative I am (of his coaching).

Hart: We want a first class surface (field) to play on. We're undefeated since mid October, so it hasn't affected us. Not considering field turf.

Hart: Reserves have been built up to about $10 million, from the SEC network money. We're still 14 out of 14 in SEC schools.

About Bowl Game Selection:
Hart: Conversations going on for the last week and accelerating.

Hart: "With Butch's leadership and energy, and ability to recruit, our football program is very healthy. ... You haven't witnessed the change in culture like I have, ... or the leadership of Butch Jones as closely as I have...."

Hart: "Hey, I get in the fetal position too on some Sundays, so I understand. But our university will continue to be rewarded with the progress of this football program."

Hart: "It's been a long time, we tend to forget these things, but it's been a long time since we went an entire football season and were competitive all the way through every game."

Hart: "A lot of things will happen from now to March. ... I'm very very happy that Holly Warlick is our [women's basketball] coach."

Reporter: "The Battle of Bristol is basically sold out. Why so important to push this opportunity?"

Hart: "Some of it was driven by what I said earlier, we need to be in that market place. From a recruiting standpoint, Butch has done a marvelous job of using this: you're going to play in a game that will have the largest audience of any football game ever, at any level. To have that special opportunity to play in that unique environment. ... Except for the one end zone, the sight lines are not that bad at all, I think it will be a very enjoyable environment for our fans. [went on to talk about a couple of students delaying their graduation just so they can make that game]"

Hart: [on coaching vacancies and this year's coaching carousel] "It's hard to pick a new head coach. It's not something you want to do frequently. Unless you're on the inside understanding the impact, in so many arenas, it's a very very difficult, complex process. ... I know the fans throw out all these names, everybody short of Knute Rockne is mentioned, but you have to throw out what's not realistic. And I'm a big believer in 'fit.' A lot of coaches who won't succeed after a reasonable period of time, they just weren't good fits, not necessarily bad coaches. We have a good fit here, in Butch. "
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Cool story from Barnes about playing freshmen versus entitled seniors. He said in Madison Square Garden against Duke, his future NBA players didn't run his offense and they were getting beat by 20. He sat them and played 3 freshman, who wound up "being the backbone of the final 4 team". One player's father said after the game, "I didn't know he could play that well". Barnes responded, "neither did I".
 
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#2
#2
Kind of seems strange that the new man on campus, Barnes, will be starting off the press conference...
 
#4
#4
A series of events requiring feats of strength and cunning will be held to see which coach gets the $1M prize. It will be known as the Hartger Games. Attendance is mandatory.
 
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#5
#5
Chilmonty said:
Seems Weird? Hope nothing bad has happened!?!?! :eek:




.
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I can't think of any bad news where all 3 would be speaking. If it was really bad, Hart would be up there alone.

If I had to guess, I bet it's more of a cheerleading effort today than anything. I remember hearing recently about the athletes' academic achievement in the previous semester.
 
#6
#6
Barnes will announce that he has hired Bruce Pearl as the new equipment manager. Hart is announcing that he will be retiring so that Jon Gruden can take over as AD. Butch is their to announce that he will be stepping down to QB coach and handing HC duties to Peyton Manning.
 
#7
#7
It's interesting to note that when Butch spoke at the Knoxville QB Club on Monday, he introduced that Dave Hart was in attendance....crickets......Then Butch mentioned "let's give him a round of applause" and the response was less than enthusiastic to say the least.

For the record, Butch got a standing O when he arrived.
 
#8
#8
Backwards K said:
It's interesting to note that when Butch spoke at the Knoxville QB Club on Monday, he introduced that Dave Hart was in attendance....crickets......Then Butch mentioned "let's give him a round of applause" and the response was less than enthusiastic to say the least.

For the record, Butch got a standing O when he arrived.
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Dave Hart hired Butch - seems to be working out fine. Other than kinda looking like Skeletor, what is everyone's deal with him?
 
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#11
#11
goldvol said:
University of Tennessee Official Athletic Site - Video

I know there's been some speculation, but anything concrete as to the purpose? I guess Butch is getting a raise? If so, why will Coach Barnes be there, too?

According to the website, it will have 3 parts, with Barnes starting the press conference, then Hart, and lastly Butch Jones.

I will try to update this as I can with the purpose.
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Probably not, but Hart could be retiring.
 
#16
#16
you would think that Hart would either start or finish the presser. If anything, you'd think that Butch would start, to wrap up the football season, then Hart could segue into Barnes/basketball season.
 
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#19
#19
Very interesting sound bite from Coach Barnes just now: "When you're building up a program, you can't be afraid to lose." == Be willing to take risks. He has probably been reminded of that truism these past few months watching the football team's season play out. Hoping Butch has been reminded of it as well. :good!:
 
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#24
#24
basically a "non-agenda opportunity" to ask questions

edit what he said ^^^
 
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