I say yes if decent offer. Here's why:
1) 2017 will likely be a step back. Other than a rs freshman QB and Jennings, no superstars.(so far none in current recruiting class)
2) SEC too competitive. Would be a better fit in ACC with only two really powerful teams.
3) No AD at UT.
4) Expectations too high and not appreciated at UT if you believe the rumors.
5) Burning red shirts like Calloway's doesn't look like someone planning for 4 more years.
1. From our current two-deep on offense, we lose Dobbs, most like Kamara, Weisman, and Croom. On defense, we lose Vereen, Lewis, most likely Barnett, possibly Kongbo, Sutton, and Foreman. On Special Teams, we lose no one. We should also get back several injured players.
2. No comment on this one
3. Not an issue.
4. Not appreciated by Volnation, all fans, administration, or someone else? He is not appreciated by many on Volnation and some other fans who expect to win every game, but many do appreciate what he has done so far. Look at where this program was when CBJ took over. In four of the previous five seasons, TN finished with a losing record. They had not finished with double digit wins since 2007. Financially, the athletic department was a mess. We are now ending three straight winning seasons having increased the win total each year. We have a chance to finish with 10 wins. We will go to a 3rd consecutive bowl game and may be in the SECG. In 2011-2012, the UT athletic department had a deficit of $3.98 million and finished the 2014-2015 year with a surplus of $13.1 million.
5. Burning Callaway's red shirt was out of necessity based upon injuries. Who else do you not think should be playing based upon having 16+ injuries to players in the two deep chart? He did not burn JG's red shirt, which was important.
I have been a critic of CBJ too, but we have to recognize the improvement that this team has made in his almost four years here. The depth chart is significantly improved, the W-L record has improved, we beat FL for the first time in too long, the financial situation has improved, the amount of attention from media sources has improved with having game day and other coverage, etc. TN is back in the discussion nationally of relevant programs. Give the guy a few more years and see what happens. If after 2017 we are not more improved, then he will definitely be on the hot seat. If he chooses to leave after this season and cites fan support and the administration as reasons, we would be screwed. Other coaches would be worried coming here where the coach is not appreciated after the changes that have taken place less than four years. Staff changes will be coming this off-season and our program will continue to get better.