Doug Matthews Roasting the AD hiring process

[KBVol]

So she discussed it openly with them? Or did they "hear" it from someone who said they heard her say it? Common knowledge is kind of convoluted in this case.

Tweet from Jimmy Hyams, March 2....

"UT chan. Beverly Davenport said she never wavered on wanting a 'sitting AD for Power 5 Conference.' And someone with vision b/c complex job"

From Hyams March 1 article on gridironnow.com:

* Davenport didn’t want Fulmer because he didn’t have AD experience; she wanted someone with experience from a Power Five Conference.

 

[VolunteerHillbilly]

The sitting P5 stuff is backfill. Typical to come up with some story that can be easily disproven when all they had to say is they hired who they think was the best option.

 

[KBVol]

The sitting P5 stuff is backfill. Typical to come up with some story that can be easily disproven when all they had to say is they hired who they think was the best option.

It was stated early and often by media who were reporting on what they had heard from Davenport between the time she was officially named Chancellor in December and when she officially began in the position in mid February. It was BS imo and a way to "eliminate" both Fulmer and Blackburn despite knowledge that Blackburn and Fulmer were the two overwhelming choices to be the new AD by the fan base. And as we now know in hindsight, neither ever had a chance to get the job, even if they had both been sitting power 5 ADs.

 

[butchna]

Tweet from Jimmy Hyams, March 2....

"UT chan. Beverly Davenport said she never wavered on wanting a 'sitting AD for Power 5 Conference.' And someone with vision b/c complex job"

From Hyams March 1 article on gridironnow.com:

* Davenport didn’t want Fulmer because he didn’t have AD experience; she wanted someone with experience from a Power Five Conference.

Yes KB, I understand that they tweet and share this belief. What isn't clear is was this stated by her TO THEM, or did they get it second or thirdhand? If the latter, I regard it as possible unconfirmed gossip.

 

[VolunteerHillbilly]

It was stated early and often by media who were reporting on what they had heard from Davenport between the time she was officially named Chancellor in December and when she officially began in the position in mid February. It was BS imo and a way to "eliminate" both Fulmer and Blackburn despite knowledge that Blackburn and Fulmer were the two overwhelming choices to be the new AD by the fan base. And as we now know in hindsight, neither ever had a chance to get the job, even if they had both been sitting power 5 ADs.

Actually, I remember a lot of talk about the Cinci AD (not a Power 5) possibly being her choice. I understand the urge to justify the hire on the part of some. I was paying attention and I don't recall sitting P5 AD ever being a prerequisite until after the decision was announced. However much sense it made from an HR perspective, this hire has not done anything to heal or unite the fanbase so now they have to count on Butch to overachieve because it's probably going to take an SECCG appearance and a NYD bowl to get the Fulmer/Blackburn diehards back on the bandwagon.

 

[KBVol]

Actually, I remember a lot of talk about the Cinci AD (not a Power 5) possibly being her choice. I understand the urge to justify the hire on the part of some. I was paying attention and I don't recall sitting P5 AD ever being a prerequisite until after the decision was announced. However much sense it made from an HR perspective, this hire has not done anything to heal or unite the fanbase so now they have to count on Butch to overachieve because it's probably going to take an SECCG appearance and a NYD bowl to get the Fulmer/Blackburn diehards back on the bandwagon.

Doug Mathews mentioned it every Sunday on his show leading up to the hire, wondered how it was gonna play out since she made her intentions known and both Fulmer and Blackburn were supposedly being given consideration. Heard Hyams, Swain and others say it over and over again during that time period as well.

As far as other candidates, the AD at North Carolina was gonna be the guy, they thought they had him hired, until he pulled his name out of the running the last weekend of February.

All that said, I'm firmly convinced that had both Fulmer and Blackburn both been sitting P5 ADs, that the "qualifications" listed by Davenport would've been different or none other than "the best candidate" would've been given at all. Either way, neither Blackburn nor Fulmer ever had a chance to be hired as AD despite being left to dangle in the wind and have awful rumors started about them (e.g., Blackburn "drinking problem"). That's why I've said the process was a disgrace.

 

[Iam4utalways]

Actually, I remember a lot of talk about the Cinci AD (not a Power 5) possibly being her choice. I understand the urge to justify the hire on the part of some. I was paying attention and I don't recall sitting P5 AD ever being a prerequisite until after the decision was announced. However much sense it made from an HR perspective, this hire has not done anything to heal or unite the fanbase so now they have to count on Butch to overachieve because it's probably going to take an SECCG appearance and a NYD bowl to get the Fulmer/Blackburn diehards back on the bandwagon.

I wonder if there are many Vol fans that have opinions on the HC, the AD, and the Chancelor, but don't let it impact the money the donate or the money they spend on gear and going to games.

I feel I've sent my fair share of valuables to UT and I like CBJ and I want him to do well even if just out of principle.

As for me so much of my opinion is based off the scoreboard, after the game is over( Ga, LSU, and NC).

CBJ said we were "fine", until we make it to a playoff, either SEC or NCAA, being "fine" is worthy of discussion.

When 2017 is said and done, I think we will all think we are "fine".

Release the Beast!

 

[KBVol]

Yes KB, I understand that they tweet and share this belief. What isn't clear is was this stated by her TO THEM, or did they get it second or thirdhand? If the latter, I regard it as possible unconfirmed gossip.

17th sentence, at the ceremony introducing Currie as the AD, Davenport's Opening statement about who she wanted to hire.....

"And from the beginning, people asked me what I was looking for. And those of you that have heard me, know that I have stood fast about that. I continued to say, I wanted a sitting AD at a Power Five school."

Rocky Top Welcomes New AD John Currie - University of Tennessee Official Athletic Site

 

[butchna]

Doug Mathews mentioned it every Sunday on his show leading up to the hire, wondered how it was gonna play out since she made her intentions known and both Fulmer and Blackburn were supposedly being given consideration. Heard Hyams, Swain and others say it over and over again during that time period as well.

As far as other candidates, the AD at North Carolina was gonna be the guy, they thought they had him hired, until he pulled his name out of the running the last weekend of February.

All that said, I'm firmly convinced that had both Fulmer and Blackburn both been sitting P5 ADs, that the "qualifications" listed by Davenport would've been different or none other than "the best candidate" would've been given at all. Either way, neither Blackburn nor Fulmer ever had a chance to be hired as AD despite being left to dangle in the wind and have awful rumors started about them (e.g., Blackburn "drinking problem"). That's why I've said the process was a disgrace.

Who started the rumors? Or are the rumors...rumors?

 

[KBVol]

Who started the rumors? Or are the rumors...rumors?

Wow. Come on now Butch. Several people close to Blackburn (for one Erik Ainge), have said the "Blackburn may have a drinking problem" was hogwash. Bottom line is, there were two Tennessee guys in the discussion for the job, at least publicly, who the fan base wanted to be AD....and they were the ones left hanging in the wind and dealt with dishonestly.

 

[VolunteerHillbilly]

I wonder if there are many Vol fans that have opinions on the HC, the AD, and the Chancelor, but don't let it impact the money the donate or the money they spend on gear and going to games.

I feel I've sent my fair share of valuables to UT and I like CBJ and I want him to do well even if just out of principle.

As for me so much of my opinion is based off the scoreboard, after the game is over( Ga, LSU, and NC).

CBJ said we were "fine", until we make it to a playoff, either SEC or NCAA, being "fine" is worthy of discussion.

When 2017 is said and done, I think we will all think we are "fine".

Release the Beast!

I think most people don't let their opinions affect renewals. It affects a slightly larger ring for donations above what is required to renew. And it affects an even larger ring for who actually shows up and uses their tickets, although many of those will wind up being gifted or put on stub hub.

As for Jones, he has basically gotten us back to the point we were at when people started to really talk about firing Fulmer. I'm not sure that characterizing that as "fine" should even be open for discussion.

 

[KBVol]

I think most people don't let their opinions affect renewals. It affects a slightly larger ring for donations above what is required to renew. And it affects an even larger ring for who actually shows up and uses their tickets, although many of those will wind up being gifted or put on stub hub.

As for Jones, he has basically gotten us back to the point we were at when people started to really talk about firing Fulmer. I'm not sure that characterizing that as "fine" should even be open for discussion.

If you hear rumblings coming from the AD about "that flattop bastard", you'll know Butch is in trouble.

 

[butchna]

Wow. Come on now Butch. Several people close to Blackburn (for one Erik Ainge), have said the "Blackburn may have a drinking problem" was hogwash. Bottom line is, there were two Tennessee guys in the discussion for the job, at least publicly, who the fan base wanted to be AD....and they were the ones left hanging in the wind and dealt with dishonestly.

I'm not lending credence to the alleged smear...just questioning the validity of the rumor itself. More of the "someone floated such and such was an alcoholic" that we didn't hear wind of until AFTER the hire. Sounds like more of the after-action finger pointing attempting to demonize the selection of other than our favorite candidate. I also don't buy the DAMAGE done to either Fulmer or Blackburn. At the beginning Blackburn was the AD at UTC and a serious candidate for more prestigious openings. Today he's the AD at UTC and a serious candidate for more prestigious openings. Fulmer was a top want for fundraising gigs and still is. Outside our little kingdom, they were two candidates for an AD position and someone else was hired. We seem to need there be be a villain and a crime. I don't see it.

 

[butchna]

If you hear rumblings coming from the AD about "that flattop bastard", you'll know Butch is in trouble.

We wouldn't hear the rumblings until afterwards. That's when the insiders would report them.

 

[butchna]

I think most people don't let their opinions affect renewals. It affects a slightly larger ring for donations above what is required to renew. And it affects an even larger ring for who actually shows up and uses their tickets, although many of those will wind up being gifted or put on stub hub.

As for Jones, he has basically gotten us back to the point we were at when people started to really talk about firing Fulmer. I'm not sure that characterizing that as "fine" should even be open for discussion.

We're "back" to 5-7? The FIRST time Fulmer posted a 5-6 was when the "talk" started...not after consecutive 9 win seasons. A 9 and 10 win season got him an extension.

 

[KBVol]

I'm not lending credence to the alleged smear...just questioning the validity of the rumor itself. More of the "someone floated such and such was an alcoholic" that we didn't hear wind of until AFTER the hire. Sounds like more of the after-action finger pointing attempting to demonize the selection of other than our favorite candidate. I also don't buy the DAMAGE done to either Fulmer or Blackburn. At the beginning Blackburn was the AD at UTC and a serious candidate for more prestigious openings. Today he's the AD at UTC and a serious candidate for more prestigious openings. Fulmer was a top want for fundraising gigs and still is. Outside our little kingdom, they were two candidates for an AD position and someone else was hired. We seem to need there be be a villain and a crime. I don't see it.

The rumor about Blackburn was before, not after the hire.

 

[butchna]

The rumor about Blackburn was before, not after the hire.

Never heard of it until afterwards. When was it first rumored?

 

[KBVol]

Never heard of it until afterwards. When was it first rumored?

First heard on Ainge's show, late January/early February iirc.....definitely prior to. I recall it being brought up in Ainge's interview with Blackburn prior to Currie being announced. Between this and knowing of Davenport's proclamation about a sitting power 5 AD, perhaps I've had too much time on my hands following all things UT AD search.

All water under the bridge Butchna my friend. Currie is ours whether we wanted him or not....hopefully we don't hear much from him and things are going well.

 

[butchna]

First heard on Ainge's show, late January/early February iirc.....definitely prior to. I recall it being brought up in Ainge's interview with Blackburn prior to Currie being announced. Between this and knowing of Davenport's proclamation about a sitting power 5 AD, perhaps I've had too much time on my hands following all things UT AD search.

All water under the bridge Butchna my friend. Currie is ours whether we wanted him or not....hopefully we don't hear much from him and things are going well.

Agreed. Gentle disagreement between friends. Fwiw, alcoholics leave a smattering around them that any diligent search can uncover. It was there for Sarkisian and the Redskins GM. The employers KNEW but disregarded it. With the network of Vol fans, any such smattering would've come up from Chattanooga and his previous time here. Total bunk for it to surface at all.

 

[jakez4ut]

So she discussed it openly with them? Or did they "hear" it from someone who said they heard her say it? Common knowledge is kind of convoluted in this case.

Yeah , this is still after the fact. She made it clear from the beginning? Where? When? To who? Just hubs?

 

[Iam4utalways]

I think most people don't let their opinions affect renewals. It affects a slightly larger ring for donations above what is required to renew. And it affects an even larger ring for who actually shows up and uses their tickets, although many of those will wind up being gifted or put on stub hub.

As for Jones, he has basically gotten us back to the point we were at when people started to really talk about firing Fulmer. I'm not sure that characterizing that as "fine" should even be open for discussion.

I'm with you on that. It shouldn't be.

Has anyone considered that by hiring a fund raiser for an AD, that's it's an attempt to get away from the current booster in controllers with the expectation of setting up some other group of big $ boosters that have winning higher on the list than pumping their ego?

 

[JacketVol]

Never heard of it until afterwards. When was it first rumored?

It was before. Not much but he addressed it when interviewing with Ainge

 

[IknoxvolsI]

The Knoxville media is bad, really bad - sometimes I wonder if their goal is to undermine everything that is Tennessee.

John Shumaker agrees!

 

[IknoxvolsI]

I'm with you on that. It shouldn't be.

Has anyone considered that by hiring a fund raiser for an AD, that's it's an attempt to get away from the current booster in controllers with the expectation of setting up some other group of big $ boosters that have winning higher on the list than pumping their ego?

Yeah, look where that (Mike Hamilton) got us!

 

[IknoxvolsI]

Jimmy Haslam is a wonderful representative of Tennessee! He owns the best gas station chain in America and has the Cleveland Browns on the move to greatness! You will see - they will finally land that QB in the draft!
Currie was a wonderful decision. He is an excellent fundraiser and will keep our university squeaky clean! I liked Blackburn and Fulmer very much, but Currie came from a Power 5 conference after serving as an AD. That is all that needs to be known! Look at KSU today - strong! We will soon be as strong as our brothers and sisters in Manhattan! Mark my words, or my name isn't Pumpin That Shine! :good!:

Mrs. Jones?