Dear Dooley,
I know this is a little awkward for us both. Let's be honest, men don't write men letters. It's weird. Since there's no denying that, here is my weird letter.
You took this job when no one else wanted it, and have represented the University with class. Your witty comments and orange pants are always entertaining, and it is apparent that you despise the ignorance of the local media as much as we do. The off the field image of Tennessee has improved with your introduction of the VFL program and the decrease of embarrassing arrests.
Although the deck was stacked against you with a depleted roster made up of players from two previous coaching staff, you have done a solid job in recruiting, bringing high character recruits and pretty solid talent considering the fact that we have not done much winning lately.
Wins have not come as frequently as we all have hoped. Although, rational minds understand that it has not been exactly an equal playing field, with last year's inexcusable Kentucky debacle a prime example, and I would argue we out-talented Mississippi State this past week. Anyways, you have received a pass from much of the fan base for having to play the meat of the schedule without top talent, or with top talent on crutches and in casts. That brings me to my point...
This year we began to have hope. The roster was maturing into more upperclassmen and we chose to believe that every staff position was upgraded. The hype machine began to run out of control leading up to Florida, and that's not your fault, but the subsequent loss really left a mark on this fragile and fickle fan base. Now, although we do not have quite the talent of the top 5 teams in the SEC, we can see that we are getting closer, and this is encouraging. What is painful, is to watch consistent mistakes, that seem to be correctable, and not understand why this team is not performing up to what seems to be it's high potential.
The Mississippi State game was a perfect example of that. Comical mistakes, and a team that disappeared for long periods of time were both mysterious and disturbing. While some will use the "never beaten a ranked opponent" card on you, some of us realize that this was really the first year you have had a fighting chance. Every opportunity must be seized and capitalized on. To this point, the team has not done that, outside of a valiant effort at Georgia. There are 6 games left in this regular season. Whether it is right or wrong, we as fans have penciled the final four games in as victories... we expect to be able to do that as Tennessee fans. The proof of where this program is heading is found in the next two weeks against Alabama and South Carolina. We need hope. We need you to show that you have what it takes to win in this league. I'm not even saying that there has to be a victory in there, but give us something to believe in, because so far, this season has been flash in the pan and then gone.
I am in your corner, but want what's best for this team. Please prove that it is you and your coaching staff.
Sincerely,
no-homo deranged fan