Dear Vols fans,
We need to move with a sense of urgency toward fixing the football program at The University of Tennessee. I understand your frustration because I'm competitive to a fault. I understand the high expectations of our fans here in Tuska...ur...Tennessee. We all want to win and we want to win now.
When I arrived at Tennessee, I sat down with Derek and evaluated Tennessee football. We discussed how important stability is for a football team and recruiting. Then, and for a variety of reasons, we parted ways with seven coaches.
Even though we ranked 28th in the nation in total defense in 2011, Derek and I came to the conclusion that a switch to a 3-4 defense was necessary. Derek felt that we needed more big plays, more takeaways, more sacks, take some chances. For my part, hey if it's good enough for Nick Saban it's good enough for Tennessee. Stability is important, but not that important and I think the results speak for themselves.
Moving forward I ask for your patience. It is with a sense of urgency that I make the following statement, I will, as your Athletic Director, evaluate coach Dooley and his assistants at the end of the year and make decisions based on those evaluations.
I assure you that right behind getting rid of The Lady Vols Logo, the most pressing issue is getting the football program healthy, it is my #2 priority.
GBO!
Dave Hart
University of Tennessee Athletic Director