Good golly, how weak minded are some of you people. Did any of yall even read TB's blog before you commented or criticized? He didn't flip flop at all.
The Tony Basilio Show TB is reporting what he believes to be the case. You don't agree? Great, don't listen. Don't support his advertisers. But to say he doesn't have accountability is ridiculous.
Stop for a minute and imagine what is going on behind the scenes. What are the discussions with the Haslams and other major boosters? We don't know. A few things slip out. They are trying to weigh the cost of keeping Dooley verses firing him. If you don't believe that, then you are crazy. Those discussions have happened. I promise you it will be more tight lipped than in the past, because all kinds of stuff was leaking out when Hammy was over there. I'll give you a personal example. I know someone who has worked in a prominent position under the last three coaches (PF, LK, DD) Under the previous two, all kinds of stuff was being stirred around. This time, nothing. Don't expect the same under this admin. Also, don't expect a knee jerk reaction. I expect this to be more deliberate. But I agree with Basilio, Cheek is not a pro UT football guy. He cringes at the idea of a $4+ million dollar coach over there.
The real deal is this. With the VASF, all giving will be affected. I assure you there are many who are prepared to put the pressure on. Scenarios.
The easiest is that Dooley loses one or more of these last four games. Gone. The harder decision is if he wins out. What if the D is still giving up over 35 points a game to weak competition. What if it's sloppy? I don't think he is able to rally support. What if there are only 50k at Neyland.
Last is if Dooley can hold the team together, rally the troops and win out. But not just win, but win in a manner that shows that UT is progressing, maturing and that the D is figuring it out. That means convincing wins against the sisters of the poor schedule that remains. But that still doesn't mean he is 100% secure. The people in power have to ask if Dooley is an asset or liability. If you bring him back, I think we can see the apathy approaching next year.
A big issue here is the unknown of who you can get. Are the UT power players united in spending $4 mil or more to get a proven, name coach. (Obviously Basilio says, no.) How do you feel those things out without undermining the current staff. The whole Kiffin thing left everyone gun shy. Haslam gave Hammy the green light on the firing and hiring. Obviously things could not have gone worse.