Chris Low: Update on coaching search

#54
#54
Chris Low has always been the best source for information on the program. He was the one that broke the announcement of Phil stepping down.

This only confirms what I have been suspecting. This coaching search has been very very quiet compared to most searches. This leads me to believe that we had Kiffin lined up from the beginning if we wanted him.

Now is just time for Hammy to decide between Kiffin and Kelly. Hopefully he makes the right choice. (Cough...Cough..Kiffin:crossfingers:
 
#55
#55
Hammy has to pick Kiffin over Kelly.

Kelly is not big on recruiting and would not be able to start until Jan, after the dead period. Who would be on Kelly's staff? A bunch of Cinn guys and leftover UT coaches.

Kiffin could start recruiting next week and prevent the lose of any more recruits. By the time Kelly could start, Kiffin would be finalizing his class. Kiffin's staff would blow Kelly's staff to hell. Its a no-brainer to me, but what do I know.

Anybody know when the Under-Armour game is? Giles and others plan on announcing then.
 
#56
#56
Hammy has to pick Kiffin over Kelly.

Kelly is not big on recruiting and would not be able to start until Jan, after the dead period. Who would be on Kelly's staff? A bunch of Cinn guys and leftover UT coaches.

Kiffin could start recruiting next week and prevent the lose of any more recruits. By the time Kelly could start, Kiffin would be finalizing his class. Kiffin's staff would blow Kelly's staff to hell. Its a no-brainer to me, but what do I know.

Anybody know when the Under-Armour game is? Giles and others plan on announcing then.
i think it's in january. not for sure though
 
#57
#57
i really don't know much about kiffin. I'm not excited about someone who got fired from his last job to be honest.
 
#58
#58
Why this thing has been so secretive:
1. Respect for Phil Fulmer
2. We tried/are still trying unsuccessfully to get Butch Davis

Why we will get Kiffin:
1. Butchy isn't interested.
2. Kelly is not a big splash that the fan base would be happy with. Hell, none of our fans without electricity know who this guy is.
3. If Kelly were hired and turned out to be a bust, then MH would be up shat creek without a paddle.. MH won't hire anything short of a safe hire.

When it will happen:
1. After Phil Fulmer day 11/29.
2. As early as possible to give him time to heal the recruiting wounds, and recruit some himself.
3. Monday 12/1 Press Conference!!!!

So there you go: Enjoy Thanksgiving knowing that in less than a week Lane Kiffin will be announced our new coach!

If we don't hear something 12/1, then expect the unexpected (Butchy or Chucky pulls a Saban), but I think this is highly unlikely and Lane is our boy!
 
#60
#60
Why this thing has been so secretive:
1. Respect for Phil Fulmer
2. We tried/are still trying unsuccessfully to get Butch Davis
Wrong. Most of the coaches we are speaking with are currently under contract. The secrecy is for their privacy. Many of these guys would be unwilling to speak with us at this point if it were a public matter.


Why we will get Kiffin:
1. Butchy isn't interested.
2. Kelly is not a big splash that the fan base would be happy with. Hell, none of our fans without electricity know who this guy is.
3. If Kelly were hired and turned out to be a bust, then MH would be up shat creek without a paddle.. MH won't hire anything short of a safe hire.
Agree with that completely.
When it will happen:
1. After Phil Fulmer day 11/29.
2. As early as possible to give him time to heal the recruiting wounds, and recruit some himself.
3. Monday 12/1 Press Conference!!!!

So there you go: Enjoy Thanksgiving knowing that in less than a week Lane Kiffin will be announced our new coach!

If we don't hear something 12/1, then expect the unexpected (Butchy or Chucky pulls a Saban), but I think this is highly unlikely and Lane is our boy!
This is how rumors such as "Kiffen the Next UT Head Coach - CONFIRMED" get started.

It's either going to be Kelly or Kiffin. They have had plenty of time to speak with everyone else on the list and they are either not interested, or we aren't. After hearing Low speak today, I think it will likely be Kiffin, but I wouldn't count Kelly out at this point. Hamilton likely hasn't had the chance to speak with him at length and will not until after the bowl selection.
 
#61
#61
Wrong. Most of the coaches we are speaking with are currently under contract. The secrecy is for their privacy. Many of these guys would be unwilling to speak with us at this point if it were a public matter.


Agree with that completely.

This is how rumors such as "Kiffen the Next UT Head Coach - CONFIRMED" get started.

It's either going to be Kelly or Kiffin. They have had plenty of time to speak with everyone else on the list and they are either not interested, or we aren't. After hearing Low speak today, I think it will likely be Kiffin, but I wouldn't count Kelly out at this point. Hamilton likely hasn't had the chance to speak with him at length and will not until after the bowl selection.

I forgot the contract part and should add that to the first list of why its been secretive.

If you completely agree with my second list of Why We Get Kiffin, then you shouldn't think Kelly has a chance.

Also, why would MH wait an extra week (or longer) just for the chance to talk more with Kelly when Kiffin is the safe bet, and who could go ahead and mend recruiting?

Can't see MH hiring Kelly in a year where Kiffin and his potential dream team staff is available. You can give me the Bruce Pearl argument, but UT is a football school and the AD can't pull that move with the football program... too risky.
 
#64
#64
Hammy has to pick Kiffin over Kelly.

Kelly is not big on recruiting and would not be able to start until Jan, after the dead period. Who would be on Kelly's staff? A bunch of Cinn guys and leftover UT coaches.

Kiffin could start recruiting next week and prevent the lose of any more recruits. By the time Kelly could start, Kiffin would be finalizing his class. Kiffin's staff would blow Kelly's staff to hell. Its a no-brainer to me, but what do I know.

Anybody know when the Under-Armour game is? Giles and others plan on announcing then.

Boy, you sure do know alot for someone who doesn't know jack S*#T.
 
#65
#65
So for Kiffin to like his chances that means he is interested? I have heard no reliable source say he has expressed interest.
 
#66
#66
So for Kiffin to like his chances that means he is interested? I have heard no reliable source say he has expressed interest.

He expressed interest before we fired Fulmer. That is from my source though and it has been completely accurate so far.
 
#68
#68
He expressed interest before we fired Fulmer. That is from my source though and it has been completely accurate so far.

Well I am glad to hear that, I want a coach that really wants to coach here real badly. I want a coach that is excited about Tennessee football!!
 
#69
#69
I forgot the contract part and should add that to the first list of why its been secretive.

If you completely agree with my second list of Why We Get Kiffin, then you shouldn't think Kelly has a chance.

Also, why would MH wait an extra week (or longer) just for the chance to talk more with Kelly when Kiffin is the safe bet, and who could go ahead and mend recruiting?

Can't see MH hiring Kelly in a year where Kiffin and his potential dream team staff is available. You can give me the Bruce Pearl argument, but UT is a football school and the AD can't pull that move with the football program... too risky.
For some reason I only read option 3. That was what I was in complete agreement with.

And MH wouldn't wait. If Kiffin is the guy, then it will be announced on the 1st like you said.

I have to say at this point I like both equally. What brings Kiffin up to Kelly in my eyes is that Kiffin is a proven recruiter and will bring in an awesome staff.
 
#70
#70
I'm starting to get on the Kiffin bandwagon. It's a gamble, but heck, it would be gamble if it were Gruden or Cowher as well. He had great players when he was OC at USC, but they were very explosive. I think in 2005 they scored over 50 in 7 of their 13 games. Their lowest scoring game that season was 34 points. Pretty impressive no matter how you slice it. :good!:
 
#71
#71
I think it is going to come down to Davis or Kiffin.

Davis is the number one target. He has said the right things publicly as far as maintaining the peace for himself at UNC, but from what I have heard he is ready and willing to come if they can work out the money issue. I think he has a number in his mind that Hammy hasn't been willing to come close to yet, and if we don't get him that is the reason. I'm thinking that Hammy is offering him CPF money, but Davis is thinking 'I get paid as much here, where expectations and pressure are lower; I need more to go coach in the SEC'.

Kiffin is number two target. He is looking far more attractive to Hammy because of the staff that he could/would bring in with him. As far as salary goes, I would expect him to start slightly less than CPF, but definitely no more than. He is unemployeed right now so he doesn't have much bargaining power as far as salary. Plus we are the most attractive of job openings at the moment.

With that being said, if an announcement is made around Dec. 1, expect it to be Kiffin. The longer it drags on, the better chances it will be Davis.
 
#73
#73
I'll summarize for those who missed it.

He said there are more rumors going around than actual factual information.

Hamilton's done a great job of keeping everything under wraps.

Ultimately it's going to come down to Kiffin or Kelly.

Kiffin has said he really likes his chances from conversations and has spoken with Ed Ogeron about joining the staff. Not sure what role he would be playing as of yet.

Hamilton is on the road talking to people. Just interviewed Tim Brewster, but he's likely not at the top of their wish list.

About Kiffin's staff: Tim Davis was rumored to be joining before going to Minnesota to coach the Offensive line.

Likely to put together a staff of a lot of guys with ties to the SEC.

Thinks the decision will definitely be coming before the 8th of December.


He must be a member of the volnation..We could have told him all of that stuff last night..... :)
 
Last edited:
#74
#74
I have to say at this point I like both equally. What brings Kiffin up to Kelly in my eyes is that Kiffin is a proven recruiter and will bring in an awesome staff.
good point. I think that's one thing that some folks aren't thinking about when they start bashing hiring kiffin over kelly, leach, etc. I like some of the other coaches that are in the running such as kelly, but MH can't just hire a good coach, he has to hire a great recruiter as well. Not a good recruiter but a GREAT RECRUITER. As it looks right now, kiff is the only candidate that seems capable of putting together the kind of staff that would be great at recruiting.
 
Advertisement



Back
Top