The former McCallie School quarterback star sure sounds excited about his future with the Volunteers, though.
Im excited for the future, Coleman said after Wedesday nights practice. I think weve got a great group of guys here. The talent is extreme. I think theyre good guys to work with, and a lot of it is youth, and a lot of it will get developed come spring.
And yes, I am excited to see who comes in (to coach).
Coleman said hes tried taking the optimistic route despite Mondays news that Phillip Fulmer will not return as the teams head coach.
This is Tennessee, Coleman said. This jobs probably a hot commodity right now, and a lot of people are probably applying for it.
But like I said, it doesnt matter who comes in, because this is a special place.
Coleman, a redshirt freshman, has been widely regarded as a leader of the teams young players since enrolling at UT last summer. Sophomore safety Eric Berry is an All-America candidate and officially a team captain, but he said Coleman has a similar leadership role.
When the new (coach) comes in, hes going to be an excellent, excellent role model and force for us, Coleman said. Hes going to show a lot of leadership, Im sure. Tennessee is a special place. Theyre not going to just go out and get anybody.
But the main thing is that no matter who comes in, we continue to work. You dont want to lose that edge.