You know what really hurts us? People like YOU. All the people who say UT isn't a top 10 job are Florida and Bama fans.
I wouldn't count on that.
Florida has only recently become a relevant program and before that they were rampant cheaters in the 80's.
You forgot the 70s.
If Spurrier had never come around, Florida would have been a footnote. And as for Bama, well we rocked them annually until Saban came around.
Ahem, not in
my day. Does the name Bill Battle ring a bell?
We are UT. The first team to ever win a BCS title, the team that produced the greatest QB ever. We've been to 5 of the last 12 SEC titles, more than any other team in that span. It's only people like you who call us mediocre. Tennessee is a title contender and will get a coach to take us there.
As an "outsider", my take is slightly different.
First off, that last bozo you had for coach was a selfish, arrogant brat who could care less about Tennessee and its traditions. A bad fit from the start. He only cared about himself, and thought Daddy would save his butt by coming up with a defense that could beat 'Bama and UF. Came close, but that wasn't going to get him to the top of dung mountain, where a turd like him resides. When Mommy (USCum) called, he ran like the baby he is.
I don't know where y'all turn for a coach this time. Whoever it is, it has to be someone who respects Tennessee, its traditions, and understands SEC football. (Damn sure wasn't lame kitten.)
I don't think UT is a hard sell to the right coach, but the timing couldn't be worse. You have rumors of recruits fleeing like rats on a sinking ship. Visits scheduled right around the bend. No, couldn't be a worse time to try to sign a new coach. I don't think any other university would have much better luck, under those circumstances.
Yes, the landscape of CFB has changed since
my day. Scholarship limitations has made it easier for
nobodies like TCU to think that they can compete for the BCSNC. TCU! C'mon, you are going to convince me that UT is less relevant than TCU? No way.
Now, maybe to a young kid, going on about Gen. Neyland (or Bear Byrant) and all that won't cut it.(Their daddy might like it, but their daddy ain't gonna be on that field.) But what does TCU have to offer? Less than UT and most of the other SEC schools.
They all offer great facilities, rabid fan base, insane determination to win, but more importantly, a chance to be on national TV every Saturday, and showcase your skills, playing a style of football that translates easier to the NFL.
Has anyone here seen TCU play? Usually one crappy bowl game,
played in Ft. Worthless every year. Yet, look at them now.
I fear that you guys may have to ride out this next year with an interim coach, suck wind if need be, and lay plans to start 2011 with the right coach. Going out and hiring someone, just to have someone on campus by the time recruits come by could lead you down the path to a "lost decade". I lived through one of those..................it wasn't fun.
I know a lot of my Tide brethren are wishing doom and gloom on you. Maybe because "time heals all wounds", and I don't get an earful of SEC hate every time I turn on the TV or radio, I know that a weakened UT does the SEC no good in the long run.
Because, when I do turn on the TV or radio, I hear how weak the SEC is.
Those folk can't 'splain why the SEC has won 4 straight BCSNCG, but that doen't matter to them. We only won because we play in a weak conference.
Nor can they 'splain why their #1 rushing defense allowed
2 backs to each rush for over 100 yards. Could it be that
nobody they play can run the ball? No.............can't be...............ah that SEC..........they ain't that tough.
Well, after 'Bama, UF, LSU, and UT.............you know, the 4 teams that won the BCS, maybe so.
Don't tell that to the 'barn. They hate that!