The University of Tennessee
Department of Athletics
Knoxville, Tennessee
05NOV12
Ref: Open Letter to Fans
Dear Big Orange Football Fans,
With this letter I apologize to you regarding my silence thus far concerning the position of Head Coach at the university of Tennessee. I wish also to apologize to Coach Derek Dooley for not making any supportive statements after the loses experienced against our fellow SEC teams.
Now, I am making it official, for the benefit of Coach Dooley and our fan base, that I have decided to ask for Coach Dooley's resignation, to be effective at the end of the regular season. I am also asking for the resignation of each assistant coach, but leave it up to our new coach, whoever that might be, to accept or reject those letters.
I have been in discussion with a number of Division 1-A NCAA coaches and coordinators, and some NFL offensive and defensive coordinators regarding the head coaching position here at the University of Tennessee. Upon the acceptance of Coach Dooley's resignation I have begun serious negotiations with the top man on our short list. Due to circumstances, I cannot disclose any names at this time, but we have one former NFL coach and four NCAA coaches on that list.
Please bear with us and be patient as we undergo this time of transition. I am not an alumni of the University, but I am being paid to oversee the athletic department, and fully intend to seek out the best coach we can hire in each coaching position - be it a head coach or an assistant. I plan to make an announcement no later than November 27, 2012 regarding the new head coach of the University of Tennessee football team, who will begin duties the day after our last regular season football game.
At this time, I would like to say "Thank you," to Mr. Haslam, Mr. Peterson, and all the other donors who have made the buyout of Coach Dooley and his assistant coaches possible, along with the first year's salaries of the new football coaching staff. Without their kind assistance, and generosity, none of this could happen.
In closing, let me say that I join with all the Volunteer football family in wishing Coach Dooley, and his family, our best wishes as he seeks his next employment opportunity.
Sincerely,
Dave hart, Director
University of Tennessee Athletics Department