In 2015 Jon Gruden had this to say about the UT coaching job when it opened after the 2012 season:
I know that the quote isn't anything new for anyone here, we've all read and heard it, but I have to wonder if now is the right time.
I believe it's now or never to get Gruden.
My top three candidates?
1. Gruden
2. Jon Gruden
3. Jon David Gruden
Too many rules, man. I mean I like to work. I dont like to be working 15 hours a week with players. The recruiting, Facebook, texting, e-mails all that stuff. Yeah, Id probably have you in real deep, deep trouble if I was your college coach.
To everyone who doesn't want Chip Kelly. This is for you, the "Want to be right" guy.
If you don't think Chip Kelly is a winner, you're wrong and here's proof | THE HERD - YouTube
I've been saying its Chip Kelly then everyone else.
If this program is serious about winning they'll do everything in their power to get Chip Kelly here.
Chip Kelly makes us contenders day 1 he's on the job.
Just curious. Do you think Fuente or Brohm are pipe dreams? Both are very good coaches. Both are great with the X's and O's and appear to be pretty good with the players too.Brent Venables
Scott Frost
Tee Martin
Maybe Chip Kelly. Not totally sold on him succeeding in Knoxville, but maybe.
Most of the other names people are saying are unrealistic pipe dreams. Gruden has been out of coaching for almost 10 years. He's never coming back.
Petrino would take the job in a heartbeat, but I don't want him.
I'll see your Brohm and raise you a Chip Kelly.
2009: 10-3, Rose Bowl, finished season #11
2010: 12-1, NC game, coach of the year, finished #3
2011: 12-2, Rose Bowl, finished #4
2012: 12-1, Fiesta Bowl, coach of the year, finished #2
Just curious. Do you think Fuente or Brohm are pipe dreams? Both are very good coaches. Both are great with the X's and O's and appear to be pretty good with the players too.
Both have favorable buyouts at their current school and a salary package lower than JOnes'.
He wins. You'd have to put a 24 hour chaperone on him... but he'd win.