Interesting Comments From Dave Van Horn and Chris Low

[TheVolunteer002]

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn on Tony Vitello leaving Tennessee:

“With Tony, he just called and said, ‘What do you think? Do you think I’m crazy?’” said Van Horn. “And I had a lot to say. But I said, ‘Bottom line, what do you want to do?’ I don’t think he was super happy with what was going on over there. I think it was more not about the University of Tennessee — it’s a great university. It was more about dealing with agents and dealing with all of that, trying to win, put a team on the field, and the stuff that we deal with. And I just said, ‘Hey, you’re 45 years old,’ or whatever he is (Vitello is 47). ‘If you want to take a shot at pro ball, here’s your shot. If it doesn’t work, you can always come back.’

“And that’s the way he felt. He called me the other day and he said, ‘Hey, by the way, our very first game, we play the Yankees. It’s the only game of the day, and they’re going to put us on Netflix.’ So he said, ‘Everybody will be watching.’ I said, ‘Hey, it’ll be a good memory for you, win or lose.’”

There’s been plenty of speculation that Vitello left Tennessee in part because he didn’t have the best relationship with Vols athletic director Danny White.

“I think for Tennessee fans, they were always hopeful that Tony would stay,” said On3’s Chris Low in October. “But being in the major leagues, that’s quite an opportunity for a college coach to get that type of opportunity and really be a pioneer. And I think over the last couple years, if you’re inside and sort of know what’s going on, this probably wasn’t just a complete surprise to a lot of people — certainly [people] close to the program — that there had not been what I would call the best relationships between Tony and Danny White, the Tennessee AD. And I think when you combine all of it — I don’t think it was just one thing — but when you combine all of it, what happened yesterday, happened.

“I think as people sort of think back through (the Vitello era), it now, and what it was like, there’s a lot of sadness,” continued Low. “I know, Danny White said it was a proud day. I disagree. It was a sad day, because I don’t think this had to happen. I think there was a way for this not to happen, and it happened. I think that’s what people are most upset, sad, and angry [about] — all the different emotions.”

Source: AtoZ Sports

 

[rockytop25]

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn on Tony Vitello leaving Tennessee:

“With Tony, he just called and said, ‘What do you think? Do you think I’m crazy?’” said Van Horn. “And I had a lot to say. But I said, ‘Bottom line, what do you want to do?’ I don’t think he was super happy with what was going on over there. I think it was more not about the University of Tennessee — it’s a great university. It was more about dealing with agents and dealing with all of that, trying to win, put a team on the field, and the stuff that we deal with. And I just said, ‘Hey, you’re 45 years old,’ or whatever he is (Vitello is 47). ‘If you want to take a shot at pro ball, here’s your shot. If it doesn’t work, you can always come back.’

“And that’s the way he felt. He called me the other day and he said, ‘Hey, by the way, our very first game, we play the Yankees. It’s the only game of the day, and they’re going to put us on Netflix.’ So he said, ‘Everybody will be watching.’ I said, ‘Hey, it’ll be a good memory for you, win or lose.’”

There’s been plenty of speculation that Vitello left Tennessee in part because he didn’t have the best relationship with Vols athletic director Danny White.

“I think for Tennessee fans, they were always hopeful that Tony would stay,” said On3’s Chris Low in October. “But being in the major leagues, that’s quite an opportunity for a college coach to get that type of opportunity and really be a pioneer. And I think over the last couple years, if you’re inside and sort of know what’s going on, this probably wasn’t just a complete surprise to a lot of people — certainly [people] close to the program — that there had not been what I would call the best relationships between Tony and Danny White, the Tennessee AD. And I think when you combine all of it — I don’t think it was just one thing — but when you combine all of it, what happened yesterday, happened.

“I think as people sort of think back through (the Vitello era), it now, and what it was like, there’s a lot of sadness,” continued Low. “I know, Danny White said it was a proud day. I disagree. It was a sad day, because I don’t think this had to happen. I think there was a way for this not to happen, and it happened. I think that’s what people are most upset, sad, and angry [about] — all the different emotions.”

Source: AtoZ Sports

Tony was never turning down the Giants even if him and DW were best friends

 

[chuckiepoo]

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn on Tony Vitello leaving Tennessee:

“With Tony, he just called and said, ‘What do you think? Do you think I’m crazy?’” said Van Horn. “And I had a lot to say. But I said, ‘Bottom line, what do you want to do?’ I don’t think he was super happy with what was going on over there. I think it was more not about the University of Tennessee — it’s a great university. It was more about dealing with agents and dealing with all of that, trying to win, put a team on the field, and the stuff that we deal with. And I just said, ‘Hey, you’re 45 years old,’ or whatever he is (Vitello is 47). ‘If you want to take a shot at pro ball, here’s your shot. If it doesn’t work, you can always come back.’

“And that’s the way he felt. He called me the other day and he said, ‘Hey, by the way, our very first game, we play the Yankees. It’s the only game of the day, and they’re going to put us on Netflix.’ So he said, ‘Everybody will be watching.’ I said, ‘Hey, it’ll be a good memory for you, win or lose.’”

There’s been plenty of speculation that Vitello left Tennessee in part because he didn’t have the best relationship with Vols athletic director Danny White.

“I think for Tennessee fans, they were always hopeful that Tony would stay,” said On3’s Chris Low in October. “But being in the major leagues, that’s quite an opportunity for a college coach to get that type of opportunity and really be a pioneer. And I think over the last couple years, if you’re inside and sort of know what’s going on, this probably wasn’t just a complete surprise to a lot of people — certainly [people] close to the program — that there had not been what I would call the best relationships between Tony and Danny White, the Tennessee AD. And I think when you combine all of it — I don’t think it was just one thing — but when you combine all of it, what happened yesterday, happened.

“I think as people sort of think back through (the Vitello era), it now, and what it was like, there’s a lot of sadness,” continued Low. “I know, Danny White said it was a proud day. I disagree. It was a sad day, because I don’t think this had to happen. I think there was a way for this not to happen, and it happened. I think that’s what people are most upset, sad, and angry [about] — all the different emotions.”

Source: AtoZ Sports

A ton of respect for Chris Low. Grateful this came out via a respected journalist with flesh in the game. Unfortunate set of circumstances, but it certainly is now, water under the bridge.

Then again, nothing is ever water under the bridge, here at Volnation…

 

[VolFan_stuck_in_the_901]

Of course Van Horn would want Tony to take the San Fran job.... probably figured it would weaken us.

 

[Orange931]

Of course Van Horn would want Tony to take the San Fran job.... probably figured it would weaken us.

Tony didn’t exactly have a stellar record against Van Horn, but I get what you’re saying as overall weakening. I think Van Horn is gonna be in for quite a surprise when he sees what Elander and crew are about to do though. I’m not expecting much of a drop off at all, of course it’s jmo.

 

[Pawleysvol]

Of course Van Horn would want Tony to take the San Fran job.... probably figured it would weaken us.

Van Horn dominated TV when we played Arkansas.

 

[VolFan_stuck_in_the_901]

Tony didn’t exactly have a stellar record against Van Horn, but I get what you’re saying as overall weakening. I think Van Horn is gonna be in for quite a surprise when he sees what Elander and crew are about to do though. I’m not expecting much of a drop off at all, of course it’s jmo.

DVH was Tony's kryptonite, and a lot of that was psychological (DVH is like a second father to Tony). Elander has no such attachment to DVH.... our talent level is on par with Arkansas, hopefully moving forward our record against them improves. They were the only team in the conference that we really struggled with in the Vitello era

 

[Sasquatch_]

Then again, nothing is ever water under the bridge, here at Volnation…

It is, unfortunately, Basilio and 3-5 very loud posters that will continue to claim DW forced Tony out.

 

[Flamparadiddle]

Here we go again. Folks just looking for a reason to say "we need a change." The university has momentum overall. Enjoy it for crying out loud. Again, anyone want to go back to 2008 - 2021? Sorry things may not seem "up to some of your standards", but we're doing much better than that horrid stretch of 2008-2021. Yes, bad coaching decisions were made, but don't blindly think just any coach wants to come to Tennessee. Furthermore, the elite coaches don't grow on trees. Some of you gloom and doomers yell at the rest of us for our "orange colored glasses." To retort, you all need to remove said glasses thinking that just any top notch coach wants to be here.

 

[Jax_Vol]

Dave Van Horn....let's review his coaching of that final out for the championship.



Ooooh, so close Dave.

 

[cncchris33]

It is, unfortunately, Basilio and 3-5 very loud posters that will continue to claim DW forced Tony out.

I've not heard a single person say that White forced Vitello out. That is sensationalism at its finest.

What has been suggested is that White and Vitello had a frosty relationship (which Chris Low confirmed in the quotes above) and that it was likely a contributing factor in Tony CHOOSING to leave.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Dave Van Horn....let's review his coaching of that final out for the championship.



Ooooh, so close Dave.

An all time monumental fail clip! Rivals the Seattle fail at the goal line, the ‘93 Comeback in Buffalo and the Patriots 28-3 SB comeback agin the Falcons.

 

[VolFan_stuck_in_the_901]

I've not heard a single person say that White forced Vitello out. That is sensationalism at its finest.

What has been suggested is that White and Vitello had a frosty relationship (which Chris Low confirmed in the quotes above) and that it was likely a contributing factor in Tony CHOOSING to leave.

Even if Tony and ADDW had been bestest buddies who went out drinking every Friday, Tony still would've taken the Giants job. It's the MLB

 

[chuckiepoo]

I've not heard a single person say that White forced Vitello out. That is sensationalism at its finest.

What has been suggested is that White and Vitello had a frosty relationship (which Chris Low confirmed in the quotes above) and that it was likely a contributing factor in Tony CHOOSING to leave.

So, some rando driveby drops a turd in the punch bowl to create a discussion (argument) a week before first pitch, knowing the general lack of self control will result in moar pages of bs discourse on a topic that has been absolutely beat to death.

…poor horse…

 

[Hunerwadel]

Tony has a fiery personality. It would probably be unusual if he didn't have hot discussions with the boss. It does't mean that they were at each others throat about everything.

Just wait until he doesn't agree with some moves the owners of a MLB team might make.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Tony has a fiery personality. It would probably be unusual if he didn't have hot discussions with the boss. It does't mean that they were at each others throat about everything.

Just wait until he doesn't agree with some moves the owners of a MLB team might make.

I am sure Tony did a lot of things that raise concerns with any AD. However, they worked things out and we had a very successful baseball program. I believe we will continue to have a very good baseball program in the future.

 

[Orangethumb]

Having to deal with NIL and the portal, why not go pro? The college system is broken.

 

[BruisedOrange]

And between DVH's words and CL's words... there's not necessarily disagreement.

If Tony hated dealing with the agents and all the "iffiness" today of putting together a roster year-to-year, it could be that Danny (being responsible for all the UT sports programs) was not allowing Tony to solve some of those problems in ways that were logical and reasonable to Tony. For Danny, it could have been that, yes, that's a good way to solve your problem, but it will create much larger issues when other programs want to take a similar approach.

We also know DW has an eye on positioning UT sports for success after the wild, wild west era ends,* when the necessary regulations are handed down, and protecting us from penalties which seem unpredictable.

College baseball has unique issues compared to other sports. It'll be interesting to see if CJE approaches any of that differently.

*In western movie genre: when the desert rose gives way to the American rose.

 

[cardvolfan]

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn on Tony Vitello leaving Tennessee:

“With Tony, he just called and said, ‘What do you think? Do you think I’m crazy?’” said Van Horn. “And I had a lot to say. But I said, ‘Bottom line, what do you want to do?’ I don’t think he was super happy with what was going on over there. I think it was more not about the University of Tennessee — it’s a great university. It was more about dealing with agents and dealing with all of that, trying to win, put a team on the field, and the stuff that we deal with. And I just said, ‘Hey, you’re 45 years old,’ or whatever he is (Vitello is 47). ‘If you want to take a shot at pro ball, here’s your shot. If it doesn’t work, you can always come back.’

“And that’s the way he felt. He called me the other day and he said, ‘Hey, by the way, our very first game, we play the Yankees. It’s the only game of the day, and they’re going to put us on Netflix.’ So he said, ‘Everybody will be watching.’ I said, ‘Hey, it’ll be a good memory for you, win or lose.’”

There’s been plenty of speculation that Vitello left Tennessee in part because he didn’t have the best relationship with Vols athletic director Danny White.

“I think for Tennessee fans, they were always hopeful that Tony would stay,” said On3’s Chris Low in October. “But being in the major leagues, that’s quite an opportunity for a college coach to get that type of opportunity and really be a pioneer. And I think over the last couple years, if you’re inside and sort of know what’s going on, this probably wasn’t just a complete surprise to a lot of people — certainly [people] close to the program — that there had not been what I would call the best relationships between Tony and Danny White, the Tennessee AD. And I think when you combine all of it — I don’t think it was just one thing — but when you combine all of it, what happened yesterday, happened.

“I think as people sort of think back through (the Vitello era), it now, and what it was like, there’s a lot of sadness,” continued Low. “I know, Danny White said it was a proud day. I disagree. It was a sad day, because I don’t think this had to happen. I think there was a way for this not to happen, and it happened. I think that’s what people are most upset, sad, and angry [about] — all the different emotions.”

Source: AtoZ Sports

Chris Low trying to claim himself as an insider without having any evidence of troubles within. Tony is a fiery guy and he’s not always going to agree with everything being done. Low makes a living trying to “outscoop” his competition. If he had anything, he would surely provide such information.

 

[cncchris33]

Chris Low trying to claim himself as an insider without having any evidence of troubles within. Tony is a fiery guy and he’s not always going to agree with everything being done. Low makes a living trying to “outscoop” his competition. If he had anything, he would sure,y provide such information.

Feel free to disagree I guess, but Low isn't some two-bit shock jock journalist. He isn't making that claim on the record based solely on rumors and innuendo.

 

[rockytop25]

Chris Low trying to claim himself as an insider without having any evidence of troubles within. Tony is a fiery guy and he’s not always going to agree with everything being done. Low makes a living trying to “outscoop” his competition. If he had anything, he would sure,y provide such information.

Chris Lows son is the director of player ops for the baseball program…he definitely has an idea of what’s going on

 

[chuckiepoo]

Feel free to disagree I guess, but Low isn't some two-bit shock jock journalist. He isn't making that claim on the record based solely on rumors and innuendo.

I’m also pretty sure the Hill has a special place in his heart following the role he played in C-Lo’s episode with cancer. If you haven’t seen that “Volunteer For Life” 30 for 30 episode, it’s a must watch:

'Volunteer for Life': The incredible story of Tennessee's Chris Lofton

In 2008, Chris Lofton was diagnosed with cancer before his senior season, but he played on.

www.espn.com

 

[chuckiepoo]

@cardvolfan
Some days the windshield, some days the bug!

 

[cardvolfan]

Feel free to disagree I guess, but Low isn't some two-bit shock jock journalist. He isn't making that claim on the record based solely on rumors and innuendo.

I certainly didn’t say he was a “two-bit shock jock journalist.” Nothing even close to what I said. If he has a story and has specifics, then I will certainly listen. Insinuations by him without specific, tangible proof don’t give me any incentive to believe.

 

[cardvolfan]

Chris Lows son is the director of player ops for the baseball program…he definitely has an idea of what’s going on

It seems quite odd to me that a direct employee of Tennessee baseball would be cool with his father making insinuations. I guess I’m one who says “why” and without proof, I just don’t get it. Doesn’t mean there wasn’t lots of friction, but I don’t get it.