If Fulmer is fired, which he will never and we know this, but i'm hoping he resigns, thought it won't happen untill at least after next season if he struggles I would love to see 1 of the following. The list also includes probably chances, not just ones I would like to be hired.
6 CRAIG BOHL NORTH DAKOTA STATE
He was a great coach at Nebraska and he went to d2 North Dakota State. They have went up to D1 in past years, and have been downright dominant. I know him extremely well and there is no doubt if Bohl wants a high d1 job he's gone. There can also be the thing that North Dakota is a highly hockey and football area, but none the less. The Bisons are doing really well with him at coach, and he would be a great Volunteer coach.
5 MICHAEL CLEMONS TORONTO ARGONAUTS - CFL
The First BLACK AMERICAN to win a pro football champion? Tony Dungy. WRONG! This guy, Michael Clemons. Ricky Williams said this man changed his life. To the point he said he wouldn't even return to the NFL if the NFL didn't suspend him because he would be still playing in the CFL. He said he would want to live in Mississauga(between Hamilton, and Toronto, and he still does today) and coach in the CFL like Pinball Clemons.
Pinball was one of the most electrifying football players EVER. NFL scouts in the mid '90s said they tried to bring him to the NFL, but Pinball turned it down. He is now a Canadian citizen, and has been rumoured to be a possible Mayor candidate, and has been offered many big jobs in both United States, and Canada.
He is now the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, and maybe the 2nd most popular sports figure in Canada next to Wayne Gretzky. That's saying alot. Why Tennessee? Because he is a great football coach, and he may be the spark that the UofT needs. There was a rumour in Toronto that South Carolina offered him the head coaching job in the late '90s and turned it down. He was offered a coaching job with the Steelers in 2003, and turned it down. Bill Cowher invited him to training camp three times, but Clemons only made it once because his Argonauts were on a bye week. The CFL season starts in May(training camp) I fear he would turn the Vols down, but maybe our tradition and Vols hysteria would pursue him to try College Football for a few years. Remember Conredge Holloway? He is our only chance of getting Pinball!
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4 MAJOR APPLEWHITE AlABAMA
I'm not a big fan of Applewhite, but you have to listen to people when hiring. I'M LISTENING! Saban is calling him his best assistant ever. He is really doing a good job with the Tide so far, and though it's only been a few games, Applewhite has been feeding some good relationships through the years. People are saying he is a outstanding assistant and he deserves a big time job. Others say he is riding other peoples tails. I doubt that. I would rather have PINBALL CLEMONS but Applewhite would be more available, and I know Applewhite would respect Vols tradition. He would soak it up well, and surely be a great addition to the Volunteer family.
3 DAN MULLEN FLORIDA GATORS
I totally understand the Gator/Vol rivalry might get in the way, but again, you have to listen to people. Now the Gators aren't a dazzle X and O on the offensive side, but they seem to always make the big play. Why? Because they are extremely well coached. That's the thing about Meyer, and Mullen. He is also known to being a outstanding recruiter. Known to recruit some of the best Gators signess the past few seasons. He is also a really, really nice person, and would be outstanding addition to the Volunteer family. I've met him a few times, and he and Pearl would give the Vols a great 1-2 punch. Mullen has been offered jobs in the past, and hasn't taken them. But he hasn't been offered a big time like Tennessee. He's ranked high for a reason. He could be that special addition to the Volunteers family that can last forever. Something really special in the making. I would hire him!
2 MIKE SHANAHAN or JEFF FISHER or MIKE TICE
Going to the NFL to get some help? A real possibility. Shanahan first is close to leaving the Broncos. Everybody knows he wants to coach in the SEC. This past winter one of his past assistants (Brewster) was hired in Minnesota and said that he can't wait to coach the Gophers and get back into the College game. He noted that Shanahan always made it known that if he comes to the College game it will be in the SEC. Here is a former assistant saying this about Shanahan and the SEC? why? because he really has the passion to do it. He would have taken the Gators job if he didn't say he was commited to the Broncos. His time is up, not because the Broncos owner wants him gone, is because he knows his time is running out to coach in the SEC. And if the Vols job is open, he would be talking SEC!
Fisher just signed a contract extension, but who knows. Fisher has been spotted at Vols games in the past, and that says alot. I've never seen him at a game, but there has been reports and also a SEC game on CBS that I saw him on the sidelines. He also speaks very highly of the Vols, and he knows how big Vols football is in the state of Tennessee. It's a longshot but if your looking in the NFL for help, Fisher has to be at least mentioned.
Mike Tice, Mike Tice, Mike Tice. Lets say this, he will be VERY POPULAR. He was outstanding in Minnesota. Record wise? ya maybe, because the owner didn't help him out. He was also very popular in Minnesota. He was with the Vikings for like 15 years, or close to it. He bleeds tradition and history. What a great fit! He would also be great for the Vols recruiting. Washington was all over him, but Tice turned it down last minute to stay on with the Vikings. He regrets it! Sure he does. We would also be in store for some big RB/OL signees. A great, great adition. He would be my first choice to coach the Vols out of this 3. And surely #2 on the list. I guarentee you if the Vols talk to him, he will be hired, and will stay here for EVER! You also wouldn't have to entice him with salary because he stayed on at Minnesota for cheap price. Why? He loves football, and his loyal to the game. Outstanding hire!
1 GARY NORD FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Gary Nord is going to be the next big thing in College Football. He is ready to take the next step not because he's better at coaching is because he is ready to move up with his family. He was the guy if you remember talking to the Trojans if Carrol left. Nord offensive mind is outstanding, and his talent would be amazing at a high level conference like SEC. Have you heard of Meyer,etc before Utah? Nord is better. He's so good he was offered a head coaching job at Nebraska, turned it down for personal reasons. Then offered again, then turned it down. Offered again! Yes turned it down. Nord is going to be a NFL or NCAA head coach soon, and will do outstanding. He will be viewed as a high candidate, so get to know him, now!
