Let's see here...
There we go
Hey, like I said, I understand anyone and everyones skepticism.
Lets pretend there is 0 information and you only have your computer to do research. If you looked at the 2012 search and compared it to 2017 the situation looks much more promising. Espn was dominating and could afford to pay gruden his large salary. Fast forward to today and they can not. They are about to lay off and cut salaries of another 100 employees. Troy aikman makes 1.5 million for Fox. ESPN is looking at dropping MNF in these near future. They are losing close to 70 million per Monday night. Disney is worth billions but if something like this continues then what rational person wouldnt pull the plug?
Hargis and Brice would not be sticking their neck out after the embarrassment of 2012. It makes me feel even more confident. I dont think they would approach this unless they thought it is or is really close to happening. Reputation matters.
Our financial situation was horrid in 2012. We needed help with dooleys buyout. What a disaster that was. We were the most profitable SEC program last year. That was reported on ESPN. We netted around 100 million.
Why would boosters be supporting a push for close to 350 million dollars in renovations and athletic upgrades? The answer is they know UT football is about to be back. I know a few of the chattanooga boosters have already upped their contributions or pledged to once this hire is complete.
Look at the attendance at the LSU game. Even with one of the worst teams in vol history and sitting through that hurricane we had over 90,000 fans in Neyland. What recruit wouldnt want to be in that environment with that type of loyalty. If gruden comes hed be the hero. Just like Saban. He would become a legend and cement his legacy as a super bowl winner and potentially seen as the man who brought back UT football.
His wife wants to move back home. That isnt rumor. They bought a house in Knoxville. Thats not a rumor. His kid goes to UT. Thats not a rumor. None of this was true in 2012. Crazy how much changes so quick in life.
These are some of the key points I come back to when I have moments of doubt. This information could be gathered by anyone on this forum. No insider info or connections needed.