It is called expectation management, RJD. And its absence can be very telling indeed.
Put yourself in John Currie's shoes. You are in the middle of making the most important decision of your tenure as AD. Decades from now, your reputation will be defined by what choice you made here.
You know that. You also know that a significant portion of the fan base are really, really--no, I mean really--excited at the possibility of Jon Gruden.
Each day is an opportunity to manage those expectations. To take the sting away now, let the disappointment dissipate, so that it's not a sudden and potentially violent tidal wave on the day you announce.
Managing expectations isn't just a coping mechanism for the AD's personal benefit, though. It is also the right thing to do for the next coach. If he's not Gruden, you gotta manage those expectations early, or you're setting him up for failure with the fan base from Day 1. It is also the right thing to do for Jon Gruden and his family, if he's not coming. Including a son who is a UT student, on campus now.
...
So yeah...the lack of comment from Currie is significant. I agree with you that Gruden's silence can not be read in any particular way, but the UT administration's silence is telling.
p.s. Good morning, everyone. :hi: