Here is my final two cents before the announcement that is presumed to be in the next 24 hours or so:
I feel like the reason a lot of people want Gruden is not because he was ever necessarily a coaching wunderkind, but that he could be a top tier college coach. This is largely due to the fact that the name recognition and clout he enjoys would presumably lead to high level recruiting and the assembly of a top shelf staff to help Gruden transition from his lengthy time out of coaching/NFL focus to college. Add to this his UT connections and the fact that, if you believe he's in the same ballpark as a Saban/Dabo/Petersen, but is obviously more available (assuming he wants to coach), then it's low-hanging fruit.
The problem for me is, I never once considered Gruden to be a realistic get. I don't believe in smokescreens, and I don't accept any "insider" information from anyone I can't look up and see their name and contact information (meaning if it isn't reported by a reputable sports journalist, it's fake until done so). Therefore, if you believe UT is capable of hiring a high level coach, but it won't be Gruden, then you get the phenomenon we have currently of "if it's not Gruden/Petersen/Patterson/etc., then I won't support it/UT is dead/etc." Again, it's totally understandable that people would not be happy with the multitude of names that are rumored. I won't be interested in Volunteer football if a Steele or the like is named HC, just as many others won't be. Different groups for different reasons are a hard pass on the likes of Brohm, Miles, Martin, Morris, et al.
I've said before, as a fan of Boise State, that I love everything that program stands for, besides just enjoying a lot of success over the last 15 years or so. They are a program that grew quickly and ferociously, while having a well-honed system and a family of coaches and staff that support each other. They recruit 1 and 2 star players, that are developed and leave as 4 and 5 star NFL prospects. When a HC moves on to greener pastures, more often than not they promote from within, because they are a family, and the level of consistency shines throughout the organization. I used to feel this way about Tennessee back in the good old days. That is why I've been supportive of the idea of bringing members of the UT family back to Knoxville in various capacities. I want UT football to be a family again, for better or worse.
I don't think Gruden was ever an option, and I still don't. I'd love to have him, but I expect nothing. But, if there's one thing that I will hold Phillip Fulmer accountable for, it's bringing the UT family back together. Bring back Tee in some capacity. Bring back Steele in some capacity. Take various others up on their offers to coach positions, etc. Whoever the HC ends up being, it had better be someone who is coming here with the intent to compete for championships, and compete for them on Day 1. They should come prepared to do no less, and have a family of VFL's at their side.