why is that?
To put it simply - I just disagree. I have to believe that winning in any conference is equally as difficult as the others. Most conferences tend to be geographically co-located so they recruit against one another and their current recruiting success is probably most closely tied to their recent past (save a few storied programs).
UT is on a steady upward trend, while UM has been in the doldrums for years. He's made a name and face here. Heck, he's built a very strong brand here. I think he'll stay. Only places I think he would go are those where he could win a NC sooner.
I don't believe for a second that he would ever consider UK.
Michigan would be able to match whatever offer Tennessee brings up. Michigan is a sleeping giant. The Detroit pipeline, talent in Ohio, Indiana, and Chicago. He has a better chance of competing for a Big Ten title at Michigan than he would and SEC title here at Tennessee. Florida is rolling. Kentucky is just one coaching change away from being good again, and you always have to concern yourself with at least one team in the West having a good run (LSU, Miss St, or Bama).
I agree it would be a latteral move, but his chances are better at winning conference titles up there then down here...
Hat is correct.. Especially, after the incident involving the Illinois recruiting violation that he was involved in..