Possible coaches with today's AD / Admin

#1
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#1
In case we can't get Gruden or anyone else with any sort of splash and continue to walk the Hamilton path of hiring lower level coaches and hoping they do upper tier things, I thought a thread with some of those names would be appropriate. Below are 15 names of coaches doing well (or have some sort of name recognition) at smaller schools in lower level conferences. Not in any particular order.

1. Gus Mahlzahn
2. Todd Berry
3. George O'Leary
4. Skip Holtz
5. Bill Blankenship
6. Rocky Long
7. Tim DeRuyter
8. Darrell Hazell
9. Dave Doeren
10. Gary Andersen

FCS
1. Jeff Monken
2. Craig Bohl
3. Rob Ash
4. Willie Fritz
5. Bobby Wilder

By selecting one of the above coaches, UT administration and AD can ensure that we are not paying anywhere near what it would take to get a big time coaching hire, but they would retain their rice bowls.

JMHO
 
#6
#6
No Gruden...I would definitely take Strong. I think he would do well at Tennessee. Recruiting is the lifeblood and I think with his connections and Tennessee's facilities, budget and history he could hold his own.

I put the list together as coaches at mid-tier (Non-BCS) conferences and the FCS because that is what it appears that our Admin has the stomach for. Not sure we would pay Strong what it would take to get him here.
 
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#7
#7
Hell from that list I say bring on Gus and have him get a proven DC and let's do this thing.
 
#8
#8
Charlie Strong ...quietly 9-0 this year! Better grab him while he's hot!
 
#11
#11
I have no doubt that all of those candidates can coach at a much higher level. Unfortunately, to most fans, your list reads like:

1. Derek Dooley
2. Derek Dooley
3. Derek Dooley
4. Derek Dooley
5. Doolz
6. Derek Doolittle
7. Derek Dooley
8. Derek Dooley

etc etc etc

Underwhelming imo when our recruiting/fanbase really needs a MAJOR shot in the arm (but again, all better options than Dooley)
 
#12
#12
'Boro-vol said:
Agreed....completely underwhelming hire IMO.
Click to expand...

I agree with this, not my #1 guy obv. My point is of those that are not huge name splash hire types, who do you think would be better?

Just my opinion, and maybe I am just depressed a little based on everything I have heard today, but the most important thing to happen is that Dooley is shown the door and almost anyone at that point will be an upgrade.
 
#14
#14
Jackson_Harris said:
Charlie Strong ...quietly 9-0 this year! Better grab him while he's hot!
Click to expand...

He hadn't played much of anybody but I would take him. He's a defensive guy, experience in the SEC, well connected, and is a proven winner. He just hasn't proved it at this level.

You can keep Malzahn and Petrino. I don't want that garbage offense in Knoxville.
 
#18
#18
People that are saying they would not take Strong are comical. Louisville was in a worse situation than UT after Petrino left them high and dry. Then Kragthorpe came in their and really didn't improve the team but yet kept them at the same level. Charlie Strong has done a miracle job at that school. UT would be stupid not to give him a call.
 
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#20
#20
SouthKnoxVOL said:
People that are saying they would not take Strong are comical. Louisville was in a worse situation than UT after Petrino left them high and dry. Then Kragthorpe came in their and really didn't improve the team but yet kept them at the same level. Charlie Strong has done a miracle job at that school. UT would be stupid not to give him a call.
Click to expand...

I would love for Strong to take this job. I think he would be great.
 
#22
#22
Nashvol2 said:
:hi: Ahh. Thank you good sir. Was worried for a moment.
Click to expand...

I don't think for a minute he will be our coach. Too much baggage there. Can you see him sitting in a recruits living room? The mom has a few questions for him. Uncomfortable. My comment above was, our fan base will panic soon.
 
#23
#23
Would the administration (Cheek) and AD support buying out Dooley and staff and going for Strong, who while not commanding a paycheck of the same magnitude of Gruden, would need to be paid significantly to offset Louisville counteroffer?

If they are supporting Dooley staying now, I just don't think they would be willing to shell out the money for anyone that would make more than Dooley is now. I think most on the "lower tier school list" above would be considered bargain basement type hires hoping to hit that lottery ticket coach that returns TN to the top of the SEC.

Of course, if they get their way and Dooley is retained, there is no hope for TN getting a real coach anytime soon.
 
#24
#24
I wouldn't mind a Strong hire. If it is Petrino or Smart, my apathy will reach new lows.
 
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