Late Night Thoughts on Candidate's Chances:
Just thought Id write up some thoughts on the candidates I saw today. Just bored so pay no mind if not interested.
Matt Campbell - No. I don't see us getting Matt Campbell. He is an Ohio man and honestly would only leave for a Big 10 job IMO. Making $3.7M in Iowa? He is set.
Luke Fickell - No. Same with Luke Fickell. He worked at Ohio State for quite a while and just recently had his son sign to play for him at Cincy.
Lane Kiffin - Maybe. With Plowman and White preaching integrity and character, I just don't see him pulling the trigger on Lane. I wish, but don't think so.
James Franklin - NO. Hubbs' dumbass said this on the podcast earlier today & you cannot be serious suggesting this man coming to Knoxville. Remember that whole cover up thing at Vandy?
Sean Lewis - Yes. White almost always hires someone not on anyone's list & I think given Kent State's ability to score, he could be considered. Hasnt had much success total wins wise, but is young and scores. Might like his potential.
Jason Candle - Yes. Almost word for word with Sean Lewis. Young guy, small school, scores points. Could be an option.
Tony Elliot - No. I think this is a leak for a raise from Clemson. No shot White doesn't give the UCF job to Elliot, but does the Tennessee job. I also don't see how someone with White's expertise couldn't recognize that Elliot's success by & large came from having generational QBs back to back in Watson & Lawrence.
Lance Leipold - Yes. Has a relationship with White & is clearly good at scoring points at Buffalo. Built Buffalo up and has had a nice few years.
Jamey Chadwell - Yes. The man can coach & score points. He has that bridge to Tennessee pride as well that I think White might see as a bonus. Its no Kiffin, but Id be happy with it ultimately.
Kevin McGiven - Maybe. If they were to go the coordinator route, which please God no, I could see this being a hire on not a single person's list. McGiven was at Oregon State when they were lighting up the scoreboards from 2015 - 2017 and helped San Jose State turn their offense into a highly effective one this year. Definite longshot, but could be a darkhorse here.
Im not an insider or anything, just my opinions from reading today. I really don't see White going after someone as big name as VN tends to think, but am happy to be wrong. White has a record of finding talent where no one else is looking. Fingers crossed!