The last coach to . . .

[Doberman]

Nah, Butch loved it here. He wanted to build a dynasty and do so using his system. Sure he had gimicks, was a (used car) salesman, and possessed a growing ego (who wouldn't after the "Game of Jones" cover); but, he wanted Tennessee to be successful. He wanted it very badly, and knew that his success and the University's success were joined at the hip. It was true love in bloom.

After his coaching ability was exposed against OK and Fla in those comeback losses (the mark of the 17-0 lead), then being mocked and ridiculed by the trolls and media, and lastly clowned by the Higgins ("I like turtles") and Hunter Johnson recruiting class, he was broken. Add in the boosters and BoT behind the scenes BS, that broken "good ole boy system," and Jones was psychologically empty. Afterward he couldn't muster the courage to keep up the fight. That turnover trashcan on the sideline was an unfortunate metaphor for his (and his stafff's) demise.

I'll say it again, Butch gave us the most exciting UT football since 2005. He is in part responsible for some of my fondest and most disappointing UT football moments: from JJ in the GA end zone, to Kamara's breakout game and our eventual loss to aTm; from Marquez North's shoulder catch along the sidelines to Pig Howard's fumble through the end zone. Dobb's fumble in Bama. Hurd's trucking player after player to score, and then to his eventual downfall with that showboat fumble in GA. So many football memories while Jones was coach.

Jones loved it here. He infected his players with that joy and his optimism. It showed in his recruiting (at least early on). However, Jones fell apart and when the joy was gone the love was lost. Sure he took his scorn out on the University - like a bad divorce - through the pockets, but he wasn't about the money. It was about the retaliatory pain...

I'm not an apologist, nor Jones supporter. But, it wouldn't surprise me if Jones uses his time learning under the Saban system to reinvent and improve upon his coaching abilities. Not saying it will happen, but it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he is very successful in AK St, and back in the top tier ranks within five years.

Nice post. Makes good sense to me.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Dooley played for UVA, not UGA.

I'm kinda amazed to have to be reminding a dawg fan of this.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Nah, Butch loved it here. He wanted to build a dynasty and do so using his system. Sure he had gimicks, was a (used car) salesman, and possessed a growing ego (who wouldn't after the "Game of Jones" cover); but, he wanted Tennessee to be successful. He wanted it very badly, and knew that his success and the University's success were joined at the hip. It was true love in bloom.

After his coaching ability was exposed against OK and Fla in those comeback losses (the mark of the 17-0 lead), then being mocked and ridiculed by the trolls and media, and lastly clowned by the Higgins ("I like turtles") and Hunter Johnson recruiting class, he was broken. Add in the boosters and BoT behind the scenes BS, that broken "good ole boy system," and Jones was psychologically empty. Afterward he couldn't muster the courage to keep up the fight. That turnover trashcan on the sideline was an unfortunate metaphor for his (and his stafff's) demise.

I'll say it again, Butch gave us the most exciting UT football since 2005. He is in part responsible for some of my fondest and most disappointing UT football moments: from JJ in the GA end zone, to Kamara's breakout game and our eventual loss to aTm; from Marquez North's shoulder catch along the sidelines to Pig Howard's fumble through the end zone. Dobb's fumble in Bama. Hurd's trucking player after player to score, and then to his eventual downfall with that showboat fumble in GA. So many football memories while Jones was coach.

Jones loved it here. He infected his players with that joy and his optimism. It showed in his recruiting (at least early on). However, Jones fell apart and when the joy was gone the love was lost. Sure he took his scorn out on the University - like a bad divorce - through the pockets, but he wasn't about the money. It was about the retaliatory pain...

I'm not an apologist, nor Jones supporter. But, it wouldn't surprise me if Jones uses his time learning under the Saban system to reinvent and improve upon his coaching abilities. Not saying it will happen, but it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he is very successful in AK St, and back in the top tier ranks within five years.

Agree completely with highlighted points in your first paragraph.

Change 3rd paragraph to "since 2007" and I'd agree. We played some good, exciting football in 2006 and 2007.

Your final point: it wouldn't surprise me either if he's successful at Arkansas State. But "in the top tier ranks within five years"? I don't think so. Dude is a G5 head coach. He'll do well there, but G5 teams don't get to the top tier. I wouldn't be surprised if he has teams in the Top 25 from time to time, though.

Good write-up, Cactus!

 

[Checker_the_Shire]

This was a destination job for Pruitt. He could finally take his seat as an SEC HC along with Saban, Smart, Muschamp, etc. I don’t think he had eyes on going back to Bama. UT was to be his legacy, he just didn’t have what it takes to succeed.

I respectfully disagree. I do think he looked at this as his legacy in the sense that he would build us back up, but I don't think he saw this as the dream destination. Bama would have been his end goal had he been successful here.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Heupel takes this job seriously. AD White too.

I think we will see great things out of CJH. Might not be legacy setting, but he will be remembered for righting the ship.

I think we are very fortunate to have both White and Heupel at Tennessee. I think they are courageous to take on the mess we have been in for 15 years and would not have taken the jobs if they did not believe they could succeed. Tennessee has give them the opportunity and resources to get the job done. However, they have taken on a very difficult task and we must give them enough time to get the job done. If we do, will be the destination job for both. As they improve our program, I am sure they will have to do a little changing here and there, but I am confident we are on our way back.

 

[VFFL@THE BEACH]

I think we are very fortunate to have both White and Heupel at Tennessee. I think they are courteous to take on the mess we have been in for 15 years and would not have taken the jobs if they did not believe they could succeed. Tennessee has give them the opportunity and resources to get the job done. However, they have talked a very difficult task and we must give them enough time to get the job done. If we do, will be the destination job for both. As they improve our program, I am sure they will have to do a little changing here and there, but I am confident we are on our way back.

I would like to think they are "courteous" as well but the money they have received to be courteous makes it suspect. None of us would turn down a pay raise. Some may turn it down if it involved more work or responsibility. The UT job is more money and more problems. Worst case scenario for White and CJH, they come out richer than when they started. Their ability and pride will determine if they turn this around even a little bit.

 

[Bigorangejumpsuit]

Let's be real. Fulmer turning in Bama on Albert Means backfired. We could no longer pay to play for fear of retailation. Lost Leake to Florida then. And recruiting took a nose dive there after.

 

[Cathead Biscuits]

I would like to think they are "courteous" as well but the money they have received to be courteous makes it suspect.

I work the job that I work making less money because I get to help affect others in the community by what I am doing, and I have turned down higher paying jobs in the private sector.

I won't argue that White and Heupel are getting paid very well to do what they are doing, but you can't 100% discount the fact that they very well could be doing what they are doing because they want to see Tennessee succeed, and that reaching this tier of school and job could actually be a dream job for them.

If you don't feel that way about things in life, and feel that others can't also feel that way, then I personally feel sorry for you because that is a very sad way to live life.

 

[spencer1989]

The last one that cried when he got fired.

So who was the last coach who gave his all for UTK? Fulmer? Majors? Jones? Dooley? Pruitt? Kiffin? Battle?

I would have to go back before that.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I would like to think they are "courteous" as well but the money they have received to be courteous makes it suspect. None of us would turn down a pay raise. Some may turn it down if it involved more work or responsibility. The UT job is more money and more problems. Worst case scenario for White and CJH, they come out richer than when they started. Their ability and pride will determine if they turn this around even a little bit.

Thanks. I thinkI fixed it.

 

[TNnative]

Take this job seriously, as a destination? Lane Kiffin obviously didn't. Did Dooley, or did he want to end up at UGA? Jones . . . was he just over his head and topping out his wallet? Did Pruitt know what he is and milk the University and fans too or did he have a imbecilic dream of making it to bammer?

What do you think about Coach Heupel and this question?

Kiffin saw it as a stepping stone, and treated it as such. I think Dooley and Jones took it seriously, but I feel history proves they were in over their heads, and they really did not have the proper infrastructure in place. Pruitt? He was a defensive coach who brought in good coaches, but he was just not head coaching material, and was hired by an AD who was not AD material. But at least Fulmer listened to the S&C coach, and did get the weight room set up right.

Don't know what I think of Heupel at this point. So far, all he has done is accept the job, and hired assistants. For now, I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He will either do great things, or prove he is just the next chapter in a saga of sadness.

Of course, the best people to ask this question of is some of the coaches who said No! There have been some deficiencies associated with the program, and some people associated with it. The second best would be a few of the former players who ended up going pro, or into coaching, plus some of our former assistant coaches that ended up at a better situation. Would make an interesting 30 for 30 type special in the next 8 to 10 years.

 

[GetYouSomeofThat]

Nah, Butch loved it here. He wanted to build a dynasty and do so using his system. Sure he had gimicks, was a (used car) salesman, and possessed a growing ego (who wouldn't after the "Game of Jones" cover); but, he wanted Tennessee to be successful. He wanted it very badly, and knew that his success and the University's success were joined at the hip. It was true love in bloom.

After his coaching ability was exposed against OK and Fla in those comeback losses (the mark of the 17-0 lead), then being mocked and ridiculed by the trolls and media, and lastly clowned by the Higgins ("I like turtles") and Hunter Johnson recruiting class, he was broken. Add in the boosters and BoT behind the scenes BS, that broken "good ole boy system," and Jones was psychologically empty. Afterward he couldn't muster the courage to keep up the fight. That turnover trashcan on the sideline was an unfortunate metaphor for his (and his stafff's) demise.

I'll say it again, Butch gave us the most exciting UT football since 2005. He is in part responsible for some of my fondest and most disappointing UT football moments: from JJ in the GA end zone, to Kamara's breakout game and our eventual loss to aTm; from Marquez North's shoulder catch along the sidelines to Pig Howard's fumble through the end zone. Dobb's fumble in Bama. Hurd's trucking player after player to score, and then to his eventual downfall with that showboat fumble in GA. So many football memories while Jones was coach.

Jones loved it here. He infected his players with that joy and his optimism. It showed in his recruiting (at least early on). However, Jones fell apart and when the joy was gone the love was lost. Sure he took his scorn out on the University - like a bad divorce - through the pockets, but he wasn't about the money. It was about the retaliatory pain...

I'm not an apologist, nor Jones supporter. But, it wouldn't surprise me if Jones uses his time learning under the Saban system to reinvent and improve upon his coaching abilities. Not saying it will happen, but it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he is very successful in AK St, and back in the top tier ranks within five years.

I have little doubt he will be successful..
Also have little doubt that he would have eventually had succes here also. Success as in competing for the SEC regularly.

However, because he didn't fit in with the good ol boys he was cut loose the first season things quit trending up. Hopefully Donde can keep thr boosters of of Heupel and AD White can control the athletic depatment hangers on and bureaucracy when things dont go as planned.


Heupel is the best hire weve made since CPF and IMO is likely a better coach. He doesnt have the sweet situation that CPF had...so it will be a slower start. I think as long as the NCAA hammer isnt too heavy we will be happy in year 3.

 

[TennesseeTarheel]

Larry, Darryl and Darryl. Which one was smarter?

 

[VolforFootball]

Heupel takes the job seriously, but I'm not sure he's going to much better than the other guys have done. Certainly hope I'm wrong.

Butch took the job very serious the first 2 years. He seemed to be 100% all in. Despite everything else, I have to give him that. He was proud that he had got the job and wanted to do the best he possibly could and become a legend at TN. Unfortunately, he obviously turned out not to be cut out for it.

 

[VolforFootball]

With the exception of Derek Dooley towards the end of his tenure, the former UT coaches all "gave their all", I do believe. Those were some mighty big paychecks they were able to cash and I know very few people that would say no to the dough. Keeping your job also makes you more attractive to others. Those are two motivations that cover most of them. It is well documented that Dooley basically said F--k it in the end and he didn't even recruit his last year. He knew he was over his head and wanted the buyout.

As for AD White, he has achieved the pinnacle of his profession by becoming the AD at Tennessee. He has love for Tennessee because UT gives him the opportunity for true professional greatness. UT is in a VERY small group of places that can offer that opportunity. The others would be Alabama, UGA, Florida, Texas A&M and Auburn. Six schools that: are in the SEC; have a commitment to Athletic excellence; have the people that will provide the finances necessary for success; have the facilities that are second to none and have the national media spotlight. Having the level of success he had at UCF only made him long for this opportunity even more. Despite almost two undefeated football seasons, no one cared. If he does that at UT, and fosters our others sports in the same manner, he is forever loved, remembered and viewed by his peers as one of the best ever. The last likely motivates him more than most considering athletic administration is the White's family business.

CJH also finds himself with an opportunity of a lifetime. I would say the afore mentioned schools plus LSU, OSU, UM, Clemson and ND give a head football coach the best possible chance of greatness. CJH has had success from playing to coaching. If you've read anything about the man at all, you know his competitive drive is second to none. People rave about how brilliant then man is. I hope they are right, we will soon see for ourselves. I truly love this hire. The only other REALISTIC option I could imagine would be Hugh Freeze, but we all know why that was a non-starter. CJH has everything going for him at a well funded, properly appointed and storied SEC program. He understands winning big at this level will put him in the club with General Neyland, the Bear, Saban, Rockne etc. There is his motivation. I expect him to give great effort, I like his odds in making Tennessee Football great again.

Very well said.


By the way, what was the purpose of the turnover trashcan? I mean I get a turnover chain, or some kind of turnover celebration. But why a trash can? Was there some gimmick or catchphrase that adds context to it?

 

[jasonvol18]

It’s their dream job until it isn’t. I think Dooley Jones and Pruitt all would have stayed a while had they had sustained success. But when things went south for all three they folded like cheap tents (kind of like their teams).

Kiffin had no pretense of staying if he got a better job offer. People just didn’t expect it to come within a year of being hired. I think he would have parlayed success at UT into another NFL head coaching gig or a big time job in college.

I don't think Kiffin would have left for any School other than USC. Don't think he's got any desire to Coach in the NFL again.

 

[VFFL@THE BEACH]

I work the job that I work making less money because I get to help affect others in the community by what I am doing, and I have turned down higher paying jobs in the private sector.

I won't argue that White and Heupel are getting paid very well to do what they are doing, but you can't 100% discount the fact that they very well could be doing what they are doing because they want to see Tennessee succeed, and that reaching this tier of school and job could actually be a dream job for them.

If you don't feel that way about things in life, and feel that others can't also feel that way, then I personally feel sorry for you because that is a very sad way to live life.

Relax there Mr. Cathead biscuits, no need to feel sorry.

Any evidence before the contract that CJH knows the words to Rocky Top? Likes the color orange? Moonpies? Davy Crockett? Knows anything about General Neyland? Knows what running through the T means? John Ward? Been to the lost sea, Ryhman, cades cove or even rock city.

I can't be 100% on a lot of things which is why I said suspect. Especially, since I haven't even spoke to coaching staff at UT.

I am sure that the staff have a core set of values that says they will make their athletes better players and men. I doubt that those goals are exclusive to Tennesse.

If his goal was to help athletes then what's the difference between UCF and UT?

If his goal was to make Tennessee better how come he just started at UT?

The O.P.'s question was who was the last coach that didn't see UT as a stepping stone to another job. Right now, I got no evidence the CJH isn't using UT as a stepping stone. I hope the trade-off is some wins and maybe even a coach that is successful and stays.

 

[ZippyMorocco]

View attachment 354094

I'm kinda amazed to have to be reminding a dawg fan of this.

I was referring to Derek, not Vince. BTW, Vince played for Auburn.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

I was referring to Derek, not Vince. BTW, Vince played for Auburn.

I don't think anyone here gives a poop where either of them played, dawg. This is a thread about coaching.

 

[ZippyMorocco]

I don't think anyone here gives a poop where either of them played, dawg. This is a thread about coaching.

I was responding to a post that suggested Dooley might want to return to UGA

 

[VFL-82-JP]

I was responding to a post that suggested Dooley might want to return to UGA

Yeah, you misread.

No one said "return to UGA." Enki talked about Dooley perhaps wanting to end up at UGA, as did I. We weren't talking about his alma mater, we were talking about him having the thought of carrying on his daddy's coaching legacy. Because, you know, this thread is about coaching.

You just misunderstood. That's not unusual, for a dawg.

Go Vols!

 

[VolInNW]

Yeah, you misread.

No one said "return to UGA." Enki talked about Dooley perhaps wanting to end up at UGA, as did I. We weren't talking about his alma mater, we were talking about him having the thought of carrying on his daddy's coaching legacy. Because, you know, this thread is about coaching.

You just misunderstood. That's not unusual, for a dawg.

Go Vols!

You failed to mention how blessed Derek would be and how unlikely it would be that he would come to uga because uga is so great.

It's important to constantly reassure uga fans of their greatness, as they need the constant affirmation of their worth. They are kinda like labs in that respect, but only if a labrador was also an intolerable pain in the %$$.

 

[EZE]

Nah, Butch loved it here. He wanted to build a dynasty and do so using his system. Sure he had gimicks, was a (used car) salesman, and possessed a growing ego (who wouldn't after the "Game of Jones" cover); but, he wanted Tennessee to be successful. He wanted it very badly, and knew that his success and the University's success were joined at the hip. It was true love in bloom.

After his coaching ability was exposed against OK and Fla in those comeback losses (the mark of the 17-0 lead), then being mocked and ridiculed by the trolls and media, and lastly clowned by the Higgins ("I like turtles") and Hunter Johnson recruiting class, he was broken. Add in the boosters and BoT behind the scenes BS, that broken "good ole boy system," and Jones was psychologically empty. Afterward he couldn't muster the courage to keep up the fight. That turnover trashcan on the sideline was an unfortunate metaphor for his (and his stafff's) demise.

I'll say it again, Butch gave us the most exciting UT football since 2005. He is in part responsible for some of my fondest and most disappointing UT football moments: from JJ in the GA end zone, to Kamara's breakout game and our eventual loss to aTm; from Marquez North's shoulder catch along the sidelines to Pig Howard's fumble through the end zone. Dobb's fumble in Bama. Hurd's trucking player after player to score, and then to his eventual downfall with that showboat fumble in GA. So many football memories while Jones was coach.

Jones loved it here. He infected his players with that joy and his optimism. It showed in his recruiting (at least early on). However, Jones fell apart and when the joy was gone the love was lost. Sure he took his scorn out on the University - like a bad divorce - through the pockets, but he wasn't about the money. It was about the retaliatory pain...

I'm not an apologist, nor Jones supporter. But, it wouldn't surprise me if Jones uses his time learning under the Saban system to reinvent and improve upon his coaching abilities. Not saying it will happen, but it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he is very successful in AK St, and back in the top tier ranks within five years.

Butch was on the right track after 3 seasons. None of the others were ever there.

If anything, I think the Title IX FIASCO was the beginning of his undoing.

 

[USAFgolferVol]

Take this job seriously, as a destination? Lane Kiffin obviously didn't. Did Dooley, or did he want to end up at UGA? Jones . . . was he just over his head and topping out his wallet? Did Pruitt know what he is and milk the University and fans too or did he have a imbecilic dream of making it to bammer?

What do you think about Coach Heupel and this question?

Lane Kiffin did until USC came calling