JAV is well connected and dropped this off today
First, from what I've been told, Butch Jones is a full go at Tennessee. He has kicked the tires at Purdue but there's really no interest there from either side. He's told multiple people that he knows that his best opportunity is the one he already has. I'm sure that there will be more rumors and tire kicking but there's very little chance that he will go elsewhere.
I believe that you will see a better close to recruiting than you might expect and a renewed sense of urgency from the top down. I know that CBJ has told people that he's already reevaluated some of the changes that he made this year and has identified what he sees as success and failure and is already working on a plan for 2017.
Whatever you might think of him, no one works harder than Butch Jones. He is extremely driven.
I also believe, based on several conversations, that CBJ is very serious about bringing in highly regarded assistants to replace anyone who leaves. There will almost certainly be a shared OC position with DeBord coaching the OL and a high profile QB coach. I know that there already has been an informal 3rd party conversation with Helfrich and Applewhite. I believe that both of them would be open to the CO OC idea.
Bob Shoop will be the DC at Tennessee next year. CBJ doesn't want to start over again and Shoop knows that his reputation took a bit of a hit this year. He loves living in Tennessee and he's excited about what can be done with some changes next season.
I've been doubtful about JG as a passer because I've seen him be very inconsistent in that department. Someone I trust very much has relayed to me that he has made a huge leap in the last couple of months specifically. He's really worked very hard to learn the offense and has looked very confident. He's always been an electric runner and now he's rounding into form as a passer. I love QD but if JG keeps improving, especially with a really good QB coach, he's most likely going to be the man.
I've been critical of CBJ this year and I have my doubts still. However, he is the absolute best option for Tennessee for the next couple of years. The worst thing that could happen is for him to leave voluntarily or involuntarily. There isn't anyone who is a viable, better option than Butch right now. No one knows how things will play out. Those who are comparing him to Dooley are foolish and those longing for Kiffin are deluding themselves. The proof will be in the next few weeks as to how the rest of CBJ's tenure will go here. If Bob Shoop is allowed to get coaches of his own choosing and CBJ can attract a young, high profile QB coach, I'll see that as a huge step forward in the evolution of Butch Jones."
