New UT Head Coach?

Submitted by Jim Boofer on November 5, 2008 - 3:15pm.

The rumor mill has been running at full strength for a while now concerning the head coaching position at the University of Tennessee. The newest rumor is just a few minutes old, but it is sure to get the attention of all UT fans.

A very reliable source close to the program in Knoxville has just reported that Lane Kiffin is on the golf course with a prominent UT booster. Of course even if he is, that doesn't mean that he will be extended an invitation to occupy the head coaching position.

Most speculate that the prominent booster is Jim Haslam.

Everyone knows how rumors are, and most are just topics for discussion at best. We really only know two things for sure if these sources are correct. Lane Kiffin is a candidate for the vacant position, and that he is in Knoxville today.

Many believe that the process has been underway for several weeks and Mike Hamilton will announce the new coach following the Vanderbilt game out of respect for Coach Fulmer.

Personally, I would be more inclined to believe that Hamilton will postpone the announcement until the Vols post-season plans are made, if there are any.

Another possible candidate that is being mentioned is North Carolina head coach Butch Davis.

When asked if he were interested in the Tennessee job Davis’ response: “The long and short of it is that the administration and I are completely, firmly committed to building a championship football program at North Carolina. And my family and I are very happy in Chapel Hill.”

Davis also said: "you're flattered a little bit". “You grin and bear it”, he said of the speculation and that “it kind of goes with the territory.”

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It's not surprising at all

Submitted by Dr. Roger Portland (not verified) on January 18, 2009 - 11:47am.

It's not surprising at all that he might get the job. He was bound to be the coach ever since UT improved that season.

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Kiffin - I guess it's true

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 30, 2008 - 2:25pm.

I guess all the talk about Kiffin was true. I like bringing in a young man and if he brings his dad it might just work. Can he recruit the south? Does he know enough about SEC football? I guess we will find out.

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New Coach

Submitted by volaholic (not verified) on November 27, 2008 - 11:08am.

My choice is Jon Gruden. Gruden used to coach at UT and owns land in the Knoxville area. I would like to see Gruden but the only problem is Knoxville is not ready for Jon Gruden.

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UT Football

Submitted by Scott Russell (maryville) (not verified) on November 14, 2008 - 12:00pm.

UT fans have been there since the beginning.We will be there till the end.UT fans have been let down for a few years straight now.We want a smash mouth kick Florida in the teeth football team. The time has come for a new program. Philip you've done good but not good enough.It's time for a new head coach, philip just doesn't seem to have the heart to win or even teach football.let's get a good young coach that is a players coach like Mr. pearl.Who wants to win besides getn that big check "philip".UT fans need a powerful decade.let's get this thing started.

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UT head coach

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 10, 2008 - 8:45pm.

How do we not have a chance on getting lane kiffin he would love to come to ut and i dont know why everybody is all about butch davis he so old he wont last and i sure if we got him we would be looking for a new head coach in about 3 years

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John Pennington of Sports Animal Said

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 7, 2008 - 12:39pm.

on the radio show Tuesday he was told that Kiffin was seen at the airport in Knoxville Tuesday. There have been many people that have confirmed that Kiffin is in Knoxville this week. I think Kiffin and Butch Davis are the top 2 candidates. My list 1. Butch Davis 2. Will Muschamp 3. Lane Kiffin.

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UT Coach

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 6, 2008 - 2:47pm.

I hear that UT is looking into Tim Brewster, Minnesota's Head Coach. He is an excellent recruiter and would be a good fit.

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I heard the same thing on

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 6, 2008 - 9:43am.

I heard the same thing on Knoxville radio yesterday. Supposedly Kiffin was in town, but no one has proven the rumor to be true. I would guess he is a definite candidate and he is one of the few on the list that actually could be in town considering the fact that he is unemployed. My top 2 would be Kiffin and Leach. Butch Davis did not come out and say I would not take the Tennessee job, that was all coach speak if you read his comments. I'd say the position is up for grabs and Hamilton has a short list. Probably a lot shorter than most people are reporting. ESPN was saying yesterday that Gruden is a strong candidate.

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1-Cowher2-Gruden3-KiffinTh

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 6, 2008 - 9:31am.

1-Cowher 2-Gruden 3-Kiffin That's my preferences in order.

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ut head coach

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 6, 2008 - 10:19am.

you have NO shot to get Cowher, gruden and problay not Kiffin

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Head Coach

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 21, 2008 - 5:06pm.

Just asking, How about a coach that takes interst in the players and builds them into men. He also has done well with the players he can get. Ask him while you play him this week. Bobby Johnson at Vandy

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