TheVolCub08

Do you think Fulmer would accept a one year job working for Mike Hamilton? He's more likely to become Saban's OL coach.

From a Knoxville Radio Host: Lovie Smith is still very much in play. It would cost TN 4 million per season.

Who knows of the accuracy of this 10-millionth source, but here we go. So just to clarify the indignation rules, leaving Duke after 2 years to go to Tennessee is perfectly ok but leaving Tennessee after 1 year to go USC is an outrage. Just want to be sure so I know whether to be prepared to burn some mattresses if this happens. Well, let's not let a little ignorance get in the way of a weird rant. Cutcliffe has been at Duke more than 2 seasons? Enlighten me. So you're comparing a coach publicly listening to a university's offer and including his staff in the conversation to a coach who pursued a school (he contacted USC, according to reports) and accepted a job while his Athletic Director was out of town without telling most of his staff? Yep, he didn't even tell his own brother-in-law, who was his QB coach, and instead let him find out by watching the news in Orlando and then did not answer or return his phone calls. Then, at the team meeting that happens AFTER his team has found out via ESPN, his top recruiter and assistant coach is heard by current players VIA SPEAKER PHONE telling currently enrolled recruits not to attend class the next morning in order to make transferring easier. Yep, that's pretty much the same thing. Blindsiding your entire university (including nearly your entire staff) is the same thing as publicly discussing a potential coaching move and including your entire staff in the discussion. Nearly identical.

Who knows of the accuracy of this 10-millionth source, but here we go. So just to clarify the indignation rules, leaving Duke after 2 years to go to Tennessee is perfectly ok but leaving Tennessee after 1 year to go USC is an outrage. Just want to be sure so I know whether to be prepared to burn some mattresses if this happens. Well, let's not let a little ignorance get in the way of a weird rant.

At this point in the offseason, there's no coach available who the entire fanbase can rally behind from the start. Even Muschamp wouldn't have been that type of hire. If we can pull off a Stoops coup, that'd do it, but Stoops just isn't realistic if we want to stay in the $3 million range for our HC. As for Cutcliffe, he's not ideal, but he's a fantastic coach who can assemble a very good staff. If he does that, then he's be about the best option possible when hiring a coach in the middle of January when almost every other position has been filled. He'd be a short term guy, but would give us the ability in 3-4 years to really find a great long-term coach. And therein lies the rub. He wants to bring his entire staff with him. That's what sucks. I like Cut. Roper and Luke? Ugh. My only hope is that this info is the same as every other bit of info to come out in the past 4 days.... worthless.

At Tennessee: Gruden was approached to gauge interest. He said no. Muschamp turned down an offer of 3+ million dollars per year over 5 or 6 years. Calhoun said he was not interested. Now the names being discussed are Derrek Dooley and David Cutcliffe. Sigh. Why not call Whittingham? Why not make a run at Stoops (which has been rumored by a few underground sources, but does not look to have any legs)? Why not someone who's going to make a splash? I like Cut as a person, and I think he's a good coach, but settling for him is just that- settling. IF Cutcliffe (HC/QB) keeps our current staff and then brings in a solid RB coach (Jay Graham? Please NO Kurt Roper), a great DL coach (Rodney Garner?) and a solid ST coach, I guess I could live with it, but I can assure you that Vol fans will absolutely be divided on this hire. The ones who are glad that Fulmer is gone will not be thrilled with Cutcliffe. I think there will be a very distinct demographic on who likes and who hates this move, and it will be based on the age of the fans, for the most part.

Muschamp has turned down Tennessee, according to my 600-600 text message.

Well, if UT gets down to Option 8, as USC did, then no. But I can assure you he is not a Top 5 candidate.

dew... the unbelievable name that is being referred to on footballscoop is Bob Stoops. That's why it is being called unbelievable... because it is. Had two people say that in the past 15 minutes. I still think it's Muschamp.

From footballscoop.com:

That's interesting, sure your happy about that. I'm still looking for word that Muschamp is 100% out of the running :-). I've actually heard that Brent Hubbs (Volquest Rivals head guy) is reporting that conversations are still ongoing between UT and Muschamp. I still want Leach, but I have no idea what rumors are accurate at this point. Confirmed. Everyone at Texas (except Muschamp) is denying his interest, but he is Tennessee's first choice. There are two major points of contention and there is the question of whether or not Muschamp wants to leave. But he is currently still option #1. There is so much info coming out right now, and it's very hard to figure out which is accurate and which is not. Multiple people I trust very much are coming out with supremely conflicting information, so I think it just shows you that no one really knows much right now. SO much rumor and innuendo, and it is almost impossible to figure out who knows what at this point. That supports an ESPN article I read also. Though the longer this takes the less likely Muschamp is the HC for Tenn. They have to move quickly, and if Cutcliff can be had they should pounce on him before too much recruiting damage can be done. Just guessing but if they don't sign Muschamp tonight I don't think it happens. It won't be Cutcliffe. There are only two names being consistently thrown out, and they are Muschamp and Calhoun. On Calhoun, three of Tennessee's early enrollees (Tyler Bray, Corey Miller, and Matt Milton) have said on Facebook "If it's him, I'm out of here." There are other names being thrown out, but it is all speculation. People are tracking flights (the UT plane has been to DFW and COS today), and every pundit is weighing in with possibilities, and these are being run with. The only two names that credible sources are reporting are Muchamp and Calhoun, though. In other news, I made mention last night of some things that might come out that would sound an awful lot like sour grapes (and therefore did not post them), and today, both Chris Low (ESPN) and Doug Matthews (former TN coach and radio host in Nashville) have both said that they expect several of Kiffin's indiscretions to begin trickling out very soon, and that it would be the kind of stuff that would humiliate Kiffin. I have heard the rumors and know what they're talking about. We'll see if anything comes out and the effect that it will have. Final note.... David Reaves (Kiffins QB Coach and BROTHER IN LAW) found out about this news via a news station in Orlando, where he was yesterday, and could not get Lane or Ed Orgeron to answer his calls yesterday. Truth? Not sure. Like I said before, there is just so much coming out right now... I'd say most is baseless rumor and innuendo, and if I were a reporter, I would not go public with any of this. But I'm not, so I can pass along what I hear.

That's interesting, sure your happy about that. I'm still looking for word that Muschamp is 100% out of the running :-). I've actually heard that Brent Hubbs (Volquest Rivals head guy) is reporting that conversations are still ongoing between UT and Muschamp. I still want Leach, but I have no idea what rumors are accurate at this point. Confirmed. Everyone at Texas (except Muschamp) is denying his interest, but he is Tennessee's first choice. There are two major points of contention and there is the question of whether or not Muschamp wants to leave. But he is currently still option #1. There is so much info coming out right now, and it's very hard to figure out which is accurate and which is not. Multiple people I trust very much are coming out with supremely conflicting information, so I think it just shows you that no one really knows much right now. SO much rumor and innuendo, and it is almost impossible to figure out who knows what at this point.

No, I'm not acting like that at all. I'm saying that Ambles did not even mention Ole Miss tonight in his text conversation with Mike Farrell- a National Rivals writer, and not a writer for a specific site.

considering that HE contacted Ole Miss, that his father is in constant contact with the Ole Miss people, and that he is likely scheduling a visit, I'd say there is more than a "dreamland" chance. He'll probably end up at USC though. To be fair OMC, Ambles and his father also contacted Bama, which Bama politely told him "we have no more room for another WR in this class", or something to that affect. My guess is Ambles could end up out at USC, but it wouldn't surprise if Houston Nutt can land Ambles. Not to mention that tonight, he is quoted by Pat Tholey or Rivals as mentioning 3 schools: USC, West Virginia and Tennessee. Ole Miss is not in the picture.

Yes. His entire family moved to Knoxville. Little brother is enrolled at Farragut. Also, Mr. SEC SUUUCCKS. Isn't Hyams the primary UT writer there? Volquest is absolutely worth $10 a month. Volsbitch.com is free, incredibly irreverent, and a good site for entertainment and pretty solid info. You should look into one of those. Best info on Tennessee athletics on the web.

And who, exactly, is saying this, sulley? come on, tell the truth, you like their chances next season, don't you? To win 7 games? Depends on who the coach is and how well they wrap up this recruiting class. UT possibly (probably?) starts 1-4. No, sulley, your preconceived notions do not make it true that there are any sane or rational fans anywhere out there who believe UT has a shot at the SEC, much less the MNC.

That Kippy Brown hire is looking better than ever now. A very good coach who can stabilize the program a bit and maybe save a few extra recruits is very important right now. And I'd love to get Smart, but I really, really doubt it'd be feasible. If he was looking to leave Bama for anything other than a HC job, I think he'd be at UGA. The latest news is just sickening. Paul Finebaum is saying that Muschamp is a no (PF is really good friends with Jimmy Sexton) and the name being thrown out that seems to be picking up a little bit of steam is Doug Marrone. :banghead: If we're going to go with a former UT coach, why not try hard to get Cutcliffe? He's the best coach UT may have ever seen. Of course, I want Leach. And I'm going to keep saying that until Hamilton goes for him. Neither Cutcliffe nor Leach are on that list. It appears that Marrone's name was only thrown out because of his ties to UT. I'm hearing again that it's Muschamp, and that if it's not him, it's Troy Calhoun. I'll puke if that is true. Apparently, this has been brewing. Hamilton knew it was coming and had already spoken with Muschamp and Calhoun (confirmed that Hamilton was in Denver on Sunday). Hamilton is still out of town, and Orgeron and the Kiffin's decided not to wait until Thursday (as was the original plan) so that they could let Early Enrollees know about their decision before classes started. Again, this is all rumor, so tifwiw. Are you on any Vols websites?

And who, exactly, is saying this, sulley?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPAJTGOSK00 As I said, it's a Dead Period, and contacting recruits is a violation. You can only have contact on official visits during dead periods.

That Kippy Brown hire is looking better than ever now. A very good coach who can stabilize the program a bit and maybe save a few extra recruits is very important right now. And I'd love to get Smart, but I really, really doubt it'd be feasible. If he was looking to leave Bama for anything other than a HC job, I think he'd be at UGA. The latest news is just sickening. Paul Finebaum is saying that Muschamp is a no (PF is really good friends with Jimmy Sexton) and the name being thrown out that seems to be picking up a little bit of steam is Doug Marrone. :banghead:

From players in the meeting: Coaches not only offered schollies to the early enrollees, but were texting and calling current recruits, which is an NCAA violation because it is a quiet period. Not sure if true, but that's what some players have been saying. Also, there could be some news coming about about Kiffin soon that will look like sour grapes, but could land him in hot water. It involves insurance fraud due to a wreck he had leaving a bar recently. Doubt anything comes of it, but the truth is, there are alot of folks who have known about alot of shady activity going on with some of the staff, and folks were willing to look the other way to keep UT from being embarrassed. Now that his has gone down the way it has, some truths are going to be exposed that will likely amount to nothing, but could get serious. Some of that is most certainly sour grapes, but there is a bunch of smoke right now about a coed in Atlanta and a wreck after leaving a place called Roosters (which I have seen no fewer than 6 people confirm.) Whatever. Bring on Muschamp (or whoever...) Good luck in LA, Kiffins and YawYawYaw.

Incorrect info. Miller is going nowhere, and if I knew how, I'd post screen caps to prove it. Johnson decommitted when Frank Wilson left for LSU so that is old info. WIllis is looking around, and as shaky as he's been, I won't be shocked to see him land elsewhere. Ambles is quoted by Pat Tholey of Rivals as saying that USC was his second choice anyway (sorry, OMC, but you're living in a dreamland if you think you have any shot at Ambles) and that he's going to officially visit next weekend. UT will absolutely lose a few recruits... and some big names to boot. But, Garner could be huge in getting Alec Ogletree, DJ Stripling, and Da'Rick Rogers to UT. Don't know if that will happen, but it could. Any chance Ambles stays? Yes, but no. Kippy Brown is the reason any high school WR would be an idiot to not at least look, but Ambles is almost certainly gone. I've also heard Kirby Smart's name mentioned... but after leaving his alma mater at the alter, I don't think I buy it. He and Muschamp are reportedly tight, though. IF- and I stress the word IF- that were to happen, both DC's from the BCS Championship game would be on the same staff.

Incorrect info. Miller is going nowhere, and if I knew how, I'd post screen caps to prove it. Johnson decommitted when Frank Wilson left for LSU so that is old info. WIllis is looking around, and as shaky as he's been, I won't be shocked to see him land elsewhere. Ambles is quoted by Pat Tholey of Rivals as saying that USC was his second choice anyway (sorry, OMC, but you're living in a dreamland if you think you have any shot at Ambles) and that he's going to officially visit next weekend. UT will absolutely lose a few recruits... and some big names to boot. But, Garner could be huge in getting Alec Ogletree, DJ Stripling, and Da'Rick Rogers to UT. Don't know if that will happen, but it could.

Okay, after the initial fallout, here is where things stand. There are unconfirmed reports that Muschamp WILL BE hired and announced tomorrow. From what I can gather, Kiffin left enough staff in Knoxville that a Top 20 class is still possible, though that Top 3 is gone. Directly from players... Orgeron stood in the meeting and told every early enrollee (who don't start classes until tomorrow) that they all have a scholarship offer at USC and that they should join Lane, Monte, and him there. On offense, as of right now, Kippy Brown stays (WR), as does James Cregg (OL). Jim Chaney (OC) is up in the air, as he's interested in getting back into the NFL. David Reaves (QB) is Kiffin's brother in law, so it remains to be seen what will happen here. I cannot imagine how he stays. So, Muschamp (if he's indeed the guy) needs a QB coach and a RB coach. On defense, it looks like (as of right now) LB coach Lance Thompson is staying, as is DB coach Willie Mack garza. A DL coach and DC are needed immediately, and I'm hearing Rodney Garner (UGA DL Coach and Recruiting Coordinator and former Vol Coach) could be announced fairly quickly, though that is apparently just a rumor right now. On DC, it's anybody's guess, but you have to think that Muschamp will call his own defenses. It may not be the death knell that so many thought it would be, but this one will hurt, and pushes back the rebuilding by at least a year, and more likely two or three. SouthsideRyan is thrilled, I am sure.

And with that, Tennessee is gone. All of the Top 100 Early Enrollees are going elsewhere, and I am not kidding. This is a terrible day for Tennessee football. In 35 years, this is the worst day I can remember that did not involve a death at Tennessee.