Dooley hire a triumph of substance over style

Unfortunately Derek will have two, maybe three seasons tops to reach double digit wins, an SEC championship or a BCS game before the natives start grumbling. There is no honeymoon for coaches in today’s SEC. Ask David Cutcliff as I’m sure he had his reasons for not coming back after getting run off from Ole Miss.

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Wait a second – didn’t you just tweet that Cutcliffe was perfect for UT? Now Dooley is perfect for UT? What gives?

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Tennessee’s seventh choice is the right choice. Derek is a great coach and will represent Tennessee with class and integrity. He’s an outstanding recriuter and will build a program Tennessee will be proud of, if they will give him a reasonable amount of time to do so. Derek didn’t come to Tennessee with a dream of being somewhere else, like Kiffen.

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….and I’m already impressed with his impact on the players. The few qoutes that I’ve read are all positive, and stem strictly from his values and integrity alone rather than just X’s and O’s. It was refreshing to hear something other than, “We are the best staff, and we just need better players”. This is what UT is about and what we’ve obviously lacked for 14 months.

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Great article! As a UT fan very excited. Go Vols

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It is great to see a Dooley back in college football. Wonder why UVA did not go after Derek for their coach to replace Groh? Go Dogs!!

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Thanks Tony:

So much interesting new in colleg football and I had to read the other two people who the AJC lets put stuff in the editorial sports page (how’s that for being nice?). Thanks for REPORTING. I bet you shake your head everytime those two fellas leave the room.

You know, I don’t like Tennessee. But, I am happy for them and the young men that will not be influenced by Lane Kiffin. Like UGA, Tennessee is a great college with a GREAT college of football tradition.

My favorite FOOTBALL game I ever went to at UGA was when we stopped the 9? game losing steak to Tennessee. I hope one day that they fire Dooley for not being able to beat UGA!

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After 14 long months of shame,some class back at UT ,best of luck
I guess Barbara busy learning the words to “Rock Top”

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If you’ll notice, all the names that UT went after are considered anti-Kiffin’s. I don’t begrudge Kiffin for leaving to take his dream job and was certain that he was rebuilding the program – not so sure how that would have played out off the field (probations, suspensions, etc.). Still, I’m not sad to see him go because it was too much about him, not Tennessee. Go Coach Dooley and Go Big Orange!

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I’ve known Derek since he was a kid…..he will do a great job. Wish Kiffen had stayed……he was much easier to pull against.

I can’t pull for UT but will pull for Derek.

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I think the vols got a good football coach!! He learned from two of the best football coaches of all time!! Being a bama fan and watching a Saban guy coach against Saban will be intestering to watch this fall. Good luck to Derek Dooley and the vol nation in turning around the runaway Lane train mess!!
RTR

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But everything “bad” that Kiffen allegedly did to Tennessee — “leaving the program abruptly!” — “and without notice!” — “and throwing the program into disarray!” — “and confusing all the recruits just weeks before recruiting day!” — all that stuff you AJC guys were damning Kiffen over — well, Derek Dooley just did the same thing to La Tech.

So why is it okay for Dooley to suddenly switch jobs when it was such a horribly evil thing for Kiffen to do? And what’s more, Dooley has quit two jobs, not just one.

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Finally…Great job Tony, I’ve gotten so sick of listening to ESPN prognosticators offering the question; Is UT done? Has it lost it’s soul? It’s all so sickening to here some of these TV
spin idiots talk like it’s no longer a prestigious desirable university to attend, and then of course switch to what is Urban doing. I wish Tennessee and The Dooley’s The Very Best!!!!!Oh!Did I mention I’m A UGA Faithful!
Thanks for lettin’ me share !

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Tony great article! Dooley is quality hire: smart, Saban’s former recruiter at LSU & a proven headcoach. Cutcliffe give me a break! Otis wanted to bring Roper with him to Knoxville what a joke. Rockytop will be proud in the very near future.

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Tony…agree totally with you…in this day and age of coaches becoming nothing more than “prostitutes” to the profession…Derek Dooley will be a breath of fresh air in Knoxville. The guy has great football genes…I’m aging myself here but I remember back in 1985 when the football team of which I was an assistant coach…Douglas County High School…played Clarke Central and Billy Henderson’s kids in the state playoffs. Derek was an all-state tight end and the kicker was Jon Kasey. We lost 12-2…Kasey had a bad night but Dooley killed us with his performances on the field. It started with Henderson’s influence and later his dad, he’s got the background and with this legal training, that might come in handy up there…I don’t think you’ll see Dooley selling his soul to bring in any more hoodlums like Nu’Keese Richardson anytime soon. He’ll know the legal ramifications!!! Of course Mike Leach had a law degree too…but with Dooley, at least he got his feet wet in the legal world. Tennessee made a good hire.

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Good young coach even with losing record. Don’t think he will ever get the full support of the fan base. Sad but true! Too many problems yet exposed! Dooley will be there until the next Big Time Coach is ready to move!

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Spot on Tony! You paint Derek as an old school coach, and a good fit for a conservative, if not provencial university and fan base. I hope this approach can be successful in this day of the “me centered”, what have you done for me lately world of college football, but I have my doubts.

I am no fan of UT, but I will be a curious observer of this experiment.

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As an outsider to UT Football, I am glad that the “Lame” Kiffin ordeal is over. I love SEC football and the solid rivalries it spawns, but Kiffin not only embarrassed UT, he embarrassed the league.

Some may not like the Dooley hire, but he is a man of integrity and intelligence. His coaching record will be spelled out over time. That being said, UT will not have to live through the embarrassment of a Lame Kiffin with Derek at the helm.

I hope he will feed the character of the young men that are currently in the UT football program. Your former coaches set a stage for a far different environment. I’m sure there will be some fallout, but remember that Dooley didn’t bring this to Knoxville, it was Mr. Hamilton and young Kiffin.

This is a great opportunity for Derek and owed entirely to Mike Hamilton. UT fans can thank him for Dooley, but you must also blame him for Kiffin, the way Phil was treated, and the fact that no “known” coaches were interested in this job.

I don’t have any skin in the game, but as and outsider looking in; I believe you need to look at your AD. If he is not to blame, you need to look deeply into the confines of the University and root out the cancer that plunged UT to the current level…………….my god, even Ol’ Miss had could see that Ed Orgeron was a cancer.

Good luck to UT and Derek Dooley……..and please don’t let Hamilton and company do this to the SEC again.

Oh and by the way, I think USC will get exactly what it deserves!

Knute

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Nice column Tony. But hold on a minute UT fans. Yes, Dooley may be the anti Kiffen, but have you seen his record in the MAC? ANd other than the gig at La Tech, what else has he done to earn the gig on Rocky Top? The DUKE coach told you guys to pound sand, for heavens sake!! HAHAHAHA.

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La tech? Losing record. No tony what it shows was they were desperate and had to take someone who wanted the job to try and save any recruits left. You don’t hire this guy with that record unless you are forced to.

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Why does a grown man with a law degree have to convience his parents about changing professions.

And, where are all the Gene Chizic bashers now. Kiffin was the real bad hire, not Chizic.

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Great article. Kiffin is a slimeball. He actually made me pull for the Gators this year (albeit for one day).

Glad to see something positive written about all of this mess.

In the end, the SEC won. Thanks Tennessee for upgrading big time. Too bad UT didn’t bounce that little pri**k out on his arse a long time ago.

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Brian – I can tell you don’t know anything about college football or you would know the job he did at LA Tech. That program was as low as it could get until he got there. I felt if Les Miles left LSU, Derek Dooley would be the next man there. If Coach Richt ever left or retired from UGA ( and I hope no time soon) I would hope they would hire Derek Dooley. The SEC and Tennessee just got a coach with high morals and ethics, the way the SEC use to be.

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you handful of morons who are judging his abilities by his record have no clue. how about judging the man’s work based upon how La. Tech’s program was before he arrive and now that he’s been there 2 years. They were 4-8 this year, but their schedule had LSU, Auburn, Navy, & Boise.

It seems that every one who actually knows Derek well KNOWS that he will be a fabulous coach. This is not a desperation hire – it is a good one. If you disagree with that statement, then I’m guessing you don’t really know too much about the new UT coach.

To answer the questions about how Dooley leaving LaTech differs from Kiffin…I’m betting that everyone at LaTech knew that it was only a matter of time for Dooley to leave. Talented coaches from nonBCS conferences do that every year.

The day before the hire, Jeff Dantzler was asked on Athens radio who he would most “fear” as becoming the next UT coach (as a Georgia fan). Guess his answer? Derek Dooley.

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Good work Tony . . . I think everyone is “called” to something, the happy people are the ones who answer the call. Seems the younger Dooley falls into that category. The only problem is this . . . I grew up respecting Tennessee football, then I moved to Nashville, they ran Johnny Majors out of town, hired Fulmer, and started beating UGA like a drum. So, I learned to strongly dislike Tennessee football. Lane Kiffin made that even easier. Now, with this hire, I suppose I’ll have to look at Tenessee differently . . . definately a step in the right direction. Class instead of a$$!!!!!

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As a Vanderbilt fan, all I have to say is, “Shucks, I was hoping they’d hire another Lane Kiffin.”

To Mike Hamilton, “Even a blind pig can find an acorn if he looks long enough.”

To Pat Summit, “Good tip to Hamilton when you mentioned Coach Dooly.” BTW, take the AD job when it’s offered.”

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Everyone clamored that Kiffin ended up on third base without hitting the triple.

This guy may come from a stellar family, be a great man and end up being a role model to young me – but none of that matters if he can’t coach, and he has a losing record and is leaving a fan base not at all convinced that he could coach. We all know he was not in their top five choices.

Tennessee should have maintained Kippy Brown as interim for the entire next season. And then they should have waited until the end of next year when they would have had first dibs at all candidates. Tennessee is a great job with great tradition – what killed them here is timing.

Instead of having one bad year and then turning the page, Tennessee may be married to a poor choice for three or more years now . . .

Hamilton has made a poor choice.

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Big Time?? Not Glad you remembered.. Don’t ever stop posting that!!

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From a Tide fan, congratulations to UTn fans on your new coach. CDD seems like a genuine, unpretentious Southern gentlemen. I smiled watching the press conference when he uttered one of those unique Southern colloquialisms – “it’nt”. I was waiting for him to say we are “fixin” to do some great things at Tennessee. He is a good man. I am also proud as ever that Nick Saban is now Alabama’s coach, with all the praise and credit Dooley offered to him last night. I wish most of the Bama/Saban haters will now recognize there are many in the coaching world that have tremendous respect for him professionally and personally (would the Dooley family be friends with an evil person?). And it’s becoming increasingly likely that one of these coaches is connected to the program that you support (FSU, UGa, UTn). Please stop bashing the man (see a lot of Satan references on these blogs) for basically making one bad career move and perhaps not handling his exit from that situation in the most graceful manner possible (if at all possible). Heading over to Bryant-Denney today for the National Championship celebration – how sweet it is! Roll Tide!

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I’ve been reading this column for years, and this is the best one I’ve ever seen. I still think Cutcliffe would’ve been a better hire, but this one looks good too. Can’t wait to see Vince and Barbara wearing orange and singing Rocky Top.

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Dooley is stable, hate to say it but UT made an excellent hire here. If UT fans are patient, and they may have to be very patient, Dooley will build a heck of a program.

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Kudos Spike…..

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Tony, tears me up to see a Dooley coaching one of our biggest Rivals. But, you hit the nail on the head. BTW, in your spare time over the off season, please teach those two boobs, Bradley & Schultz how to write meaingful articles…they can’t hold your jock strap-er, keyboard…

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Good article Tony. The Vols were backed against a wall as at this time of the year almost all openings have already been filled and the choices are slim. They had to take a chance on Dooley. It will take a few years for them to get out of the hole they are in but in the long run I think this guy will be a very good hire. He’s going to surprise alot of people.

When LSU played La Tech last season we had all we could handle. I was there and at the time I was watching Dooley on the sidelines and was thinking then that he is a pretty good coach. He just seemed to know what he was doing and he made very good decisions like you would see from a solid, veteran coach. They were very well prepared that night.

Geaux Tigers
Go SEC

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RomeDog,,,,2nd place in the East, right behind the GATORS.

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TB continues to prove that he’s the best sportswriter in the South.
GBO

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The proof will be in the pudding.

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Here is what one Alabama fan with class (vs a few classless Vol opponents) posted about Kiffin the Kook situation at UT:

January 16, 2010
9:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
Reply to this post
williamt1948#1378584 writes:
in response to webass:

From a Bama fan: Be glad you’ve got a coach who seems to have a level of integrity and class. I’ll look forward to him restoring UT football to be about the players and the game and not the coaches.

In case anyone didn’t catch it, your former coach was on the Jim Rome radio show yesterday. Rome asked him about the report he(Kiffin) and Orgeron contacted Tennessee recruits to steer them to Southern Cal. Kiffin’s response(exact words) was, “Those kids were coming to UT for this coaching staff, not to wear those yellow uniforms.”

How’s that for class. I hope to see a UT-SC bowl game soon.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Notice Kiffinstein, even disrespected the school colors.I hope Pop,Jr and gutter mouth stay on the left coast forever!

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I will admit I’m still a little shell shock from this past week, but after watching DD last night as he was introduce as the new coach, there does appear to be signs of hope for the future. Whats really funny is that the ink is not ever dry on his contract and you already have the haters out on this blog mouthing about it being a poor choice. But not one of them as far as I can tell is a UT fan.

Some of you state its funny that we had to go after a Georgia boy, to come pull us out of the fire, yeah I guess that is as funny as you guys going after an Auburn boy to pull you out of the fire, DD’s daddy Vince.

One of the things that DD said last night really struck a chord with me, He stated he would have been higher on the food chain for UT picks if he had stayed with SABAN and gone to Bama with him, but instead he left Saban, became his own man, and tried to acquire the skills to become a leader in the SEC one day. Says a lot about the guy. Could have the glamor of being with Bama, yet went to LA tech.

Dooley best of luck and I will be there opening day to cheer you own. Run through that T with pride brother!

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I still Kiffin and Orgeron violated the NCAA “quiet period” for recruiting when they invited recruits to follow them to USC. This would
be a USC violation since they were acting as USC recruiters. This was mentioned by more than one recruit after Kiffin’s cowardly exit. I’d love to see USC take another hit for that violation. I haven’t disliked a coach this much since Woody Hayes punched the Clemson player

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Don’t underestimate D Dooley just because he coached at La Tech. His
background is extremely strong

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It doesn’t take much of a man to lie to a young kid. In Kiffin’s narcisissitic mind, he really does believe that he’s God’s gift to football recruits. What he’s really done is show what his true character is and will always be, a selfish, self centered, untrustworthy , below average coach. He’s never finished anything, people are always cleaning up after him, and he definitely belongs in California. He’ll fit in nicely with the Hollywood crowd. All things there are plastic and phony too.

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Tennessee’s program is in such shambles after hiring Kiffin. They have been the laughing stock of the SEC. I can’t stand Tennessee, but for the first time since Johnny Majors was the coach, Tennessee has a coach with integrity.

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Tony, the only thing Kiffin didn’t do is honor Tennessee’s traditions. Everything else he was executing. The real problems with the program had and have to do with a poor instate talent base that requires our coaches to work harder than the rest just to keep up. Don’t get me wrong, I hate Kiffin now that he has trashed us, but I didn’t and don’t see anything wrong with Kiffin trying to shake up a program that had been driven into a ditch by Phil Fulmer.

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Tony-

You nailed it. Guys like Kiffin are a disgrace to the game we love. They don’t have a foundation for their confidence. Theyt don’t have anything substantial to point to as proof they know what they’re doing. Kiffin didn’t win in Oakland, didn’t win much in Tenn, got into all kinds of trouble with the NCAA, nd left Tenn in the dust and took his assistant caches with him. One of the most UNETHICAL things I have EVER seen in ALL THESE YEARS of watching college footabll.

So glad Tenn got them a substance guy. You can’t buy ehtics. Ethics are the foundation for a great program. A venture capitalist would never invest in a guy without impeccable ehtics. Kiffin would never get a dime. It would go to the Dooley’s of the world. Ethics mean people can trust you to do what you say you’ll do.

A guy like Pete Carroll had substance AND style, so you CAN HANE BOTH, but style without substance is hot air.

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Sing with me now….

Rocky Flop
You will always be
the underachiever of the SEC
good ol Rocky Flp
Rocky flop Ten u see…

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Lame, they are Orange and you sir are a disgrace.

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I am so glad BAMA will win the majority of recruiting battles in a head to head against Tenn.

It is hard for UGA fans to go against DOOLEY…………………………Only due to their loyalty to Vince. Look in the mirror and admit that you sweated more when KIFFIN was there. KIFFIN was hated, but he would have taken TENN towards the top.

The most hated coaches are the ones that WIN. SABAN, and MEYER.

DOOLEY is a feel good story for UGA. Vince’s son makes good

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Tony You got it right.Good for Dooley and good for Tenn.I’m not particularly a Tenn Fan but darned if I wanted to see a great and honorable program go to pot,which it was real fast.Also, good for Cutcliff–there are some coaches out there with some class ,aren’t there.HE’S NOT FINISHED AT DUKE.Good for him and good for Duke and good for college football.GO JACKETS

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Hey 01 Hawk, I didn’t know anyone hated your coaches there buddy boy. Everyone dislike the antics of Kid Rock Kiffin. It is the fact that he is gone from the SEC that we should all be happy about. Who knows what waits for UT from the NCAA after Kool and the Gang left. We will all know, I hope that it is not much, but time will tell.

The two coaches which you mention are liked not hated. Kiffin was hated for the disgust he brought to the conference and the the UT. Let’s be glad that they hired somone with integrity, born in traditon and with a solid head on his shoulders.

Farewill balloon boy kiffin, may the force be with you.

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Like Barney said about Earnst T. Bass, he would say the same about Kiffin. “He’s a Nut”.

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Sorry Earnest ( should have checked my spelling)

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Good luck Tennessee—except when playing the Dawgs.

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The only thing I will miss about Lane Kiffin is his WIFE!!!! Hey Lane, hope you are happy at USC but send Layla back!!!!!!

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It’s been a LONG time since I’ve seen this much spin on a coach with a 17-20 record as a H/C. C’mon, Tony, you know the business of college football. All this blather about “tradition” means what exactly if this guy doesn’t win and win big? This is a textbook “old boy network hire”. Now Dooley may end up wildly successful, time will tell. But all this blather over his education, his grooming, his family tree, his allegedly impeccable character is hilarious. This guy isn’t the crown prince, or a political candidate. He’s a head football coach. And all those sterling qualities you’re gushing over won’t win him a single college football game.

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After the way that Fulmer screwed over Majors to get the job in the first place in addition to the allegedly unethical shenanigans he got into with Alabama recruiting, I don’t know if he belongs on that list with the others. Regardless though, I think Derek Dooley is just the right kind of pick that UT needs about now. This will probably be the hire that makes or breaks Mike Hamilton’s future in Knoxville.

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Wow! Poor UT! He may be a good guy, but is he a good coach? 17-20? Without the Dooley name and the panicking UT administration, he never gets this opportunity. I guees many times when you err in one direction, you overcompensate in the other. Looks like the case here.

It looks like the SEC is keeping it in the family again.

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VOLS ARE CLASSLESS………………………………..Had a plane in Ruston La already when they interviewed KIPPY BROWN. Token interview to a minority.

I will pull against UT even if you play Southern Cal. I hope USC destroys UT if they play.

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UT loses another RECRUIT. I LOVE THIS NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!

Cross Markeith Ambles off Tennessee’s official visitors list.

Ambles’ mother told the News Sentinel that her son will not be visiting Knoxville or anywhere else this weekend.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound receiver from Henry County High School in McDonough, Ga., was scheduled to be one of UT’s six official visitors this weekend.

Ambles has been committed to UT since July, but has expressed interest in other schools, including Southern California, where Lane Kiffin left UT for earlier this week.

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LP;

Fight On!! As for this comment: “show a complete lack of perspective (holy smokes…it’s not life or death…it’s football)…” Shows you really don’t understand SEC football or the fanbase. I have had the pleasure of living in the South; I miss it dearly and would gladly return if the right opportunity presents itself. UNTIL then I slug it out each and every day like the other 1.75 million cars on the 405 to go back and forth to work.
SEC football isn’t life and death, it’s BIGGER than that! This recent turn of events reminded me of that. Sorry guys, I guess all this smog has clouded my judgement. My good friend shane #1 (True we’ve never actually meat, but I still condsider him a friend none the less) has always shown me hospitality as Southerners are well known for and reminded me from time to time that I needed to channel Coach Carroll and catch a cool breeze. LP you may have never been to a game in an SEC stadium, I have; on a few occasions and I can say with out a doubt they were some of the greatest experiences I have ever had as a College Football Fan irregardless of the team I was rooting for.
I am first and foremost a FAN of College Football, yes USC is my favorite team; but I also enjoy what other outstanding programs have achieved and applaud them for it. I am not ashamed to admitt that I am quickly becoming a FAN of SEC football. I’ve always has great respect for the SEC, now I’m finding myself becoming a fan too. I don’t have a particular horse in the race (yet) and know that will fly in the face of most on this forum but I can live with that. In time, especially if I do re-locate, then I am sure I’ll pick a team and fall in love as all SEC fans have with their respective school & team.

shane #1; if you’re reading this, I am interested in that real estate you talked about a while back!

LP;
I hope this little note helps you better understand the SEC fanbase and their level of “interest” in their teams.

Fight On!!

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As a Bama fan, I hated to see young Kiffin leave Knoxville. I don’t look forward to respecting UT again. I have been able to avoid that for the past two decades.

On the other hand, watching the Trojans melt down under the leadership of the “Boy Wonder” will be an adequate replacement schadenfreude.

RTR!!!

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HEY SC RULES-IT MAY NOT BE LIFE OR DEATH IN CALIFORNIA BUT FOOTBALL IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT IN THE DEEP SOUTH.ENJOY PROBATION.

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Billy Jack…you’re CAPS-LOCK key is on.

TrueCrimson,

Why can’t I post my opinions of CFB on a CFB blog? I would think that would be the most appropriate place to post.

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Tennessee’a AD contacted many good coaches around the country seeking their interest in the HC job at Tennessee. Many of these coaches (pussies) had no desire to come to the SEC and play Richt, Saban, Spurrier, and Myer every year. I am thankful that Dooley was MAN enough to accept the challenge. As for all you Kippy Brown lovers, the reason Kippy was not hired was that he represents the old Fulmer ways. If Hamilton wanted to hire Kippy, he might as well have brought back Fulmer. One reason Kippy has never been a head coach is his attitude. Today, he packed his bags and left Tennessee angry because he was not selected. He’s on his way to Seattle.

Given time, Dooley will do well at Tennessee. I just hope you Dawg fans realize what a good coach you have in Richt and I hope you never have to endure the events that went on in Knoxville this week. I say: Go Vols! Go Dawgs! A bad day in Georgia or Tennessee is much better than a good day in Gatorville! gators suck!

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As a FL grad, I think this is a good hire for UT. As much as I hate UT, it’s a sports hate–not a real hate. And, it was actually disconcerting to see the sad, sell-your-soul 14 months that constituted the Lane Kiffen era.

If I had to listen to Kiffen’s revisionist spin one more time about how the controversy was all part of his plan to raise the profile for UT, I think I would have vomited. When he was fired by Al Davis, and Al had the bizarro press conference where he referred to Kiffen as a liar, I thought what a train wreck, good for Kiffen for getting out of there and that Al was entering Howard Hughes territory for weirdness. Who knew that Al had it cold?

There is still a difference in this country between fame and notoriety. And going the latter route, while possibly bringing short term success, will always be counter-productive in the end. Good for UT.

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Dooley is another version of Kiffin without the blowhorn. Tennessee went for another pretty face and last name. Let’s be honest, if his last name wasn’t Dooley, he wouldn’t be under consideration after going 4-8 in 2009. Tennessee rushed to make this hire to save its recruiting class and should have been trying to make the right hire. His hire does not strike any fear in Bama or Florida — 2 programs that Tennessee has to play ever year and that are a combined 47-1 in the last 2 regular seasons. Dooley was average in the WAC — a conference dominated by Chris Petersen and Boise State. In my opinion, Randy Edsall, Skip Holtz, and Larry Fedora would have been better hires.

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I can understand the Tennessee fans disappointment tha Lane Kiffin left for USC but i can’t understand the backlash and anger that is coming his way from the national media. Yes UT is a top 10 coaching position in college football but this man left for his dream job. He has spent the last 7 years in California and to him USC is the premier job in college football. I’m sure he didn’t mean to disrespect the VOL nation in leaving but how often does your dream job get offered to you..

That being said, i do think the way that he handled the recruiting issue was completely unethical. Offering recruits to come to USC that were being recruited on Tennessee’s dime is outright criminal.

I for one am glad to see both of the Kiffin’s and Orgeron go. They were going to be a thorn in UGA’s side. Say what you want to but Monte can coach a great defense and Lane and Orgeron can flat out recruit. I don’t feel the same way about Dooley.

I think Dooley will be a decent coach at UT but i don’t worry about him jumping over UGA like i did with Kiffin. It wasn’t so much CLK that i was worried about it was more CMK and CEO

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Well said TressellFan…………………………Rushed hire, even if you lose a few recruits, he should have never been hired. Was this their best choice. If it was, it will set them back for many years. They could have done alot better, but I am happy to see a mediocre coach come to a rival school.

I think it was a great hire for SABAN.

SABAN must be laughing all the way home.

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01hawk,

Coach Saban wouldn’t be worried EVEN if Coach Carroll had been hired by UT. He knows he is a great coach with a winning track record who can AND does prepare young men to get too the next level. This is what made Coach Carroll such a great recruiter at SC; he knew he had what was needed to get these guys to their objective.

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LP – Like Barney said “He’s a Nut”.

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Great article Tony! As a Dawg fan and a big Vince Dooley supporter I’m excited that Derek is getting this chance at Tennessee. I wish him the best of luck except when they play the Dawgs every year. The most refreshing thing about all of this is the overwhelming support that most of the Tennessee supporters seem to have for this hire. It speaks volumes about what they should expect and want in a coach representing there University.

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Heard Dooley many times on the Tim Brando Show. He will lead UT the right way and win games. n fact I’m more scared of him at UT rather than LK.

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on behalf of many, many loyal La Tech fans I would like to extend my thanks to the University of Tennessee for hiring Derick Dooley. His record while at La Tech speaks for itself. Good luck to the Vols in the future. You are going to need it.

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David Cook from Post Trace back in the 90’s?

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What’s really funny is how Tennessee is so mad at Lane Kiffin for leaving them for USC but they didn’t care if Cutcliffe left Duke in a bind when they were talking to him about becoming their HC…Why would it have been different Cutcliffe leaving Duke after two yearS as opposed to CLK leaving UT after 1 year. I think they really got what they deserved for treating Fulmer and Chavis badly.

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LP: You just don’t get it? Until you have actually experienced a SEC big time rival game in the Fall, you really have no way of knowing what the heck we are talking about. I think SCRules understands that 90K+ in Sanford, Bryant-Denny, Knoxville, LSU’s Death Valley, Jordan Hare, or the Swamp, is a whole lot different experience than your PAC10 venues.

You should give it a try sometime…you’ll have a blast!

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Tony, you hit the nail on the head and I think UT goofed their way into an very good coach.

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He’ll fit right in, in the SEC, if he’s as ethically challenged as his Dad.

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The way UT guys are engaging in felony robberies and gun charges, the availability of an attorney as the head coach is a great move. Versatility of occupation.

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Making partner at King and Spalding is tough, especially when you don’t work there. Derek was an associate at a different firm if my memory serves me correctly, but you’re the journalist so my memory must be failing me again. I assume you wouldn’t have said he was at a firm he was not actually working for.

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my my. I guess wins and losses don’t matter in hiring, USC didn’t mind a loser, UT doesn’t mind a loser. Both of them have “name” fathers who got them where they are (and Vince was only good during the Walker years). They certanly didn’t do it on merit

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Why is this a good/great hire?? This guy hasn’t won any games of substance? Why caus e his was a TE coach(lowest position on the staff) with Saban? Cause Will Mushcham recommended him?? What will make a Blue chip recruit come to Tennessee for Dooley and his La Tech Asst coaches??

No, minorities good enough to coach at Tennessee? Unfreakinbelievable

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great hire! saban will clobber his cat for years. RTR.

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GR82BAG8R;

We will be more than happy to have y’all sign up for a game or two!! Even IF y’all did wait ’till after Pete left the building! We’re more than willing and we’ll be more than ready, quit singing it and start bringing it! Game On!!!
Seriously though, it would be one heck of a game if we could get the two teams together. What about that game to start the season that y’all in the SEC have had with the ACC in the ATL??? What better stage to hold it other than the BCS NC game??

Fight On!!

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Well I’ll try to post this again…I don’t believe the stigma of Lane Kiffin will truly be gone until UT does away with the A.D. This is the guy that hired the Idiot and worse, stood by as he rode roughshod over the program and the proud Tennessee traditions. From what I can gather, he did nothing as LK made mis statements and embarrassed the program and committed multiple violations. I’ll tell you what, national championships or no national championships, if Urban Meyer had pulled those shenanigans and said those things, Jeremy Foleys foot would have been halfway down Urbans throat. No excuse for allowing your coach to make a mockery out of your institution…

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SC Rules!!!: The USC/UCLA Game in the Coliseum is on my “to do” list! I’m sure it is quit a spectacle when the Trojans and Traveler come on to the field to the “Fight On”. Tons of tradition and history, for sure!

A few years ago, I was in line with this UCLA guy at the beer store and he was POd that he was stuck in ATL on business for that game. He told me ALL about it.

I did go to the UGA/ASU game in Tempe, and that was pretty cool….not quit SEC, but still fun!

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Buckhead Bulldog;

I think you’ll enjoy the festivities of that little get together we have each year!! The ND game is another that is worth the price of admission.
I won’t go so far as to say that the SC/UCLA games compare to UF vs. UT or AU vs. ‘BAMA as that would be disingenuous on my part but we have one of the better rivalries going. This one is about a personal as it gets.
As for the pagentry and history, watching Traveler doing laps is cool as is the planting of the sword by Tomy Trojan before kick off. Oh, and lest I forget; the World famous USC Song Girls!!! (They have their own website) The sight of seeing them doing their kick routines and the famous “V” for victory cheer is pricelss! Oh, and after the game is over is when the REAL festivities start. The band and the Song Girls stay to perform for about an extra half hour or more. The routines they do then are unreal. Check out YouTube.

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Oh yeah, thinking back about that UCLA dude at the beer store in ATL… he did like you guys at all. USC this, USC that….Univ. Of Spoiled Children. Blah, blah- blah. How UCLA was part of the Cal-system and USC was private…on and on he went. I think he had a little buzz going on at the time and was just rambling….pretty entertaining, though.

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This mirrors our situation at GA Southern back when Mike Sewak was fired, and Brian Van Gorder came in to coach in 2006. He changed our identity like Kiffin did at UT, and the disaster ended with BVG resigning after 1 bad season..Since then we have been struggling to regain that edge and return to the top of our conference. Coach Dooley will have his chance, but 3 years will be it…..

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Tennessee is also Tee Martin…they did name a street after him as well.

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Great article, and great hire by the Vols. I remember watching Derek play receiver in Sanford Stadium for UVA against his Dad’s Bulldogs. It was surreal and will be again when he returns to Sanford Stadium to coach the Vols. The Vols will benefit from a coach who was raised by an old school coach. My guess is Derek, like his Dad, will place a premium on discipline, focus, a hard nosed defense and a ground pounding running game. I bet his players wont be dancing to rap music while losing the ball game. College football could do without the MTV/ NFL show boating and use more old school coaching. .

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Tennessee fans may be a little nervous about this hire, but those of us who admire his father know that he has the right stuff to succeed..he has the bloodlines…he even has the studious angle that Vince brought with him from Auburn. (he was known as a history expert).Under DD, it wont take long for UT to get back to their late 1990s level.

Throw in Pearl and the amazing Coach Summitt and UT’s stable of major sports coaches is as good ad anyone.

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Vol Master: I do agree that Dooley will be a much greater threat to recruiting then Kiffin was in ATL, Georgia and the SE in general. Obviously, only time will tell if that turns into Ws. Good luck! I’m firm believer in the saying “a rising tide lifts all boats”.

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Vol Master…you sound just like an old Lane Kiffin kool-aid drinker. What next??…”Fear the Dooley!”?? Man, some of you guys will NEVER learn!

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one Great thing about the Dooley hire..he will put CLASS back into UT football program that Lame Flippin was trying to take away..for personal gain of course..

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One of the best articles I’ve seen from you Tony!

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Where is the substance? You did not even talk about any of his prior jobs. You did not mention his W-L record as a head coach. You did not mention how good of a recruiter he has been.

Other than being the son of a great coach, I really do not see what substance he brings to the table.

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When did Peyton Manning coach at Tennessee? He didn’t win them a National Title. Tee Martin led them to the national title, but just like Kippy Brown was blatantly overlooked. Wonder why?

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Terrible Hire. I don’t trust anyone that had a losing record at a low level school like Louisiana Tech. I predict at least 3 consecutive losing seasons

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As a Bama fan this hire will make it hard to hate UT, phat phil and the “lame” one was too easy. I watched DD’s team several times the past two seasons and was very impressed the way he coached and his team played. They had a bad year but a ton of injuries will do that. Maybe the train wreck left the station before getting UT on probation.

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You can write volumes about the Lane Kiffin hire and his short stay with the Vols, but when all is said and done, he’s a classless Buffoon!

And, Crazy Al Davis has been wrong about 10,000 things, but I believe he was right when he said, “Kiffin is a liar.”

So, with Kiffin gone, there’s only one way for the Vols to go and that’s up. I wish Dooley and the Vols well.

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I’m listening to the Vol fans for what they think…we have a number of non Vol fans seemly shaking in their shoes….if I’m a Bama or Gator and I thank the Lord above every night that I’m not..I’m just watching how this plays outs..quietly the young man is 17-20 at La Tech but took them to their 1st bowl in what forever? So its a mixed bag…but better than a losing record in the pros where you get canned after 1 year..honestly if the Lammer hadn’t brought Daddy with him could they have gotten to 7-5..really what does UT have to lose..if Dooley shows in a couple of years that he can’t get the job done..well the program can’t be in any worse shape that it was at the beginning of last week. Really all of you Bama and Gator fans… if your so sure your going to be unstoppable why all the angst ?? All this we have done this and done that? What is up about that..we know we get it so why the blog by blog history lessons…unless you remember that your in the SEC and the rest of the league is not shaking in their little booties and you can’t blog your way to the promised land and laddies we are all licking our lips waiting for next season..man come on spring ball !

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Has anyone mentioned Mike Shula yet? This hire has a Mike Shula feel to it? But good luck to him anyway.

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Did Mike Shula have head coaching experience before Bama? If not, I think that is a big difference. Plus, I’m not convinced Shula would not have grown into the job if given the chance.

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Derek Dooley = Mike Shula
Here is a question, if Derek Dooley was that great of a coach, why didn’t his alma mater hire him last month? I never heard Derek Dooley name mentioned as a possibility at the Virginia job.
He went 5-8 in first year, 8-5 in second season and 4-8 in third year. LA Tech had its worst year under Dooley when his first recruiting class were juniors. That is never a good sign when the guys you have recruited have their worst season. s
Mike Hamilton panic after getting turned down an, hired a guy with a known last name. I agree with most people, if his name wasn’t Dooley and you are a Tennessee fan looking at his resume, you would be saying “WTF?”
Hamilton should have given the job to Kippy Brown on an interim basis to hold the ship together and started fresh after the season.

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He is a class guy and will bring stability to Tennessee. But UT might, and I mean might, have hired the “last name” instead of the ability to coach (see Clemson and Auburn: Bowden. See Alabama: Shula)

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Dawg realist;

“Tennessee fans: before lane kiffin ditched them for usc, he was brash, bringing “new life” to Tennessee, putting them back on the map, getting “national attention.” The moment he leaves, he is now a classless jerk, an arrogant SOB, blah, blah, blah!! Funny how perceptions change overnight”

HOW VERY TRUE!! Funny how when the shoe is on the other foot it is all of a sudden covered in dog sh!t, yet when you’re the one wearing it (VOL FAN) it looks “cool” (????) sorry but your lack of logic on this one is un-defensible.

Personally, I like very much the group of assistants he’s been able to gather for the SC job, but I am not now, nor ever was a fan of him. We will fight on!

WE ARE SC!!!

p.s. Buckhead bulldog, search youtube (Song Girls) several hundred vids of past performances both on the sidelines and at celeb functions around L.A.

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People, you forget about Cutcliffe’s health problems and his age. Why in the world would he want to take the UT job with all the attention and pressures that go with it? Heck yeah, I’d stay at Duke as well! He would have been GREAT for UT, but he doesn’t need that at this point, not to mention his relationship with Fulmer. Figure it out!

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[...] Dooley hire a triumph of substance over style (Tony Barnhart) [...]

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45-42

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From a Bama fan.

I think UT just made a great hire. It is a bit controversial, but so what? There were plenty of doubters when Auburn hired Chizik, There are plenty of believers now.

I love the Bama-UT rivalry. I think it used to be one of the more intense, but classy rivalries in sports. Here’s hoping that we can recapture that somehow.

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[...] after begin given a token interview) should have been Tennessee’s hire.One man who’s A-OK with the hire of Dooley is Tony Barnhart of The AJC.According to Mr. Barnhart, Dooley might hit “some rough [...]

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Yellow Fuzz good to see you, its only been since November? How many GT QBs can count to 4?

Why is it that Cutcliffe had class for turning UT down? He did take the interview from what I understand or was interested. So he turned it down due to something UT was not offering or someone tied to the Athletic Department.

Dooley is a great hire, sure he was 17-20 but what was LA Tech before he arrived? Dooley did get La Tech’s first bowl win in 20 years.

Smart more qualified? He has not even fielded a press conference. Dooley was Saban’s recruiting Coordinator at LSU and went to Miami with Saban. Then Dooley struck it out on his own and made it to HC and AD. Seems Dooley is more his own man than Smart.

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great hire for Tennessee and the SEC. way to go Vols!

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I am very saddened by this hire. Dooley may be a nice guy, but I wonder how he will do in the recruiting arena. He sort of reminds me of the door to door salesman who knocks on a door and says ‘You don’t want to buy any of these, do you?’ I was really hoping for an orange blooded type such as Darrel Dickey, but who cares what I think?

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If this kid coaches half as hard as he played, the SEC better watch out…

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Here is the substance:
1. his last name is Dooley
2. he is a UGA gradate, so must be good
3. he is a good looking guy
4. he can talk like a lawyer

Here is the style:
1. he wins 17-20 record
2. he is head coach in a small college

Yes, its a triumph of substance over style.

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Mark,

Assuming Dooley coaches as hard as he plays we can assume it still wasn’t good enough given his 17-20 record and last year 4-8. And you’re saying the SEC better “watch out”. What are you smoking dude?

JB,

Wrong. LA Tech is not a sacrificial lamb for BCS schools. They play AU, LSU, next year out of conference but its not as if they play national powers week in and week out. They still play Nicholls state Div. 2, Utah State, New Mexico state, San Jose St, Idaho,etc. The point is that Louisiana is an extremely talent rich state even if La Tech is the little brother there. The talent level is far and away superior to that of similar talent in the states they play against such as New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, etc.

There is absolutely no excuse for fielding 4-8 teams given the statue of the teams in their conference. A coach there should minimally have 7-9 wins year in and year out based on talent level alone over the weak sisters of the western athletic conference.

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SEC fan, The state of Louisiana is not that talent rich. LSU has to recruit Texas to stay competitive in the SEC. Louisiana also has 5 D1 programs to support, LSU, Tulane, UL La., UL Mo, and La Tech. 4-8 is better than the team he took over and again Dooley did win a Bowl at La Tech something that had not been done in 20 yrs.

The question is how much control over the staff does Dooley have?

Multiple rumors have it that Cutcliff turned down the job due to having to retain certain coaches, which is not hard to believe since he was fired from Ole Miss for refusing to fire coaches.

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Baton Rouge is LSU not Tech. In any event Texas is still close to Tech as well.

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Tennessee asked for all these problems when they fired the greatest coach they’ve had since Neyland! Bad karma is all over UT. Don’t expect young Dooley to turn it around is less than 3 seasons.

PS. Fulmer is the only coach to win a national championship at Tennessee in my lifetime and I am not a young man!

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UT Lane Kiffin Hire

A Triumph of a lack of intelligence over mountain folk

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SEC fan, La Tech was also a D2 school when Bradshaw was there.

Wrong recruiting Texas is key to LSU success and Dooley was Saban’s Recruiting Coord. UGA typically signs far fewer players from Florida than LSU does from Texas. There is also a big gap between those top few and LA.

La Tech is also North La. which is considered redneck to many Baton Rouge South more considered Arkansas than La. Also the talent rich area of the state is in the southern area with UL La, Tulane, and LSU.

2nd in the state? IMO Tulane squarely has that honor, the record, and continued time in D1 to argue the point.

At any rate Dooley had a great 2nd year maybe the best since La Tech turned 1A for the 2nd time. 4 0f the 8 losses were by 10 or less to some good teams. Chizik did worse and is progressing just fine at Auburn.

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Has anyone stated the obvious? What if Dooley beat Ga on a regular basis and TN does well for the next 6-7 years? Who do you think is going to come calling? Hint: Athens GA area code. How is Dooley going to say no to Georgia? Back to square one.

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I am from Atlanta,went to high school and college there and have watched UGA football and Ga Tech football growing up and remember when Wally Butts and Bobby Dodd coached. I remember when Ga Tech bolted from the SEC( bad mistake) and it has costed them dearly over the years and they are just now comming back. I moved to Knoxville with my job in 1980 and became a UT fan and a season ticket holder and I still have my tickets. I have watched Tenn. football for all these years and one thing I can tell you about UT fans. They will support Coach Dooley passionately because they want to him to be successful. They supported Kiffin even though many of them did not like some of the things he did or the way he was as a person and I promise you they will support Coach Dooley because I believe he is a better person.Lane Kiffin needs to understand there are some things in life you just don’t do no matter how much you may want another job or more money. It has to to with character and how you approach things when a lot of other people are involved. Good article Tony. I will be looking foward to watching Talking Football again this year.Good hire for the long run for UT.

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Coach O,

Yep. I would agree that Dooley’s hire reminds me much of the Mike Shula hire. Good guy. Says all the right things. And of course much more football knowledge than anyone on this blog. But still way in over his head. Dooley is going to be going head to head against Saban, Meyer, Richt,etc. Just really hard for me to see him winning any recruiting or on the field battles against guys like that. Still an upgrade over the idiot though.

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I’m glad Derek “he’s his own man” Dooley got his mother’s permission to go into coaching (when he was 27 years old). As someone who’s more partial to UGA and GT [and of course Auburn], I’m also glad that he’ll do for Tennessee what he did for Louisiana Tech. Vols, get used to another half decade or so of mediocrity.

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Shug…just a minute there my friend…last year La Tech lost 7 out of eight games to teams that went to Bowl games…played Auburn,Boise,and LSU among others…I got a feeling he may really pan out..his resume is much better than the Lammer’s coming into UT.

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VolinNY couldn’t agree more best of luck except against UGA !

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Vol Maniac,

What kinda koolaid you drinkin? “Dooley knows football” Apparently not too much. He went 17-20 and 4-8 last year. And a moron like you thinks he knows football. He’ll be beating Bama and Florida on a regular basis with all the 5 star talent he’ll bring in? Say again? He’s going to outrecruit Nick Saban and Urban Meyer? 2 guys who have 2 BCS championships each. Vince Dooley is in his 80s, never was much of a coach anyway save for the 3 Herschel years, and he’s more concerned with his passion of gardening and his prize winning rose bushes than anything else. The man hasn’t even coached in 20 something years and an idiot like you thinks he can just step in at 80 and help his son. Man are you stupid as are all these vol fans who think you can hang with Bama or Florida. Keep dreaming and keep drinking that kool aid loser. At least you can look forward to beating the dogs but Bama and Florida. That’s big boy football son. And UT won’t be ready for that kinda football for half a decade. This guy aint got what it takes. End of story.

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Reality Check – Man I am sorry Coach Dooley benched you. You know nothing about what you are talking about. Dooley is in the Hall of Fame, I guess that committee should have asked you. And you showed your ignorance by talking about Derek Dooley being 17 and 20. That is a pretty darn good record considering the shape of La Tech football before he took over. You don’t always judge a coach by wins and losses. A true fan that has alittle knowledge of the game knows what kind of job he has done. As far as Coach Vince Dooley, I watched him beat a Number 1 Texas team in the Cotton Bowl in a game everyone said the Dawgs had no chance of winning. That is just one of many that he won when Herschel wasn’t around. And when he was around he was smart enough to give it to him 25 to 30 times a game. Why don’t you go fine your daddy, Michael Adams, and go up North somewhere. You ain’t Georgians!

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Vince Dooley is a legend, of course, and the family tree and pedigree are certainly difficult to ignore (particularly with recruits hanging in the balance). However, the head coaching position in Knoxville, I fear, is simply too much too soon for the younger Dooley – and seemingly not the right fit for his background and resume. Derek Dooley is someone who strikes me as being on a “GM” or “AD” track. I’m sure he wants to get this out of his system (fathers and sons… enough said). In the end, however, I would be stunned if he is a long-term solution for Tennessee as a head coach…

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Good hire for the Vols, Kiffin would have landed them on probation and wasn’t going to win the SEC anytime soon. DD will need some time to undo the damage, put his own staff/systems in place and build up the program. Of course if they lose to a Wyoming at home … they’ll be burning matresses in Knoxville and chanting Kiffin or worse. Good luck coach Dooley! Go Gators!

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Dooley’s record at LaTech isn’t bad at all when you consider the level of talent he’s had to work with. I’m sure he has forgotten more about football that you’ll ever know.
As far as his father, go do some homework and subtract those “3 Herschel years” you referenced from Dooley’s record and you STILL have an impressive body of work that most coaches and schools would envy. Vince Dooley was–and is a legend in college football.

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Dawg fans don’t care what Vince thinks…

They just don’t want to get on the wrong side of Barbara.

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The vols will beat Georgia and Florida—bank on it. With Dooley in charge, richt and meyer will be looking up, wondering what happened. The vols are back!

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Well, looks like the Decory Bryant case just got a lot more interesting.

Seems a Texas State District Judge just ruled that Texas Tech University…DOES NOT…have the “Sovereign Immuity” protection of the State of Texas which would have protected Texas Tech against a lawsuit in the case of Mike Leach vs. Texas Tech. That means Leach can now LEGALLY & DIRECTLY sue Texas Tech University and the Texas Teach Athletic Association.

The Clarke County Judge recently dismissed the Bryant vs UGA-AA case on the same dubious
(and fradulent) “Soveriegn Immunity” basis.

As a legally distinct, revenue-generating, non-profit corporation, the UGA-AA is not “an arm of the State’ and protected by “Sovereign Immunity” as the Clarke County Judge described. The State of Texas just trashed any argument or legal basis of “Sovereign Immunity.”

The Bryant case will now has LEGAL PRCEDENT to move forward and strip the UGA-AA of any legal protection under the bogus “Sovereign Immunity” defense.

Texas just GUARANTEED that the UGA-AA will lose the Bryant case.

And, the UGA-AA is going to lose: HUGE !!

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Not a bad hire…..not bad at all….wait and see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The thinking here is the SEC has found its Buffalo Bills, and Buffalo may have found its new publicist. Tennessee has just had its “Titanic” moment, when the captain asks his lookout what that dark shape is off the starboard bow, and Mr. Barnhart steps forward to announce the ship is pulling alongside because the bar was running short on ice.

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He’s no Tommy West.

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The sport is played on the amateur level by high schools, colleges, other groups, and, since 1936, by national teams in the Olympic Games. It also is played by professional athletes, notably in the United States and Europe. The foremost championships contended for are those of the National Basketball Association (U.S. professionals), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (U.S. colleges), and the Olympic Games.
http://www.bestnewarticlesonline.com/

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Good article. Derek seems like a very good man. However, that is not a prerequisite for being a head coach in the SEC. If it was– we’d have at least 3 new head coaches next year.

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Tony,

I would like to see you devote a blog to answering “Michael Smith”’s question from January 16th, 2010 7:21 am. Specifically, when is it ever ethical or showing integrity to leave a head coaching job prior to the end of a contract? I know that legally coaches can (they usually have buy out clauses), but I too am interested in how can it ever be justified. Start from the premise that the coach has NOT told either his recruits or players that he is planning to or considering leaving.

But, I don’t just want your off the cuff opinion. I would like for you to interview AD’s, coaches and players (don’t mean to sound like your assignment editor, lol). This topic deserves dicussion. I find it hypocritcal when commentators condemn certain coaches for leaving (e.g. the Cinncinati coach going to ND or Lane Kiffin leaving Tenn for USC) but then suggesting current coaches as replacements for same. Not saying you did this, but it happens all the time.

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“Specifically, when is it ever ethical or showing integrity to leave a head coaching job prior to the end of a contract?”

That would be when the university fires the coach. Loyalty, it seems, is a one way street for many fans.

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P.S. Very good article Tony

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Dooley probably got the job because of his dad. I think the job is to big for him. You can’t win in the SEC just because your dad is Vince. His record is not exactly brilliant. I hope I am wrong, nice guy.

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“Actually he has done a lot more than his Daddy did when UGA turned the reins over to him. That worked out OK.”

I am so tired of people throwing his Dad’s name out there. He is not a clone of his father. Just because his dad was a good coach there is no guarantee that he will be. He has proven nothing. He has a worse winning percentage at La Tech then the coach before him. He was .44 and the guy before him was .45. So he made an already terrible WAC team worse. What a coaching career. You can always judge a coach by how they do compared to the coach before them and Derek failed that test.
The fact that your dad was a great coach is not a part of your resume. IT WAS HIS DAD, NOT HIM.

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David

January 26th, 2010
8:51 am

Dooley probably got the job because of his dad. I think the job is to big for him. You can’t win in the SEC just because your dad is Vince. His record is not exactly brilliant. I hope I am wrong, nice guy.

I’m amazed that a Tennessee fan would say something like this about Dooley immediately after Kiffin Junior’s departure. The Vols are lucky that he agreed to take the job. He’s the best coach you could have gotten under the circumstances — regardless of who his Daddy happens to be.

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8 wins and Vandy will win 10. Very wishful thinking. We know very little about his man’s ability to be successful and we won’t know for a minimum of 3 years. Vol nation needs to be patient.

I do think it was important to hire someone with HC experience. The SEC is not the best conference for on the job training. Good luck.

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“Former UGA defensive lineman Chris Terry arrested in Kentucky.”

Once a thug, always a thug. No end to it, is there?

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is a Jihad a holy war..??? or a dude from Saudi Arabia..???

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What has happened in CFB in the past ten days that warrants discussion?

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Mat-T,

“At the end of the day Dooley should do great things” ? Are you serious? Going up against Saban, Meyer, Spurrier, and a lot of other good seasoned coaches. Are you kidding? This kid is in way over his head and got the job because of his name. His 4-8 record last year and 17-20 overall record speaks for itself. You guys are sunk for the next 5 years. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

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I’m bringing my 4-8 record last year to UT and I will rule! We will improve to at least 5-7. Book it!!!!!

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Off topic, the Hershel MMA photos are disturbing. Really – this is what a Heisman winner becomes? Someone to flaunt in front of the public…. to watch pummel an obvious patsy?

I hope Tebow never does anything like this (not worried that he will).

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It’s great that Jeff Whitaker just chose Auburn over the dogs. Rumour has it that Outback Steakhouse gave him a lot of gift certificates to chose them. And lastly, and almost as funny, is that Miami was actually his second choice ahead of his home state school. Told you everyone is SICK of the obnoxiuos dog fans. Nobody wants to be playing and see half of the stadium get up and leave in the 4th qtr when your down by six points! Hahhahahahahaha

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Hey, T, What do you think about Andy Staples’ column on SI.com about Obama and the DOJ going after the BCS as violators of antitrust law? Should we get our hopes up only to have the presidents of the universities shoot them down again? Or is this different as Staples seems to argue?

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Now if I can just get Georgia to hire a head coach of substance we can begin the rebuilding process instead of waiting another year. Its really painful to sit through these underachieving years.

Let get a new head coach and get started now!

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Tony, I am a Vols fan living in Ga and have read your articles for a long time. This is one of your better ones. Dooley is exactly what Tn needs right now and the way I see it we were lucky to have gotten him. Everyone won’t agree with me but time will tell and I believe he is going to do well at Tn and will find himself a home there. He will have a better 1st year than Kiffin had.

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Write something else, or take your headline off the site. We’re all getting tired of seeing the same thing for almost 3 weeks. This is a NEWspaper!!!!

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How many months is the AJC going to leave this up? This topic is so old it’s growing mold……..

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we won the Shreveport bowl and then recruited accordingly.

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Will Derek set up a “developmental studies program” like Vince did so that UT can admit morons and illiterates? Inquiring minds are wondering…

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Dagny,

Hahahaha. You guys will just wear down the guy that follows Richt. When are you AH’s gonna figure it out, the problem is YOU the fan base!

How many recruits and potential defensive coordinators have to tell you no before you realize your program ain’t that attractive any more. Instead of uncondintional support, now you guys criticize every wrong decision they make and even file for the exits early. Life is short. Who needs you azzholes anyhow.

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Tony….Its time for a NEW REPORT! This is old News.

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Tony,
Do you retract this article after the shady recruitment of Darick Rogers & Nash Nance..? I would if i were you and if you dug into this situation at all…tks.

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I’m just glad AJC is keeping this 3-week-old article linked on the front page of the ’sports’ section. It’s just great to read this article every day.

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How did Da’Rick Rogers end up with a brand new car after switching to Tennessee on signing day?

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Typing fast and not proof-reading is bad(!)

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Tony, wake up!!

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Hey, Tony. When are you going to write a new column?

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