Lane Kiffin may get the last laugh
We all know the Hollywood saying “Any publicity is good publicity.”
Could this apply to Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin? Is this his “secret” recruiting strategy? In the end, will Kiffin get the last laugh on his detractors? It sounds ridiculous, until you look at everything strictly from the standpoint of recruiting.
Brief recap: Kiffin has appeared to set a Guinness world record for “ticking off the most SEC coaches in the shortest span.” Barely two months on the job at Rocky Top, Kiffin has taken shots at Florida, Alabama and Georgia. He made the biggest news with “cheating accusations” toward Florida’s Urban Meyer, coach of the reigning BCS champions.
One could say (and many are outside of the Orange Nation) that “never before has a coach been this brash, this bold, this quickly … without coaching his first college game.” And that was the PG-13 version of summing up public opinion. Kiffin’s moves appear to be reckless and out of control.
However, from a recruiting standpoint, Kiffin’s comments appear to be calculated and (yikes) brilliant. Think about it for a moment. Where does Tennessee get most of its football recruits? It’s not the state of Tennessee, and never has been. The Volunteers traditionally recruit very well in surrounding states, including Georgia and … yes, you guessed it … Florida, which is arguably the nation’s most fertile ground for college prospects. Maybe there was a reason why Kiffin saved his best shot for Urban Meyer.
From a recruiting perspective, what Kiffin has done with his Q rating in two months is nothing short of spectacular. He’s got “rock star” status. Kids may love him or hate him, but just about all know who he is. And that’s quite an accomplishment for a newbie in a conference full of coaching legends.
To fully understand the point, you have to look at everything as if you are one of the nation’s top juniors, or 2010 prospects. These are kids who were born 10 years after Bear Bryant died, and probably don’t know that Steve Spurrier coached at Florida, and are almost certainly unaware he won the Heisman Trophy there. Yet they can quote Kiffin from last week’s soundbites on ESPN.
To test our Lane Kiffin-is-smarter-than-you-may-think theory, we randomly called one of the nation’s top juniors, or 2010 prospects. Tailback Mack Brown of Atlanta’s M.L. King High has around 15 early scholarship offers, including Florida, Alabama, UGA, Auburn, Clemson, and Tennessee. He is a candidate to be the state’s No. 1 recruit for next year.
Brown was asked if he knew the name of Tennessee’s first-year coach? “Lane Kiffin, and I talked to him Wednesday,” Brown said without hesitating.
How about Clemson’s new coach? “They offered me yesterday [Thursday.]” Brown paused. “No sir. I talked to the running backs coach. I’m not sure about the head coach. Sorry.”
What about Auburn? They have a new guy, too. Brown momentarily paused and said, “That’s Coach Chizik, yes, Chizik. Is that right?” Correct. Brown was asked if he knew Chizik’s first name like he did with Kiffin. “No sir. But I can call my coach and find out.”
Regarding recruiting, Lane Kiffin may get the last laugh on everyone.
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121 comments Add your comment
Michael Carvell
February 13th, 2009
11:59 pm
Note: Tennessee has reported itself for three recruiting violations involving Kiffin. I’m sure he didn’t plan for that to happen. However, please keep in mind these are “secondary” violations, and are unlikely to result in any punishment from the NCAA and SEC, according to the Knoxville News. It appears he’ll still be able to recruit Bryce Brown, who is ranked as the nation’s No. 1 prospect by Rivals. Bottom line: While the latest violation doesn’t help Kiffin, it doesn’t necessarily hurt him either. Due to the violation, Kiffin maintains his stranglehold on being one of most popular topics in sports. Bad publicity, but still publicity.
Scott
February 14th, 2009
12:21 am
The day after Kiffin claimed that Tennessee would not lose another recruit out of Memphis, a top WR prospect from Memphis for the class of 2010 gave his verbal commitment to Alabama.
Keep it up Kiffy
Jeff
February 14th, 2009
12:33 am
This guy is a clown. How embarrassing for the University of Tennessee.
andy
February 14th, 2009
3:16 pm
i got two words for ya
ROLL TIDE!
Lou Vales
February 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
The ONLY last laugh this IMBECILE will get is when he shows up with his wife at an event. The guy is 5-15 and was fired by a guy who wears lingerie. He felt the need to bring along an early onset dementia guy and another stooge who probably wants to twists recruits’ nipple rings. He is a disaster–except fot that wife!!! AND even there lane had the brains to go to the University of Florida to find her. No inbred Tennessee women for Lane.
SEC fan
February 14th, 2009
3:41 pm
Michael,
Paris Hilton has a big mouth and gets lots of publicity but that sure doesn’t make her a coach!
Joe White
February 14th, 2009
4:02 pm
I totally agree. This kid is very smart! Football is all about being cocky, arrogant and be willing to back up your brags. He got a late start at a school whose past glory has been tainted by the image of Fulmer. He’s got a hard row to hoe and he’s taking it head on. My guess is that when he’s through with the Tennessee football teams practice sessions – they will play smash mouth football with an air of controlled arrogance. All the negative comments from the press is because of the great fear of the other schools that will some day be in jeopardy of his recruiting and football strategy. And as you say in the words of the greatest american showman – “All publicity is good publicity when it comes to show business”(hope I’m close to the actual quote).
Joe White UT class of 1966
JimDawg
February 14th, 2009
4:39 pm
Just take a look at the last Oakland pro coach to try his hand at college – Bill Callahan. LameMouth Kiffin will likely flame out too.
Mike
February 14th, 2009
4:44 pm
This guy had better deliver on the field, or he is going to make Fulmer’s firing look even more embarrassing for UT. It’s bad enough they run off a legend after only his second losing season. Now they replace him with a motor mouth, FIRST TIME head coach in the most humbling conference in the nation. On top of that, UT makes him and his staff the highest paid in college football before he even has his first head coaching win!!! LOL
The problem with running your mouth is, at some point, you have to back it up ON THE FIELD. Sure a few recruits are going to know his name. Marlon Brown got a visit from Kiffin within 24 hours of his hire. Is Marlon Brown in a UT uniform? No…UGA. The top WR out of Memphis for 2010? Verbal commit to the Tide. Kiffin has done nothing more than make a tough assignment a lot tougher.
brandon
February 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
how could you not know the name of the head coach of a school that is recruiting you?
Chuck Uga
February 14th, 2009
4:57 pm
I’m not buying it. Kiffin is taking pot-shots at coaches who are significantly smarter and more experienced. As far as Mack Brown, he will go somewhere that he feels he can be successful. Any hype or buzz going on today will not reflect where these kids will sign a year from now. Typical that UT fans would think they are all of a sudden going to derail Mark Richt and UGA football, especially in Georgia where UGA football is the winninget football program in the SEC the past ten seasons. Florida on the other hand will OWN UT for years until FSU and Miami start to win big again and sign a larger saher of top in-State players…something they aren’t doing. Whether Mack Brown goes to UT or elsewhere, it isn’t going to hurt UGA one bit. UT had very little glory before Fulmer, so where is that statement coming from?! Anytime UT had had success, it’s been when Bama and UGA were down. Now that’s not the case. Also, no new SEC coach in the past 50+ years who replaced a legend has been successful. Not one.
Alice
February 14th, 2009
5:07 pm
Not only is the Tennesse coach remembered by all the top recruits, he is energizing the Tennessee fan base and in the heads of his SEC rivals.
The General Feeling
February 14th, 2009
5:19 pm
Chuck Uga must be 8 years old… google college football history and who might be surprised to learn that Tennessee is one of the winningest and most accomplished college football programs of all time. You see, Chuck, college football didn’t start when Jim Donnan was fired.
Why don’t we all just wait to see what Lane Kiffin is able to do at Tennessee. So far, he has banned the Tennessee players from wearing ear rings, ball caps, and ipods to class. That’s a hugh step forward.
Atlanta Gator
February 14th, 2009
5:23 pm
I don’t think other SEC schools’ responses to Lane Violation (formerly known as Lame Kitten) indicate fear or worry that UT will suddenly become a powerhouse. IF (and that’s a big IF) Kiffin is successful at Tennessee, it will take him a couple years to get there…and in the process, the bulls-eye on his back will continue to grow as he takes shot at rival schools.
And to set the record straights for all you UT fans…Meyer did not go crying to Jeremy Foley about Kiffin’s remarks. Meyer was at his ailing father’s home in Ohio…Foley brought this to the attention of Mike Slive and things went from there.
SEC fan
February 14th, 2009
5:25 pm
Energizing the fan base? All the true UT fans I know are extremely embarrassed by Kiffin. This guys mouth is always going to be a problem.
Jack G.
February 14th, 2009
5:33 pm
Hey—everybody plays mind games sometimes they work, sometimes they backfire.
GEORGE MCKEEHAN
February 14th, 2009
5:40 pm
All the UT fans I know are extremely excited by coach Lane K. and his 5-star staff. G. McKeehan UT class of 65
LESD
February 14th, 2009
5:41 pm
Anyone who thinks that Kiffin’s screw-ups are part of some grand strategy is either a delusional Vol fan or just trying to spark conversation. Kiffin is a clown, and fans of every other team in the league are laughing at UT for hiring him. He can’t even keep the best players in Tennessee, the best two of whom signed with Georgia. I give him four years max. That’s about all the 7-5 seasons they can handle up on Rocky Top. And Urban Meyer’s boys will beat him by 50 next fall.
Oz82
February 14th, 2009
5:54 pm
You are more wrong than brother-sister love.
http://blog.al.com/rapsheet/2009/02/prospect_keiwone_malone_on_nic.html#more
One of the best recruits in his OWN STATE couldn’t remember Hello Kiffen’s name without prompting. He may be able to correct that, but apparently it will only be by making himself and his program a punchline. I can’t see how that would attract anything but derision and the NZAA.
SEC Traditionalist
February 14th, 2009
5:58 pm
It just seems so strange that an inexperienced coach comes into this league pounding his chest and calling everybody out. 5-15 record with Oakland and acting like a spoled brat got him fired by the biggest nutcase in the NFL. He has ridden his daddy’s name all the way to Rocky Top and right into the middle of the toughest football conference, bar none. I’m a Dawg to the bone and over the years have listened to the the likes of Spurrier, Meyer, Miles, Saban, et al. But, when all was said and done you had a level of respect for them. True SEC fans from any school probably feel this way. This Kiffin guy takes the cake, though. Show all of us SEC fanatics something on the field first, kiddo. You 0-0 SEC record doen’t carry a lot of weight around here. Would someone in Knoxville please give little Laney his bottle and teddy bear and put him to bed until fall?
Kwijibo
February 14th, 2009
6:03 pm
Al Davis called him an immmature liar. He forgot to add moron. With a team filled with 2nd tier talent, they have only fired up every team playing them and Urban and Saban are going to likely drop a 100 points on them next season. Can’t wait. Kiffin is to SEC football as Mahmoud Achmadenijad is to world affairs.
BleedBlue
February 14th, 2009
6:12 pm
Kiffin knows what he is doing. He is recruiting for 2010. He was able to get hired on December 1st and lose 13 recruits from the previous coach and still land a top 20 recruiting class. He also turned down 3 highly ranked players that Fulmer offered. If he can do that in two months imagine what class he will have signed this time next year.
Kiffin is smart enough to know he will lose to FLorida anyway. Whether he ruffles some feathers or not. So why not get something out of the loss. I bet one thing, that will probably be the most highly watched game in the SEC next year.
Jason
February 14th, 2009
6:32 pm
How about this, why don’t we wait and reserve judgement for Kiffin until he coaches his first season in the SEC? I guarantee you he’ll learn to keep his trap shut and adopt a different perspective. What has this guy done besides handle the Oakland HC situation with ZERO class and field a hot wife? It’s easy to throw out accusations @ rival coaches right now b/c everyone is undefeated for the 2009 season. I hope you like egg Lane, b/c you will have plenty of it on your face at the conclusion of next year’s football season.
TonytheGator
February 14th, 2009
6:36 pm
I’m sorry UT, but the Gators aren’t worried about Kiffin. We’ve owned UT winning 5 of the last 5. This guy is a loud mouth that has done nothing. Meyer hasn’t spoken to the media once, since he is with his father who has terminal cancer. The only UT fans that are loving Kiffin are the ignorant portion of the fan base that thinks telling lies and brash boneheaded comments are awesome.
He’s been shown to be a habitual liar. He stated that he fired the guy that was over the person that was late picking him up from the airport. LIE!! His boss said he hasn’t fired anyone. He said Meyer was a cheat. LIAR and HYPOCRITE!!! Meyer broke no rules, and Kiffin has already been called on 3 secondary violations!! Kiffin said the only reason Brown went to UGA was because of his grandma. LIE!! Marlon stated that he wasn’t going to Tenn. The only thing that Kiffin has done is shown the world that he is an idiot and a liar. Both of which proves what AL DAVIS said. 5-15 record scares no one.
He has assembled a group of has been former losers as assistant coaches. Kiffin’s dad is a loser. Orgeron was a loser at OLE MISS. The Alabama assistant has been known to be gay. Great group of coaches there.
Meanwhile, Meyer polishes another National Championship trophy.
Kiffin will be fired in 2 years. Book it!!
Tuco
February 14th, 2009
6:46 pm
So Michael, are you saying that Lane used the same genius strategy to get fired from Oakland? He talked his way out of a job there and he’s on his way to doing it again. This guy’s mouth is a like a runaway freight train. Some of the pubescent shenanigans he pulled on the recruiting trail project the image of a spoiled rich kid that has a way to go to reach maturity. Maybe his dad can help, who knows, but how can he expect to lead a team and gain the respect of his players when he acts like a 12 year old? He won’t last 3 years.
The General Feeling
February 14th, 2009
7:25 pm
You would NOT be commenting negatively if you were not a bit afraid.
LameKitten
February 14th, 2009
7:26 pm
LameKitten (noun) – Person that looks up and realizes you are on third base and mistakenly attributes it to hitting a triple rather than geneology and is usually followed by a train wreck at home plate.
Tennessean
February 14th, 2009
7:33 pm
Mike – Know what you are talking about before you post on the internet. The UT coaching staff would have been 4th highest paid staff in the conference last year. They are not the highest paid in college football. You sir are a grade A idiot. Saban makes twice what Kiffin makes. That extra money buys a lot of assistant coaches. TonytheGator Florida has won 4 in a row not 5. Will you people please get your facts straight before you make yourselves look like idiots. Anybody can get on a web-site and just say whatever they want, I challenge you all to know what you are talking about.
Tennessean
February 14th, 2009
7:36 pm
TonytheGator lets not pretend that secondary violations matter at all. Richt had 17 violations last year. Urban has had his fair share too.
Tennessean
February 14th, 2009
7:42 pm
Oz82 that kid can’t be that big of a Dolphins fan or he would hate Saban. If he says he is a Dolphins fan and doesn’t know Saban is a liar then I am not surprised that he does not know Kiffin. He is an idiot.
Fred
February 14th, 2009
8:37 pm
In the end Kiffin will be judged by what he does on the field. All of the off the field noise will only shorten UT alumni’s patience when it all starts to fall apart. UT starts off with home games against Western Kentucky and UCLA, meaning that Lane will be 2-0 and in rare form going into the game with UF at the Swamp. However, the next 5 games are UF, Ohio (easy win), Auburn, UGA and Bama. UT will loose 4 of those 5, with at least the UF, UGA and Bama games being blow outs. Suddenly a 3-4 record, blown out by your biggest rivals will not look quite so good. Lane has shown that he is good at blaming everyone around him for a loss (look at his history in Oakland). Once Bama completes that “rival sweep” of blow outs, Lane will be firing at everyone, his players, other coaches, you name it. That’s when the melt down will begin. This will be fun to watch…
UCLADal
February 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
I have no idea what the vol administration was thinking when it hired this guy. Maybe they were impressed that he tried a 75 yard field goal last season. Then again, I don’t like the vols and I hope they completely fall apart while he’s coach.
BILLY JACK
February 14th, 2009
8:59 pm
Please UT never fire this guy.This guy is dumber than a bag of hammers.Welcome to the SEC this is gonna be fun.Tenn 6-6 that is if they have no injuries.If you thought coaching Oakland was tough wait until you coach in the mighty SEC.What a JACKASS
RABIDVOLFAN
February 14th, 2009
9:01 pm
Great article, we are thrilled to have Kiffin in Knoxville. We can sense the Gator and Tide fans frustrations from this kid, and he hasn’t even coached a game yet. With this great coaching staff, that has some of the greatest recruiters in the South, I don’t see how it can fail. Monte has the greatest defensive mind in footabll. Offensive coord, Jim Chaney had very explosive offenses at Purdue, and coached 2 great QB’s in Jim Everett and Drew Brees, the you can Look at the ones Kiffin coached at USC and you have some great experience. They may go 5-7 or 6-6 this year but watch out for the Big Orange in the future.
Stephen
February 14th, 2009
9:08 pm
There is no doubt Kiffin will have a top 5 class every year,best staff in the country and Ut fans love him. Seems like alot of rivals are fearing the coming orange swarm
GEORGE MCKEEHAN
February 14th, 2009
9:24 pm
RABIDVOLFAN, YOU HAVE IT JUST RIGHT. THE SEC NATION IS GOING TO GO NUTS WATCHING THE BIG ORANGE RULE FOR YEARS TO COME. I SENSE A LITTLE FEAR,DON’T YOU?
Walt
February 14th, 2009
9:41 pm
On the article above, you’re probably right. Some people can fall into a bucket of crap and come out smelling like a rose.
TonytheGator
February 14th, 2009
9:43 pm
Tennessean,
You sir are the IDIOT I was referring too. You, UT football, and Kiffen are complete jokes. The fact is you are the laughing stock the last few years, and people are laughing harder now that Kiffen the Prick is head coach. Let me guess, Tennessean, you were one of the POS UT FANS that left mid third quarter again last year. Meyer has UT’s number, and no amount of chest beating will get that 33-year old loser of a coach to get UT to beat the Gators at the Swamp.
IF Tennessee isn’t on NCAA probation by then, I hope URBAN hangs 70 on the vols.
TonytheGator
February 14th, 2009
9:44 pm
I hope he sends the field goal kicker out in the first game to kick a 74 yard field goal. That shows his complete stupidity!!!
TonytheGator
February 14th, 2009
9:46 pm
THERE IS NO FEAR OF KIFFIN, HIS IDIOT ASSISTANTS, AND THE VOLS. TRUST ME!! WE’RE JUST LAUGHING!!! 5 – 15 SCARES NO ONE!!!!!!
Lesli Deakins
February 14th, 2009
9:47 pm
Might I remind everyone that in 2005 USC offense produced school records in virtually every dimension. Averaging 49.1 points per game and 579 yards per game. They also became the first school in NCAA history to have a 3000 yard passer (leinart), two 1000 yard rushers (bush & white) and a 1000 yard receiver (jarrett) all in the same year. one other receiver (smith) fell just short of 1000 yards in receiving AND that was considered to be a rebuilding year for USC. In 2006 they also had another 3000 plus passer and 2 receivers with 1000 plus yards, ALL UNDER KIFFIN. Kiffin went 23-3 in his career as Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coord. and had the top #1 Recruiting class for 3 years. With his Dad (considered to be one of the best Defenses Coaches in all of the NFL) this is definately going to be interesting for Tennessee. As a FEMALE orange blooded fan for 34 years I think the man is a marketing genius and look forward to seeing UGA, FLA, BAMA on the field in the coming years.
EVOL
February 14th, 2009
9:53 pm
Just a matter of time before Bama gets caught cheating again. Kiffin will out recruit all of you jack legs….sit back and watch. GBO
JimDandy
February 14th, 2009
9:55 pm
This guy should be an announcer for the WWE or TNA.
TonytheGator
February 14th, 2009
9:56 pm
The same great defensive mind that had TAMPA an average at best team. The same great offense that made PURDUE an also ran in their conference. Let’s look at Purdue’s Records.
Regular Season Record
Year Projected Actual
1994
0-11
4-5-2
1995 7-4 4-6-1
1996 4-7 3-8
1997 4-7 8-3
1998 5-7 8-4
1999 9-2 7-4
2000 9-2 8-3
2001 10-1 6-5
2002 7-5 6-6
2003 9-3 9-3
2004 5-6 7-4
2005 11-0 5-6
2006 8-5 8-5
2007 9-3 7-5
2008 8-4 4-8
Total 105-67 94-75-3
Yeah that’s real scary. LMAO!!
Now let’s look at the BUCS records!!!
2006 4 -12
2007 9 – 7
2008 9 – 7
Yeah, everyone’s scared. LMAO!!! What ever makes VOLS feel better. 4 in a row UT Biotches!!
TonytheGator
February 14th, 2009
10:00 pm
LOL!!! Carrol seems to have done great without KIFFIN!!
I can’t wait to see MEYER own kiffin for years!!!
GEORGE MCKEEHAN
February 14th, 2009
10:04 pm
TONITHEGATOR READ LESLI’S WORDS,CLOSE YOUR EYES, AND THINK ABOUT IT. MAKES YOU WANT TO CRY,RIGHT
Mike Nash
February 14th, 2009
10:35 pm
Calculated & Brilliant comments by Kiffin ?? Did ya mention the comment LK made AFTER signing THIS class , ” This class isn’t up-to-par of the normal class we’ll get, etc. ” Did ya forget to mention that Kiffin claimed to fire all the folks that ” couldn’t keep up with him ” at UT only to have the University deny & said folks hadn’t been fired ?
He’s an Idiot & you know what they say about association ……… you’re attaching yourself to the moron train. Hope ya got a back-up for that journalism career ……
Jim
February 14th, 2009
11:03 pm
Obviously you have not noticed that the coach that has not coached a game is already in the top 3 for the coaches in the hot seat.
Jim
February 14th, 2009
11:05 pm
Also we hope he sticks around for a couple of years so he totally screws up UT for many more years.
DumasGatorDude
February 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
After reading all these comments from various perspectives, there’s one thing I noticed, most of the Vol fans think the rest of the conference is either scared or should be scared of what Lane Kiffen is creating at UT. As far as the alleged recruting advantage he’ll have because all the kids will know who he is, a lot of them will also be advised(from
people they trust) of what an absolute jask-ass he is…I just can’t imagine parents of these kids encouraging their son to be influenced by
this guy for the next 3 to 5 years. UT is such an established member of the SEC, it blows me away to watch them drink the Kool-aid. Oh, by the way, his wife is HOT!
Mannie
February 14th, 2009
11:18 pm
UGA hasn’t won a National Championship in what….27 years? But let me guess, “this is our year”. I live in Atlanta and hear that one every year. What a joke.
Lesli Deakins
February 14th, 2009
11:33 pm
Let me remind you once again, the FACTS: Tampa’s D has ranked in the top ten in points allowed and yards allowed 10 of the 13 seasons under Monte, AN NFL RECORD…His philosophy is one of the most influential in football (college and Pro) and he is regarded and one of the greatest Defensive coaches in NFL history. It isn’t what makes us Vols fan feel better, it’s the facts. All this Kiffin hype kinda reminds you of another big mouth in the SEC, Spurrier….LOL
Tennessean
February 14th, 2009
11:49 pm
So let me get this straight. I am an idiot because you say so. All I said was, know what you are talking about before you post and now I am some POS fan who leaves games early. Nice. Well done Tony. How can I come back from that? Your right, Tennessee has been down for a few years although we were in the SEC championship game in 2007. And yes Urban has our number. What school’s number does he not have? The question will be can he do it without Tebow? Tebow is a once in a lifetime player that fits Meyer’s offense perfectly. What will Meyer do without him? Especially when other teams will be able to recruit against Florida by saying that no QB that Meyer has ever had has made a career out of the NFL. If you want to play college ball go to Florida if you want a shot at the NFL go anywhere else.
I don’t expect to beat Florida in the swamp next year but we didn’t hire Kiffin for next year. He (hopefully) is a long term solution. And, even if it doesn’t work out, he should be able to recruit a bunch of talent and leave the next coach in good shape, a la Coach O at Ole Miss.
I don’t see what I said that would imply that I leave game early, perhaps you can explain Tony? Or perhaps you were just (once again) posting about things you have no idea about.
Finally, what in the world makes you think we will be on probation? Every school in America racks up secondary violations. Mark Richt had 17 last year. Who cares? Please enlighten me Tony because your wisdom is truly astounding.
By the way I called some other guy and idiot, Tony, not you. Perhaps my words should have been directed at you though. Everyone that knows anything about football thinks Monte Kiffin is good. I doubt his defenses will be that much better than the Chavis defenses but I will defer to people that know more than I do. The fact that you are saying its a bad hire proves you have no idea what you are talking about.
Tennessean
February 14th, 2009
11:55 pm
Sorry for the dissertation everyone. To think, all this started because I called someone out for saying that we had the highest paid staff in college football when the truth is that its the 4th highest paid staff in the SEC.
TommyGator
February 15th, 2009
6:54 am
Tennessean,
I think what he MEANT to say was most dollars per IQ point. You are desperate if you think ANY coach in the SEC is fearful of this staff. The only legitimate coach on it is Monte. The rest are PROVEN losers, and the Boy Blunder has succeeded in making it extremely difficult for UT to win by painting a GIANT target on himself.
Reggie
February 15th, 2009
7:31 am
Michael,
You guys are over thinking this. No there was no thought or strategy. He is in over his head. When will he be in the ” Swamp?
cgatlanta
February 15th, 2009
8:21 am
Tennessean:
“What would Meyer do without Tebow”? Well he went undefeated at Utah, and won a BCS Championship at UF with Leak.
“Meyer doesn’t make NFL QB’s”. Good thing he’s a college coach.
“I don’t expect to beat Florida next year”. Count on it. (But isn’t it sad that a once proud program’s fanbase is already talking about their LOSSES! We haven’t even started spring ball yet!)
Larry Munson
February 15th, 2009
8:43 am
Kiffin will have a huge laugh when the Bullpups go about 5-7 this year without the Girlyman Stafford and NoShow Morono. I cannot wait for that dinosaur Bobby Bowden to retire at FSU and see how fast pretty-boy Richt bolts to Tallahassee. Even the ancient Larry Munson knew it was time to hang it up in Athens. So all you redneck UGA fans, especially the ones who never set foot on a college campus for anything other than tail-gating, just STFU and lets see what happens next fall. UGAy is going down like the Titanic. Kinda like what Stafford did…..LMAO!!!
B. Guy Woodall
February 15th, 2009
9:15 am
I’m a gatorhater but I will hold my nose and pull for UF when the reptiles play the vols. I want to ‘puck’ and will not have to wait long for the pretender to move it on to an assistant at some podunk U.
Observer
February 15th, 2009
9:23 am
Florida 62 Tennessee 3
Now all you Vol fans get on the Greyhound bus and travel to the Swamp to see how much Little Lanie enjoys the benefit of running his mouth. If his lovely wife wakes up, she will stay in Gainesville when the Liar leaves after the whipping. What a complete moron and jerk he is.
GuytheDog
February 15th, 2009
9:26 am
Hey yawl, be a vol-dog hater for now. this Kiffin will not last long!
Left to Right
February 15th, 2009
9:43 am
Say Carvell, can you name a Soviet-era nuclear reactor other than Chernobyl?
Neither can I.
rod
February 15th, 2009
9:54 am
EVOL,
Living in a glass house there skippy are ya not? Bama will get caught cheating again huh well well well the great pumpkin lied about oh so much and you all know it up on rocky flop. The fat man told his theory to the nzaa and they punished the U of A on his word all of the big allegations could not be proven. Check it out he lied when put on the stand and told to produce the tapes and all of the other crap he was supposed to have I er uh misplaced or lost it yeah ok, Because you did not have it. Now as for all of the other crap you have got bi with Peyton Manning raping a girl on the staff, Tee Martin and cancelled checks, Phone gate, grade tampering, and the recruit that was accused of being pain in Alabama whose dad was actually holding cancelled checks from UcheaT seems like you got some splaining to do lol> the best part of all of this good ole Roy Kramer is gone now and can not protect the big orange nation like he did when the fat man ran to him 3 doors down in thier Maryville neighborhood and made up bull crap so yes you have way more crap to hide than the tide ever did seems like the only thing that actually was proved when went to court was one player in Memphis took money from a booster and when that was supposed to go to court somehow he fell down steps and died. Wonder what was hidden there TN Stud got off clean. The only reason that there was penalties was allegations not cats they all came out but the nzaa had dragged thier feet until probation was over congrads on manufacturing a way to beat the tide since you could not on the fielf there great pumpkin. U got some beating to absored for this its all on the wheel now and you are about to reap what you have sewn. Enjoy years of misery with this idiot he is your Shula enjoy as we laugh out loud.
Paul The Vol
February 15th, 2009
11:19 am
Does no one get the irony here? The point of the article was that Kiffin’s antics are calculated to get people talking about him and the Vols – and that is exactly what has happened. Love him or hate him people are talking about him and the national media is covering him.
TonytheGator
February 15th, 2009
11:22 am
I guess you are right, Paul. We’re laughing and talking about him. KIFFIN LIES more than AL GORE!!
Anthony
February 15th, 2009
11:31 am
Tennessee made a huge mistake. It traded an above average coach that LOVED Tennesse for and average coach that only loves himself.
C. Jones
February 15th, 2009
11:39 am
Teen Tony? Too much gator aid, boy! ‘Scuze me, straight boy (uh-huh).
TonytheGator
February 15th, 2009
11:43 am
Why Jones? ARE YOU INTO BOYS? Just telling you the way it is. THE GATORS ARE LAUGHING AT TENNESSEE!! Oh the ass-whopping that the Vols will feel on September 19 will be epic!!
TLSnBama
February 15th, 2009
12:05 pm
Vol fans, I’ve read all of the posts here that say Bama is afraid of Kiffin. I’m stunned by that conclusion. You guys are not here. With all respect, the laughter here is so loud you can’t hear yourself think. I mean, it is like watching Wile E. Coyote as a head coach, or the little “Chicken Hawk” in the Foghorn Leghorn cartoons. Lane Kiffin has disappointed me in one respect: I thought he had some common sense. He doesn’t. The guy is a joke. Your program now is one, too. Yeah, UT is one of the elite programs in the history of college football. No one with sense disputes it. But, you guys have stepped into a mudhole with this one. And, the stain will take some time to get off.
Tennessean
February 15th, 2009
12:12 pm
Tony, where did I say that anyone was scared of Kiffin? The way I see it if you are going to bad mouth the guy and UT then you might as well know what you are talking about. We don’t have the highest paid staff in college football. Not even close. I guess this makes me gay? Tony you never cease to amaze me. What an absolute idiot you must be. Scroll though your posts and tell me they aren’t the most unsubstantiated wildly idiotic statements you have ever read. Kiffin is gay. UT fans are redneck homos. I feel like I am on the playground in 3rd grade.
cgatlanta- finally someone is actually talking football. All of you points are valid but I guess what I was getting at was Meyer has never been anywhere long enough to say whether or not he can sustain a program. What he has done is incredible, I sure hope he can’t keep it up. My comment about no NFL QBs was directed more to recruiting. It will be interesting to see if Meyer will be able to continually get top high school QBs when they don’t have an NFL future by playing at UF. If Meyer can find guys that are okay with that then great for him. We will see.
Yes it is sad that a still proud program is counting their losses before spring ball. But we won 5 games last year and Florida won the National Championship and returns all their talent. I would be crazier than Tony if I was expecting a UT win. The fact that we aren’t the team that we used to be is the reason a change had to be made. It’s not going to be an over-night thing but hopefully in 2-3 years we will be relevant again. Luckily (as this article points out) we are already relevant again in recruiting.
If Kiffin doesn’t work out then he will look like a complete ass but hopefully he will leave a ton of talent so UT will be successful in the future. I don’t know of many programs that get their long term solution in the first hire. Even the great Florida hired Zook. Hopefully Kiffin will win or be UT’s Zook.
GeorgeG
February 15th, 2009
2:32 pm
Wow, they know Lane Kiffen. I bet they all know who Saddam Hussein is also, maybe even Hitler. Just because you are “known” does not mean it is a good thing. What if the kids think he is well known for being stupid?
BullDog79
February 15th, 2009
4:07 pm
It’s interesting that Gator fans denigrate other schools and their fans. The fact is, Florida is the 4th stupidest team in the country:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories//2008/12/28/acadmain_1228_3DOT.html
Gators can claim that many UGA fans did not go to college. Perhaps most of Florida’s team doesn’t belong there.
ga dawgs SUCK and so do their fFANS
February 15th, 2009
4:24 pm
Being as how the ga bulldogs have the absolute worst fans of any sports team. I hope the VOLS beat them, even if they don’t beat any other team. You people suck!
CarlosHawes
February 15th, 2009
7:26 pm
TLSnBama
>> “mean, it is like watching Wile E. Coyote as a head coach, or the little “Chicken Hawk” in the Foghorn Leghorn cartoons.”
Don’t forget TLSnBama…Chicken Hawk ALWAYS caught Foghorn at the end of the show. Chicken Hawk won EVERY TIME!!!!!
CarlosHawes
February 15th, 2009
7:28 pm
It’s amazing how many of the people here calling TN fans “stupid” cannot even spell “Kiffin” (not Kiffen). LOL
Smokeys Pal
February 15th, 2009
11:31 pm
It amazes me that some of you Bama fans still blame Phil Fullmer for the Seattle earthquake.Me thinks it might be best for you bamaers to be quite.you are lucky you got off as easy as you did on the probation thing and the NCAA can still come back and haunt you.How long do you think Saban will stay.His track record is not too long.I dont think we ever paid $50,000 for an overweight defensive tackle who could not even start at Tiger High in Memphis.Lets wait about 3 years and see where all these elite programs are .A recruiting class usually jells in 3 years .I went to Gainsville in 2001 and saw a 18point underdog Tenn team pull out a win.I am not saying it will happen,but games are played on the field and not on paper.I have been to every SEC school except Arkansas and Fla and Ga have the 2 wost idiot fans in the Sec.We will see how dumb Lane is in the next 3 years
bMiller87
February 16th, 2009
1:11 am
Let’s not forget that all these statements were made at one single banquet. Then he tried to fire someone and retracted it later…it was then included into the SI article. The guy isn’t the best public speaker in the world, but the way you animals are running with this like he slapped an old lady is ridiculous. And also, someone claimed that the UT staff is full of “proven losers and cheaters”…..prove it. Those who say that UT’s staff isn’t impressive on paper are delusional. UF might blow out UT next season, but the team in orange/white on that field will not be recognized by many watching. Loud mouth or not, Kiffin is instilling a complete attitude change in Knoxville, and those who don’t like it are being pushed of the train. I didn’t want to respond to some of the drivel on this story, but the one gator fan who is being quite offensive should be banned for what he typed…I’m sure he doesn’t speak for all of the UF fans, but he’s definitely not the first I’ve seen act and speak like that before…shameful.
wballer84
February 16th, 2009
1:54 am
Wait a second…isn’t this a Georgia newspaper? How can anyone seriously call Tennesseans rednecks? SEC fans calling another SEC school’s fans rednecks is a perfect example of the pot calling the kettle black. On the redneck hierarchy, Tennessee is nowhere near the level of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or the north Florida swamps that are home to the Gators. Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas and Kentucky sit on around the same level as Tennessee. If you’re an SEC fan and think that your school doesn’t have its share of redneck fans, then you’re absolutely kidding yourself. FYI, Auburn has on campus housing in trailers.
wheaton4prez
February 16th, 2009
7:06 am
If Kiffin’s antics are brilliant recruiting moves, Michael Richards must also be a genius.
lol
gaytor
February 16th, 2009
10:01 am
I love to see gaytor, bammer, and puppy fans whine and wring their hands. They will probably be cheering this year because the new kid doesn’t have his recruits on board, but deep down they know he is going to be a force in the conference when he does. He will recruit top players and has the coaching staff and system to win. Urbie, who recruited the female gymnast, and Saban, who contacted the prospect during the recruiting dead period are serving us up violations without the publicity. It is only a matter of time before they jump ship to Notre Dame or the NFL. We are gaining on you guys and you know it.
tenn rich
February 16th, 2009
10:15 am
Just like wrestling!!!This is posturing at its best!!! Its easy to see…and apparently its working! Don’t be gullible….
How that translates on the field, we shall see….????
gaytor
February 16th, 2009
10:19 am
Lane Kiffin has implemented daily offseason workouts at 5am eveyday. There are reports that there are new haircuts, no nose rings or thug like apparel being tolerated. Assistant coaches are showing up in the classrooms to make sure players are in attendance. He has released players who don’t comply with the new disciplines. The players are buying in to the new program. Despite what some of the idiots are posting here, he now has a top notch recruiting and coaching staff. He is only recruiting players who fit into his system and are up to his standards. Will all of this translate to wins on the field? Time will tell, but it looks like a pretty good plan to me.
Bama fan
February 16th, 2009
10:37 am
Gaytor,
There are guidelines for offseason workouts if coaches are present. Sounds like Kiffy is lining up another recruiting violation. Discipline rules are great, wonder when Kiffy is going to start demonstrating discipline of his own mouth? Public drunkenness policy for his assistants might not be a bad move either. Based upon recent actions, it seems there is a greater need for for the coach and his staff to learn something about discipline and public appearance.
scfanz
February 16th, 2009
2:54 pm
I’m a South Carolina fan but I always pulled for UT when we didn’t play them. What the UT fans may see as energizing the Vol nation, the rest of college football sees as the silly acts of an immature brat. Kiffin is quickly isolating himself from the rest of the SEC and the only problem with that is he doesn’t have the talent level to fight toe to toe with UF, Ala or UGA. Another point that interests me is everyone has ordained Monte as the absolute defensive guru. Sure he’s had success at the NFL level and has been in the NFL as a DC or position coach since 1983. But he’s not in the NFL any more and he doesn’t have NFL talent any more. The three years he was head coach at NC St (1980, 81 & 82) he went 16-17. He was fired after the 82 season and when to the NFL. His college record is not too stellar and the general knock on older coaches is they don’t relate well with the younger kids. I’m not sure Monte will be the savior of the UT defense. In my opinion, they should be thrilled Kiffin hired Coach O as defensive line coach. That was his best hire. From as outside perspective, Kiffin needs to grow up and shut up.
Big_Bayou_Hooter
February 16th, 2009
5:46 pm
Give Kiffin his due and let him get 2 or 3 years of recruiting. Then all you whinners can say all you want. He hasn’t been here six months and he’s got all you cry babies sucking snot already.
King Gator
February 16th, 2009
8:01 pm
Can I get a Volunteer to kick this moron in the ass?
Chuck Uga
February 16th, 2009
8:55 pm
LMAO, I hear this stuff about UGA football collapsing “net season” every year. Also hear that “coach so-and-so” is going to raid Georgia and take all the top recruits from Mark Richt. Also hear of 5-7, 6-6 records. Blah-blah-blah. Same diarrhea of the mouth from the same loudmouths. Morons, UGA is going to win 9+ games per season under Richt, and Kiffin/Orgeron/whoever from UT isn’t going to change any of that. Nor is that staff going to damage the Florida, LSU or Alabama program. What a joke. Kiffin is and will be looking up at those four coaches, even if he does occasionally win 8 or 9 games (he will never be as successful as Fulmer). And don’t let me forget Spurrier who is also building a pretty strong team. And Monte Kiffin was successful at Tampa PRIMARILY because of Tony Dungy’s and Rich McKay’s draft picks. Let’s see what he can do with mediocre talent (other than Eric Berry).
Sir Tony
February 16th, 2009
9:58 pm
I’m neutral but Kiffin knew almost exactly what he was doing. And any siggestion that Monte Kiffin was succcessful primarily because of Tony Dungy and Rich McKay have no idea what they’re talking about. Nothing wrong with a little more SEC spice.
TNFAN
February 16th, 2009
11:33 pm
Whats the first thing Alabama Graduate says to UT Grad Welcome to McDonalds how may I serve you.
Joe
February 17th, 2009
8:36 am
Absolute complete prim ma dona….that is why he did it. PERIOD.
gregg m
February 17th, 2009
9:19 am
EVERYONE, lets all call Tennesse the southern version of USC!! THE guy has put together a staff of former assistants at USC(has relationships with west Coast coaches), Former Coach at Mississippi and USC(Knows the SEC), and a long time defensive coordinator of the tampa bay bucs(NFL conncections-he can get u to the league) add a former NFL coach and off coordinator at USC(Lane Kiffin)..Brillant!! Richt, Urban Meyer, and Spurrier put together doesnt have the relationships these other coaches do!! Kiffin aint taking no junk off these sec coaches/good ole boys!! He is the young, new kid in town and theses coaches know that he is a force to be dealt with in recruiting because of the above mentioned reasons. That’s the real deal behind this. tennesse has had a few players from the West Coast on there rosters in the past..Expect more now that this coaching staff has been put in place. Since all the other so-called SEC powers aint got the balls to play USC, maybe Tennesse will. Oh yeah, Tennesse is the only SEC school(Georgia last year) to play PAC 10 schools on a yearly basis.I dont think they will deviate from that plan
BigVolFan
February 17th, 2009
12:33 pm
Hey all!
I don’t normally do a lot of posting on these forums. I mostly read to hear what everyone is thinking. But after reading these posts I just felt the need to put some words out there.
first: To TonytheGator
Who do you think you are, a relative of Tony the Tiger or something? Do you think you can get away with your idiotic comments without being called to mat on them? You are the most negative poster I have ever read. All you do is put out useless drivel slamming CLK and the VOLs as if you know what you are talking about. Do us all a favor, both the VOL fans and the fans of college football all together, and take your mullet wearing, redneck, toothless grin, uneducated, mindless ramblings to some other board. We don’t appreciate you here.
Second. Something for all to consider. After next season is over and the dust has settled we will know if CLK and staff has what it takes to compete. Until then, it is all speculation and guesswork on our part.
Third. For the Gator nation. Things are looking very good for you guys to repeat as NCs next year. Even as a VOL fan, I can recognize that. But after that, what will happen? Tebow will be gone, and something else to consider, where will CUM be? If ND has another down year, they may just payout CCWs contract. If that happens, it is a good bet that CUM will jump ship at florida and head to ND.
Forth. As a long time VOL fan, I am enjoying all of the heat, smack, and excitment that has not been around the VOL program for a long time. For me, it is an exciting time to be a VOL. Will CLKs commits, and his ruffling of feathers equate to success on the field? I certianly hope so, but as I mentioned before, the answer to that will not come until fall.
Fifth. That’s all. I look forward to the upcoming season and fully expect the VOLs to surprise a lot people. To all of you, regardless of you school affiliation, good luck next year!
Uconn Fan
February 17th, 2009
1:28 pm
Something Lane Kiffin has is recent NFL experience as a coach.. Win or lose he was there. That’s where many kids dream of going. If I were a parent and my kid was a stud, I wold take a good look at UT. Coach Kiffin should have some contacts at the next level. Do people really think all this is just about the game of football? Gooooooooo Uconnnnn Football..
UM4life
February 18th, 2009
1:48 am
Do all of you GA, FL, and AL fans really expect anyone to believe you’re not scared? Considering the reactions to this article from you so-called SEC fans. I can almost see the foam forming around some of your mouths responding to the Vol posters. I am not a fan of any SEC team at all but, even I can see that you guys are abviously a little concerned otherwise you wouldn’t be making so much fuss about anything LK says publicly. I mean there was an Ole Miss or Mississippi State coach that got caught driving drunk, cussed out the cops and was reportedly disorderly and uncompliant when arrested but, all I have heard about out of the SEC is Lane Kiffin talking sh** about Meyer!!! I don’t care what delusion you live in but, the writer is correct. The more UT is in front of the camera, especially with their coach basically stepping up to the table with the supposed “big boys” like Meyer and Saban and isn’t tepid or in awe. You guys are just pissed off that LK is kissing your coaches’ rear ends like you expect any new SEC coach to do. Most high school kids are against the “establishment” and love the rebel image. Kiffin could well be positioning himself as the anti-thesis to the regular everyday SEC coaches, giving himself an memorable, and respected position in the eyes of a future recruit. Anyway, whatever the case I tend to agree with the author above in many respects. I am a UM fan, and would prefer for the entire SEC to be disbanded tomorrow but, until then I will be satisfied with someone else inside the conference getting better to help beat the crap out of each other even more every year. Eventually, you guys will beat each other up so much that no one will be better than a five hundred record and some of the rest of us can actually play for national championship again, hooray!!!!
UM4life
February 18th, 2009
1:50 am
Sorry I meant to say that you all are just pissed off because Lane Kiffin ISN’T kissing the SEC coaches’ rear ends.
UM4life
February 18th, 2009
1:55 am
Oh yeah, Iread on here earlier where someone said that the vol fans he knew weren’t stoked about this coaching staff. I disagree personally. I know a few UT fans where I work, and all they talk about is how they cant wait to see their team in 2 or 3 years after LK gets a chance to bring in some highly ranked recruting classes. Its like all they talk about to the point of making me want to puke orange. Point is, the couple of folks I know don’t seem embarrassed or concerned, more excited from my view.
Paul
February 18th, 2009
9:45 am
You are so right, BigVolFan,
TonytheGator must enjoy talking to himself – and reading his countless posts. The fact is Kiffin has energized the Tennessee team and fan base. He has reinstituted discipline across the team – on and off the field – something that was sorely lacking under Fulmer.
His passion for the game and for winning will translate well on the field and in the hearts of the Vols players – something else that hasn’t happened in years. Kiffin will have Tennessee back on track as one of the best teams in the nation in a few years. Tennessee is and always will be one of the most successful college football programs in the country – with tradition that goes deeper than most in the game.
So Tony and others – why don’t you stop looking for something to go negative about – and just watch it play out on the field. In the short term I’m sure the gators will have the Vols number – but give it a couple of years…
A coach that has already intensified conditioning drills like no one else, who personally checks on a player’s attendance in class, and has banned earrings, baggy pants, ipods, and all the &^%%$# most teams let fly, is making his mark early and often on a team that is bound to be more passionate, hungry, and successful on the field and off.
Get ready – the Vols are coming back – and you know it.
Zoomie
February 18th, 2009
1:33 pm
Left to Right @ 9:43 — Instant classic. I love it!
tennezz
February 18th, 2009
5:51 pm
Lets get one thing ironed out, kiffin is not embarrassing us, and we don`t care what you think!
riverken
February 19th, 2009
2:35 am
Can’t wait for the football time to arrive! I haven’t seen this many feathers ruffled in quite some time…actually it reminds me of a certain basketball coach who got some folks mighty riled up not to long ago,his name was Pearl if I’m not mistaken.
Anytime a coach can fire up Vol fans this much before he even takes the field is starting off beautifully! Please don’t doubt that Vol fans are excited – I run a bar on the strip in Knoxville, and I can report that we’re all lovin’ it.
Anyone who doesn’t believe Kiffin has hired a great staff who can recruit with anyone just isn’t paying attention. Here’s to proving it on the field in the years to come!
BTW, yes Layla is hot as many of you have mentioned, but we’re used to beautiful women here in Knoxville, she’ll fit in just great.
Go Vols!