Coach Kelly/Tennessee Rumors

[Doss]

This would break Ralph's heart but don't ypu think Thomas would look at some MAC coaches that are doing well such as CMU, WMU, BSU or one of our current Coordinators.

That's what he did last time. Remember he was a MAC AD. Perhaps your man love could become a DC.

[Doss]

TX DC was set to interview at Clemson and TN. TX has promised him the head job when Mack Brown retires to dissuade him from leaving (Brown has an 8 year contract).

[GoCats1994]

As long as the post title is refering rumors, is it fair to speculate? (Caveat is that I have not seen this angle explored on this board yet. If it has been...my apologies).

What I think is interesting about these rumors is that this situation is somewhat unique. Meaning...it's not just a matter of an "up and coming coach" being sought by a larger program.

If UC loses to Pitt...I would imagine that his attractiveness would take a hit. If UT is serious about making a "splash", I would imagine that it would have a hard time convincing its fans that a coach that can't even win "an inferior league like the Big East" is the right person for the job. I don't agree with this logic...a coach's resume should extend beyond one game. Yet, I can't help but think this is a big one in the minds of the UT faithful.

If UC beats Pitt, then they only have Syracuse to beat for a birth in a BCS bowl. The cliche's about one game at a time aside... would BK leave a team about to play in a BCS bowl for another team? True - he left bowl-bound Central Michigan to come to UC...but I can't help but think a BCS bowl is different. The Motor City Bowl isn't exactly the same thing as the Orange Bowl. I have to assume it would be a somewhat unprecedented move to abandon a BCS-bound team prior to coaching in the game.

Assuming UT will be looking to make a move in December - when recruiting can still be impacted...is BK really a candidate?

Maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part...but something tells me the timing is wrong for this.

[hammerbearcat1]

I think the best thing to do right now is just enjoy the moment. To actually go to the Orange Bowl would be the equivalent of going to the Final 4. Ultimately all of these rumors become really meaningless because no one knows what Kelly is going to do himself probably included.

My gut feeling is that he wants to stay. You can get more money but you better be prepared to win at least nine games/year or you will be fired. And to play in the SEC would be brutal IMO.

I've said this before but I have heard that Kelly has a dream list of schools he would consider going to but I don't think Tennessee or Clemson is on there. I could see USC, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan or even going back to Boston (College) being on his wish list. Probably would go to any team in the NFL except the Bengals.

I'm just going to enjoy the moment. It is what it is.

[blackattack]

If BK is really the leading candidate for the UT job, then that means that several other higher profile candidates have already turned it down.....and BK would be smart to do the same. Tennessee is not the job it used to be. Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Mark Richt, Steve Spurrier, Les Miles and Co are already killing them on the recruiting trail. Whoever takes over at UT has a mountain to climb and a fan base that's almost as demanding (and ignorant) as UK basketball.

[ralph1950]

One thing that Tennessee should consider about Coach K is that he has been successful with Mark Dantonio's recruits. The jury is still out as to how successful Coach K will be when it is his recruits who are playing and not Mark Dantonio's.

[CincyBearcat95]

One thing that Tennessee should consider about Coach K is that he has been successful with Mark Dantonio's recruits. The jury is still out as to how successful Coach K will be when it is his recruits who are playing and not Mark Dantonio's.

Ralph, that's the best post I've seen you make in a long time. Dennis Dodd on CBS Sportsline is saying BK is top of the list for Tennesee but I think he's just reading ESPN for his stories.

I would think a major program would like to see him win with his own recruits on defense. He's an offensive genius, but next year the defense is going to be decimated right?

I am thinking that this is our year to get to the Orange Bowl. Next year, we will not be in contention for the Big East crown. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think we will.

[catscratchfever]

I have to assume it would be a somewhat unprecedented move to abandon a BCS-bound team prior to coaching in the game.

Assuming UT will be looking to make a move in December - when recruiting can still be impacted...is BK really a candidate?

Maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part...but something tells me the timing is wrong for this.

Rich Rod?

Bill Stewart coached WVU in the Fiesta Bowl

[binturong07]

One thing that Tennessee should consider about Coach K is that he has been successful with Mark Dantonio's recruits. The jury is still out as to how successful Coach K will be when it is his recruits who are playing and not Mark Dantonio's.

Thats exactly what im worried about too, even if he stays (which i think he will). we all know that BK opened up the offense, and was able to win games that Dantonio wouldnt have, but still, this team's heart and soul for the past two years has been Mark Dantonio's defense. We lose 10 good ones next year, itll be interesting. I think everyone on the team realizes this too, and thats the push to win now.

[bearcat428]

i think this whole subject is stupid and the thread should have remained closed.

that's what my source says.

[GoCats1994]

Rich Rod?

Bill Stewart coached WVU in the Fiesta Bowl

Not sure how I didn't think of that one on my own.

My bad...

[Bearcat Bob]

Nancy: Sigh of Relief?

The latest rumor making the rounds is that BK told Tenn he was interested. Would that violate his contract? If they want him that bad, he should tell them to wait until after the regular season is over. Maybe UC already did that. If so, it ain't working so good. This has to be a major distraction this weekend. I would think if he wasn't interested, he would have already said so.

If one is looking to Nancy to 'sweeten the pot', may as well wish Mikey hires a GM too. She has to be content that he's likely leaving before the buyout is reduced. Because in this economic climate, the chances are slim and none to get the funding for BK's facilities. It wasn't going to happen anytime soon, IMHO. He knows that and knows he won't have much defensively next year, as said. UC will end up saving a tidy sum with the buy out and BK's demands gone, especially if they hire down.

His somewhat bitter sell-out comments I think were to prepare the way for his withdrawal. Money aside, and that's a big aside, I think he actually might have a better chance to play for a national title here, as crazy as that sounds. As well as he's done, he's never really had a complete team. Last year the offense was a few notches above the D. This year the opposite. Eventually, he would get the team with the talent on both sides. Easier to go undefeated in the Big East or the SEC? Past history, was it easier to go to a Final 4 from Conference USA or the Big East? I think CUSA. (Especially if we had a coach who could win come Tournament time with a 1 or 2 seed.) At Tenn, BK's just another Big Fish in a sea of big fishes. If he REALLY trusted his ability, he'd hold out for one of his dream jobs. Hope his family likes round-the-dial country music (esp. "Rocky Top"), and everything closed on Sunday. I love the Red States, but it would drive me to drink.

At least maybe the next coach won't remind me of fast food and creepy crowned mascots.

As if this isn't enough of a bummer, imagine being Pittsburgh's beyotch twice this week. What a revolting development. Let's hope otherwise.

PS Think Michigan would like a do-over on Rodriguez? I thought we had dodged a bullet for at least a couple of years on that. Oh well.

There can be only ONE. Bearcat Bob

[Billy Don]

Ralph, that's the best post I've seen you make in a long time. Dennis Dodd on CBS Sportsline is saying BK is top of the list for Tennesee but I think he's just reading ESPN for his stories.

I would think a major program would like to see him win with his own recruits on defense. He's an offensive genius, but next year the defense is going to be decimated right?

I am thinking that this is our year to get to the Orange Bowl. Next year, we will not be in contention for the Big East crown. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think we will.

That was a surprise post by Ralph wasn't it. BK has been winning with Dantonio's recruits on defense not BK's offense. Next year after losing Dantonio's senior players on defense will be a better test of what BK can do.

[milfordcats]

I'm still confused why we are going to be so 'decimated' on defense next year. Sure we lose 10 starters, but at many of the positions there are backups who play 1/3 of the snaps and perform almost as well if not as well as the starters do. Sure there will be somewhat of a dropoff, but I'm hardpressed to see that our defense will have to be totally rebuilt. As BK says, "The next man in..."

[BearcatPride]

Look, coach kelly is a winner and wants to win. Guess what... the easiest way to a national championship is through the big east. the SEC has a conference championship game...so even a tenessee team that goes undefeated in its division still has one more game...

also, coach combs is great... but this is his second year in college... he isnt going to be a head coach anytime soon.... any such thoughts of him becomming the next UC head coach are not worth wasting time on...