It's Heupel.

So: HC with a winning record, which is a plus. I throw out the 6-4 record this year since its Covid year and he had several players opt out. That being said it is unknown if he was building on previous coaches' ability or if it is his own. Seemed to do well at OK and Mizzou.

The bad is that it is clear that he was not our first choice, and while that can be understandable, it is now a pattern that TN strikes out quite a bit - now even with a really good AD in place.

Names that were being thrown around were probably unrealistic, but some like Herman seemed to be within reach. The NCAA punishment may have contributed, but TN now has a reputation that they could not overcome.

Overall, an underwhelming hire, but potentially not a bad one.

There is a reason coaches were reluctant to take the job in Knoxville. Unrealistic fan base, revolving door for coaches, sanctions about to come down, a large number of current team in the transfer portal, and you have to go through Georgia and Florida every year just to win the division. What a deal! They overpaid Heupel to get him. I am not sorry to see Fat Phil gone, he was a snake, But this is a full 5 year rebuild for the Vols.

(01-27-2021 10:00 PM)Shannon Panther Wrote:  There is a reason coaches were reluctant to take the job in Knoxville. Unrealistic fan base, revolving door for coaches, sanctions about to come down, a large number of current team in the transfer portal, and you have to go through Georgia and Florida every year just to win the division. What a deal! They overpaid Heupel to get him. I am not sorry to see Fat Phil gone, he was a snake, But this is a full 5 year rebuild for the Vols.

No different than the last 15. I just wish we'd give a coach at least 5 years to at least prove UTN is willing to give some time to new hires.

(01-27-2021 10:00 PM)Shannon Panther Wrote:  There is a reason coaches were reluctant to take the job in Knoxville. Unrealistic fan base, revolving door for coaches, sanctions about to come down, a large number of current team in the transfer portal, and you have to go through Georgia and Florida every year just to win the division. What a deal! They overpaid Heupel to get him. I am not sorry to see Fat Phil gone, he was a snake, But this is a full 5 year rebuild for the Vols.

Don't forget weakening recruiting grounds with the rise of Clemson and UNC among others.