Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Mike Norvell

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Mike Norvell.

Mike Norvell coaching experience (36 years old)

15-6 record in two seasons as Memphis’ head coach. Was Todd Graham’s offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh and Arizona State prior to that. Was an assistant at Tulsa and Central Arkansas before that.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: Up and Comer

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Mike Norvell

With ties in Memphis, he’d be able to recruit in the Bluff City. But the biggest draw for Norvell is that he’s led the Tigers to being ranked in each of the past two years. He took Justin Fuente’s program and didn’t miss a beat. He’s one of the youngest, most innovative offensive head coaches in all of college football, and he’s going to be a hot name as jobs come open. This one may be gaining steam and would not be a bad fallback option at all. He also may get a long look from nearby Ole Miss, who’ll be looking for a coach, too.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Mike Norvell

His age and experience are worries, sure, and is this really a time when the Vols can take a risk? Norvell has a big upside, but can he hire a defensive coordinator to be good enough in the SEC? Also, he hasn’t proven he can recruit well enough to play with the big boys in the SEC. Finally, this is only Year 2. He’s winning with Fuente’s recruits. Can he build a program and develop his own players? That’s a major question mark, and UT doesn’t need to be a training ground.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Gary Patterson

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Gary Patterson.

Gary Patterson’s coaching experience (57 years old)

Patteron has been TCU’s head coach since 2000, has a statue outside the stadium and currently has the Horned Frogs at 5-2. Prior to his time at TCU, he was the defensive coordinator at the school and was New Mexico’s before that. Also was an assistant at Kansas State, Tennessee Tech, UC Davis, Cal Lutheran, Pittsburgh State, Sonoma State, Utah State and Navy prior to that.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level Two – Major Conference Champion; Guru (defense)

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Gary Patterson

He’s one of the best standing coaches in all of college football and has proven his prowess building powerhouses on both sides of the ball and turning them into national contenders. He’s only making $5.1 million, and while that’s a good bit of money, the Vols could sweeten that pot. Patterson would be an instant-impact hire with ties to Texas, and he’d be a perfect fit.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Gary Patterson

Tennessee shouldn’t have any. But, much like the Mike Gundy situation in 2012, if Patterson was “interested” would it only be to get a raise? TCU has deep pockets and likely could match a price to keep him. Patterson is 57, so does he really want to start over somewhere else, especially at a place that snubbed him back in 2009 when Mike Hamilton reportedly told Patterson he believed he wasn’t ready for the big stage? Would he publicly turn the Vols down? Based on what happened in 2009, you’d probably want a sure sign of interest before you went that direction.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Greg Schiano

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Greg Schiano.

Greg Schiano’s coaching experience (51 years old)

Schiano has a great mix of NFL and college coaching experience. He’s the current defensive coordinator at Ohio State. Prior to that, he’s been a head coach for the Tampa Bay Bucs and long-time coach at Rutgers (from 2001-11). Before that, he was a defensive coordinator at Miami, a defensive assistant at Penn State and was an NFL assistant with the Bears from 1996-98.

GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: Great Coordinator, Pro

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Greg Schiano

If you’re going to hire a top assistant who can talk to kids about what it takes to get to the League, he’s the guy. He’ll bring a hard-nosed, tough mentality that quite frankly was missing with the soft Vols during the Jones era. Schiano is a dark-horse good fit if he gets the right kind of staff in place. He’s proven he’s an exceptional recruiter, and at his highest points at Rutgers, had the Scarlet Knights as a national contender. But does he know the SEC?

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Greg Schiano

He wouldn’t say no. This is an ideal situation for him to get back into a college head coaching role, but he hasn’t been a successful college and NFL coach consistently. Can he build the staff of recruiters it would take to coach at Tennessee? This would be a dicey hire that could work out.

The Gameday on Rocky Top Podcast: A New Hope

Will, Brad, and I recorded a podcast this afternoon to discuss the firing of Butch Jones and a handful of the most promising candidates. We went longer than usual, and so we had to upload the recording into two different episodes. So, pretend you’re binge-watching Netflix or something.

Start with Episode 140, a New Hope, and then continue on with Episode 141. You can listen using the magic orange widget below or by downloading it here or via iTunes and listening in the car on the way to and from work tomorrow.

Tennessee Athletics Director John Currie Talks Vols Coaching Search

Tennessee athletics director John Currie showed his cat-like media reflexes Sunday afternoon, artfully dodging a direct question about Jon Gruden from a questioner at the press conference officially announcing UT coach Butch Jones’ firing.

But after hemming and hawing his way around several questions, dodging a few others and giving some good, insightful answers on other topics regarding the difficult 2017 Tennessee football season and offering a glimpse at the days ahead, Currie offered this bottom line:

“We’re standing here right now because we haven’t won enough,” said UT’s athletics director, who hasn’t been on the job even a year himself.

As the 4-6, 0-6 Vols begin their search to find Jones’ successor, that succinct response best captures Sunday’s press conference. Of nuts-and-bolts note from the short session:

  • Despite all the message board and social media speculation, the tabloid-type comments that followed departed Vol For Life coordinator Antone Davis’ exit from Tennessee and the rumors around offensive lineman Brett Kendrick’s concussion, Jones was not let go with cause. Therefore, UT will be responsible for the buyouts of the head coach and any staff members who aren’t retained or find other jobs.
  • According to Currie, that cost for Jones will be “somewhere in the $8.5 million range” and for the rest of the staff, “altogether in the $13 million range.” He said that’s a decision he “doesn’t take lightly,” but one he ultimately made.
  • As far as timing, when asked when he came to the realization that Jones needed to be fired today, Currie answered: “Really late last night, it was evident this was the direction we needed to go.” Reading between the lines here, it sounded like Currie’s decision that Jones didn’t need to coach UT in 2018 was made a while back; but he was more referring the decision to fire him now.
  • Currie made clear up front in the press conference that finding Tennessee’s next head football coach would be his “sole focus” and he’d lean on his internal team. When pressed about whether he’d hire a search firm, he reiterated twice, “not at this time.”
  • He also clarified that the media had better get their questions in Sunday because he won’t comment on the search until he’s announcing a new head coach. He did not give a timeline for a decision, only noting there would be some consideration given to the early signing period.
  • On his decision to name Brady Hoke as the interim: “Brady Hoke is a three-time coach of the year in three conferences. It was a very appropriate choice.”

As far as some analysis from the presser, Currie handled himself fairly well. Though he doesn’t appear to be at his best in front of the media, he doesn’t seem fazed at the enormity of hiring a coach at a place like Tennessee. The final judgment will be made upon announcement of Jones’ successor.

It’s no secret that Tennessee hasn’t been in the best financial shape in recent years thanks to the failings of former athletics director Mike Hamilton and the failed hirings and contract structure of football coaches [UT is looking for its fifth coach in 11 years, after all]. But Currie didn’t expect that money would be an issue.

“We can always use some more around here, but we know we have the resources to select the next leader of our football program,” he said. When asked about the pressure he should feel and his reputation being tied to the coaching hire he makes, Currie said, “I understand what’s at stake.”

And, later, he added, “My responsibility is to conduct the process as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

None of the media asked about Currie’s team and who’d be on it when he consulted decisions on the next coach. He did call former UT coach Phillip Fulmer — who is currently serving as an ambassador for the athletic department — an “extraordinary resources” and noted that he called Coach Fulmer this morning after firing Jones because he wanted to be aware of the situation.

One of Fulmer’s best teams — the 1997 SEC champions — will be honored at this week’s LSU game, and Currie spoke of several former players being supportive of the current team and their predicament while still noting that this year’s Vols can look those good ol’ days as a goal.

“Again, it should remind us of what it looks like and what it’s supposed to look like,” Currie said of honoring the ’97 team.

There were other topics discussed, too. But Currie deflected any negativity from the Jones regime. When asked about Davis, he said he wished the former VFL coordinator the best of luck but that report had “nothing to do with this decision.”

Listen: It’s not Currie’s place to lend any credence to the rumors and speculation that are out there. The Orlando Sentinel reported today that Jones called commitment Tanner Ingle and told him to “find a place to go, quickly.” Former Vol receiver and current radio personality Jayson Swain was told Jones has been making the call circuit to others as well.

If that’s true, it would be a disappointing decision for Jones, and it could negate his buyout if it’s in his contract that he won’t have any communication with recruits following his ouster. But when pressed on that issue at Sunday’s conference, Currie shrugged it off.

“I find that kind of stuff — speculative stuff — silly,” Currie said. “I trust Butch Jones and his character.”

Finally, when asked about Gruden, Currie said he’s going to remain silent during the duration of the search, so as to not “add to the misinformation” that will obviously be — and has already been — perpetuated across message boards, Twitter and in several reports.

This is the nature of Currie’s job, and though he’s obviously very uncomfortable in press conference environments, he’s going to be confident in whatever choice he’s making, and he’s not going to bat an eye or let public perception influence the decision he ultimately makes. After firing baseball coach Dave Serrano, a lot of names were thrown around, and UT ultimately wound up with Arkansas assistant Tony Vitello. The jury is obviously still out on Vitello, who hasn’t coached a single game, but he just signed the No. 8 recruiting class in the country. Will that translate onto the field? Who knows?

What Currie needs to realize — and what we all have to hope he does — is Tennessee football is a different animal. We can’t [and shouldn’t] have to go bargain-basement hunting or be looking for a rare baseball card in a field full of beat-up tobacco tins. We can get the best, and we should demand the best. Currie needs to be shopping at the high-end section of the coaching tree.

“None of us want to be in this position, but we are in this position, and now we move forward,” Currie said.

His decision may just be the biggest in the history of the program.

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Dan Mullen

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Dan Mullen.

Dan Mullen’s coaching experience (45 years old)

Assistant/GA at Wagner, Columbia, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Bowling Green and Utah from 1994-2004. Rode Urban Meyer’s coattails from Utah to Florida, where he found huge success as offensive coordinator with Tim Tebow, 2005-08. He’s been Mississippi State’s head coach since then.

GRT college football coach taxonomy: The Proven Winner, Level Three – Major Conference Contender; Guru (QBs; offense)

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Dan Mullen

There’s a familiarity there, and you also like the fact that he’s proven he can develop players and generate some big offensive numbers in the conference. Mullen is sharp-tongued, quick-witted and knows how to handle media and the fan base. He also has recruited and enjoyed success in Tennessee. The man knows the SEC, and he also knows how to play the recruiting game. He’s proven his ability to develop quarterbacks and build great offenses at a dead-end spot like Starkville. Tennessee is a huge step up, even though it’s in the same conference. Still, he makes a lot of money at MSU, and is this the kind of hire you want to make without knowing if his ceiling has championship potential?

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Dan Mullen

Will the money be there? He’s already making over $5 million in Starkville. Also, he’s already in the SEC. Would he see Knoxville as an opportunity? He’s also never won big in Starkville, though he did have MSU to No. 1 briefly when Dak Prescott was the quarterback.

 

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Scott Frost

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Scott Frost.

Scott Frost’s coaching experience (42 years old)

Elite option quarterback at Nebraska. Began playing career at Stanford; also played in NFL. College assistant at Nebraska, Kansas State, Northern Iowa and offensive coordinator for national runner up Oregon. Assistant 2002-15. Head coach at Central Florida the past two seasons.

GRT college football coach taxonomy: Up and Comer.

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Scott Frost

His coaching pedigree is as good as any coach’s around, from Bill Walsh to Tom Osbourne to Mike Tomlin to Chip Kelly. He took an 0-12 Knights team to a bowl game their first year and an undefeated record so far this year. He’s a rising star and an alpha personality the fan base could get behind. The fans may not love him at first because he doesn’t have a huge body of work. He’s got an explosive offense with ties all over the country. Beyond Gruden, he’s the favorite option of all three Gameday on Rocky Top authors. You need upside when the pool of coaches isn’t deep. He’s got the highest of them all.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Scott Frost

It doesn’t matter about UCF. You can outbid the Knights, but if they remain undefeated, there’s no way you can publicly lure him until after the early signing period. Also, with his alma mater maybe coming open, would he go back to Lincoln? Would he hold out for a Florida school with the Gators actively searching and the Seminoles reeling?

Tennessee Vols coaching candidate Jon Gruden

As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Jon Gruden, the white whale on Rocky Top.

Jon Gruden’s coaching experience (54 years old)

Vols graduate assistant, 1986-87. College assistant at Southeast Missouri State and Pacific 1988-89. NFL assistant 1990-97, including offensive coordinator at Philadelphia. NFL head coach 1998-2008 at Oakland and Tampa Bay.

GRT college football coach taxonomy: Pro, On Hiatus.

Why the Tennessee Vols might want Jon Gruden

Gruden is the Holy Gru-l of Tennessee coaching searches. His name has come up in each of the past two searches that yielded Derek Dooley and Butch Jones. He’s basically the guy who could completely unify the fan base. He is a former graduate assistant at UT under Johnny Majors, his wife is a former Tennessee cheerleader, his son is a UT student, he owns land in Jefferson County. HIS WIFE WANTS TO BE CLOSE TO FAMILY! HE LOVES THE VOLS! [By now, you’ve heard it all]. He’d give Tennessee that instant-credibility hire that could make the Vols a national story again. In a good way.

Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Jon Gruden

Of course, UT would love to have the Super Bowl winning head coach and current Monday Night Football analyst, but how serious is he about coaching? He makes a ton of money as one of ESPN’s leading analysts, and he has a cushy, stress-free job. He doesn’t know anything about coaching in college, recruiting, or compliance, so he’d have to beef up his support staff in those areas. Plus, he really loves Tennessee. Would he want to take the chance of the highs and lows of rebuilding UT to a powerhouse? That’s a major question.

Taxonomy of college football coaches: Gurus, Champions, Contenders, and Up-and-Comers

So, it’s official. Butch Jones is fired, and the Tennessee Volunteers are looking for a new head football coach. We’ve already talked about what a good coaching resume looks like, and we’ll be publishing our list of candidates and their profiles in the next couple of hours. Before that, though, I thought it would be worthwhile to develop a taxonomy of college football coaches, a sort of food chain, if you will, as it should help us in evaluating candidates.

There are a lot of ways to do this, but what we’ve ended up with a four levels of “Proven Winners,” Up and Comers, Great Coordinators, Gurus, and On Hiatus. The categories are not mutually exclusive; for instance, a Guru is probably also in one of the Proven Winner categories. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be much of a guru, would he? And coaches in all categories except those that are On Hiatus would need to be headhunted from their current job. Note, too, that listing someone as an example in a category isn’t meant to imply that they’re available, desired, or obtainable by Tennessee.

The Proven Winner, Level One – National Champion

This is a head coach who’s regularly winning at the highest level and has recently won a national championship (or a bunch of them).

Examples: Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney, Urban Meyer. Maybe Jimbo Fisher and Les Miles, although they each have a recency problem.

The Proven Winner, Level Two – Major Conference Champion

This is a head coach who’s regularly winning at the highest level, but hasn’t quite gotten to the pinnacle with a national championship yet. He’s regularly winning Power 5 conference championships. “Regularly” might be a bit strong; “recently” might be enough.

Examples: Bob Stoops, Gary Patterson, James Franklin, Mark Dantonio, Chris Petersen, David Shaw, Chip Kelly.

The Proven Winner, Level Three – Major Conference Contender

This is a head coach who’s regularly competing for championships in a Power 5 conference, but not regularly (or recently) winning them.

Examples: Justin Fuente, Mike Gundy, Gus Malzahn, Jim Harbaugh, Bobby Petrino, Charlie Strong, Paul Chryst, and Jim McElwain (maybe?). Also, Bret Bielema, who won championships in the Big 10, but he has a Peter Principle issue to overcome, not having duplicated his Big 10 success in the SEC.

The Proven Winner, Level Four – Mid-Major Champion

This is a head coach with a track record of winning non-Power 5 conferences.

Examples: Tom Herman, Scott Satterfield, Matt Campbell, Jeff Brohm, Willie Taggart, Lane Kiffin, Matt Rhule, P.J. Fleck, Brian Harsin, Blake Anderson, Butch Jones.

Up and comer

This is a head coach who is beginning to make a name for himself but doesn’t yet have a record of sustained success.

Examples: Kirby Smart, Lincoln Riley, Scott Frost, Mike Norvell, Phillip Montgomery, Jason Candle.

Great coordinators

This is a coach who is currently serving as an offensive or defensive coordinator for a proven winner at a major program.

Examples: John Chavis, Jeremy Pruitt, Brent Venables, Lane Kiffin, Jim Moorhead, Mike Bobo, Chad Morris, Dave Aranda, Todd Grantham.

Gurus

These are guys who are known as innovators in their respective areas. They are likely also in one of the higher-level Proven Winner categories, but also may not have had the opportunity at a major program yet.

Examples: Steve Spurrier, Urban Meyer, Chip Kelly, Mike Leach, Gary Patterson, Nick Saban, David Cutcliffe, Bobby Petrino, Lane Kiffin.

Pros

These are guys whose primary experience has been in the NFL ranks. Translation to college is iffy.

Examples: Jon Gruden, Jim Bob Cooter, Lovie Smith, Bobby Petrino.

On Hiatus

These are guys who are either between coaching jobs or presumably out to pasture. They probably don’t have buyouts.

Examples: Chip Kelly, Les Miles, Bob Stoops, Phillip Fulmer, Jon Gruden.