Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt's introductory press conference live stream

Tennessee will be holding a press conference to officially welcome new head coach Jeremy Pruitt this evening at 6:05. The video stream is embedded below so we GRTers can watch it and talk about it right here. I’ll be doing my best to paraphrase on the fly in the comment section below for anyone who’s not able to watch the video.

Brad will be along shortly after the press conference concludes with his recap and thoughts, and then he, Will, and I will be recording a live-streamed podcast starting at 8:30.

So, watch for all of that here tonight. It’s been a good day on Rocky Top, and even better days are ahead.

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Andrew Cooper

6 years ago

I’m encouraged without even hearing from him. It sounds like he already had a plan in place given how fast he started putting together a staff.

Evan

6 years ago

Hmmm Bev is really taking this on herself. I’m surprised she’s even up there today. Kinda dangerous. If Pruitt doesn’t work out, she may be viewed as sharing in the blame.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Davenport’s opening statements: Only been a week since introducing Fulmer as AD. He’s the most dedicated Vol I’ve ever met. Vicki says it’s a calling, and I’ve seen that this week. Thanks to all the family for giving him back to us. Today, he’s brought us a new coach. I couldn’t be happier to be delivering the news. Fulmer has been full in. Worked tirelessly. I’m confident that Jeremy Pruitt is That Person for This PRogram at This time. Thanks to Pruitt for choosing Tennessee, taking this on. Welcome to the family. Really excited you’re going to be part of… Read more »

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Fulmer’s comments: It’s been great to work with Davenport this week. I’d gotten to know her a bit before this, but having the oppotunity to work with her closely, I learned that she’s all in. She asked tought question to make sure we got he right person. She cares about UT, and I saw it firsthand these past few days. I’ve spent 5 days interviewing, coordinators from both O and D backgrounds. My charge to all stakeholders was to go find the best coach to get our proud football program back to the championship level. First want to thank Casey,… Read more »

Evan

6 years ago

“Anything you expect I expect better. I expect everything better than you. A’ight?”- Jeremy Pruitt

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Pruitt’s remarks: That phone theat went off was my dad’s. I’m honored and humbled to be the coach at Tennessee. Tradition. Grew up N. AL just by the Tennessee river. I grew up knowing all about UT. Neyland, Dickey, Majors, FUlmer. Smokey. There was a time and place that this palce was feared. My goal as head football coach is to get us back to that point. Thank you to Davenport, she can recruit for you. Excited about getting athletes in here, hope she will recruit for us. Dr. Joe, thanks. Fulmer, it’s rare to be able to work for… Read more »

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Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: What was your impression of UT and what needs to be changed.

A: You don’t look in the rear view. I’m looking forward. Ntohing happened last yeear is going to determine next year. We laid out a plan. When their legs start shaking and they start leaning in, you got ’em. Now we need to take it day by day. Here’s your first test. If you got a 65, get it to a 70. If you want to have a ssuccess, you need to learn how to finish.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Playoff, balance?

A: I’m going back to why, I got into this for th kids. I’m all in for Tennessee. Until dead period, I’m working at UT. We’re starting. I also have a commitment to the kids at AL. Saban has been wonderful, after dead period starts, I’m going to coach them. It’s about the kids. I’m going to go back and finish.

Evan

6 years ago

Reply to Joel Hollingsworth

Respect.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Staff

A: We’ll take our time and find the right fit, people of integrity, good teachers, people that are loyal and can recruit. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Tennessee, Alaska, you just have to be willing to get out there and sell it.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Who will you lean on while learning HC?

A: Fulmer’s office isn’t far from mine. My dad’s done it a long time. I’ve worked for Saban, Richt, Fisher. As much as an assistant coach can be, I’m ready.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Staffing decisions.

A: We’ll take our time, right guys, right fit. Not mentioning names right now.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Some coordinators still do their thing, what about you?

A: Head coach should be involved in everything. Weight room, nutrition, academics. On Saturdays, we’re going to know about every situation ahead of time. I’m going to be involved in everything.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Stallings, Saban, what did you learn from them?

A: Stallings used to always say, the most important thing is his eyes. Saban, numerous things. Organization. I started from ground zero his first year, very similar situation. How did we do it? I’ve worked for him in three different capacities. I’ve learned as much from my dad as I have anyone else.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Was it your goal to be an SEC head coach?

A: I wanted to be like my dad, a HS football coach. When you surround yourself with good people, if you work hard, do your job, opportunities happen. This should inspire Hs coaches across the country. You’ll have an opportunity.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Have you had time to process your rise?

A: If you stop, everybody will go right by you. I’m day to day. We’ll define the role for everyone in the organization. No, I’ve not stepped back and looked at it.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: 3-4 defense?

A: You play the best personnel you have. If the numbers don’t allow it, we’ll play 4-3, you have to be adaptable and flexible, that’s what we’ll do.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: First impression of the team.

A: Guys were on the edge of their seats. Notebooks, pens in hand, taking notes. I’m excited. First impression, I’m excited to coach these guys.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a head coach at college level?

A: Three or four, I was with Dad. When I was six or seven. I decided I might not want to do it. Dad was having a losing record. He was running the same play over and over. I got smart with him (good story), I thought I might get out that night.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Missed this question because I was laughing.

A: Early signing period. We have to ID who fits at UT, then we have to get in front of them and recruit them. You worry about the ones you get, not the ones you don’t. We’ll target, critical factors at every position. What are their intangibles, are they leaders, are they dependable? Do they have issues? We don’t want to sign someone who doesn’t fit that.

Don’t get out of whack at early signing period. We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry.

Author

Joel Hollingsworth

6 years ago

Q: Worst season in history, do you think we can get there?

A: I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we couldn’t get there. We’ll have success here. Our goal is to dominate our opponent every day. Right now our opponent is in the mirror. We need to dominate the states that border us. Plus a couple others.