Lane Kiffin to USC

[BuckeyeRed27]

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=4820737

Leaving Tennesee after only one season.

Not a good hire IMO.

[BearcatShane]

Um. Wow. I did not see that coming, but I should have.

[Sea Ray]

Kinda makes you wonder how many folks told USC "no" if it got to this point.

Followup Carroll with Kiffin? Is there any way USC doesn't find itself with NCAA sanctions?

[TeamSelig]

Wow, very surprised.

[WVRed]

Kinda makes you wonder how many folks told USC "no" if it got to this point.

Followup Carroll with Kiffin? Is there any way USC doesn't find itself with NCAA sanctions?

I always said Kiffin would either restore Tennessee to glory or put them on probation by the end of his tenure.

This is basically the equivalent of USC giving the NCAA the finger with possible sanctions coming.

[Reds4Life]

Horrible hire for USC.

Kiffin is hated, and I mean HATED, by many top high school coaches because of his antics in recruiting. He did nothing special in his whopping one year at UT either.

[Sea Ray]

Horrible hire for USC.

Kiffin is hated, and I mean HATED, by many top high school coaches because of his antics in recruiting. He did nothing special in his whopping one year at UT either.

The USC dynasty was fun while it lasted...:)

[WVRed]

Horrible hire for USC.

Kiffin is hated, and I mean HATED, by many top high school coaches because of his antics in recruiting. He did nothing special in his whopping one year at UT either.

Not exactly liked in the SEC either. When he starts poaching top coaches from the Pac-10, he will really be hated.

That being said though, I do think he was on the right track rebuilding Tennessee. He played Florida pretty close earlier this season. I don't think anybody outside of Knoxville expected him to compete with Alabama or Florida this season.

[Sea Ray]

Not exactly liked in the SEC either. When he starts poaching top coaches from the Pac-10, he will really be hated.

That being said though, I do think he was on the right track rebuilding Tennessee. He played Florida pretty close earlier this season. I don't think anybody outside of Knoxville expected him to compete with Alabama or Florida this season.

I don't think Knoxville thought he would compete with Alabama or Florida either. They'd be calling for his head if they did. Instead they were OK with how he did, but the recruiting violations did make the natives restless

[KronoRed]

He played Florida pretty close earlier this season.

Lots of teams did, he's a terrible coach who somehow keeps getting jobs, this is sad for the SEC and hilarious for the PAC 10:D

[dabvu2498]

This makes me laugh on many levels. Who does UT go after. My Vol fan wife still wants Mike Gundy. I told her Petrino has a moving company on retainer. Phat Phil is also available. As is Mangino.

[WMR]

:lol:

[WVRed]

This makes me laugh on many levels. Who does UT go after. My Vol fan wife still wants Mike Gundy. I told her Petrino has a moving company on retainer. Phat Phil is also available. As is Mangino.

My prediction: Jon Gruden. They missed on him before and I think he would be a good fit there.

He's also who I don't want as a Kentucky fan.

[BuckeyeRed27]

This makes me laugh on many levels. Who does UT go after. My Vol fan wife still wants Mike Gundy. I told her Petrino has a moving company on retainer. Phat Phil is also available. As is Mangino.

Mike Leach might not be a bad choice.

[dabvu2498]

Mike Leach might not be a bad choice. That would require a qb. And you have to play at least marginal defense to win in the SEC.

[Reds4Life]

Mike Leach might not be a bad choice.

Leach would be a monster there, with all the resources that would be available to him.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm a little disappointed. I wanted Steve Sarkisian or Jim Harbaugh. Kiffin is a good coach and great recruiter but Sarkisian was number one on my wish list.

[Joseph]

Lane Kiffin is a joke as a human being.

[dabvu2498]

Lane Kiffin is a joke as a human being. I must agree.

[OnBaseMachine]

In another part of the blockbuster staff changes, a deal is being worked on in hopes of bringing longtime offensive coordinator Norm Chow back to USC in the same capacity, sources close to the school told ESPN's Shelley Smith.

The current UCLA offensive coordinator held that position with USC from 2001-04. He was also the coordinator at Brigham Young from 1973-99, at NC State in 2000 and with the Tennessee Titans from 2005-07.

Kiffin will bring his father and defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin, and assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron to Southern California with him

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=4820737

Now that excites me. I love Norm Chow, but the Orgeron hiring is just as big. USC always had a great defensive line when he was there.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Tennessee will hire Will Muschamp.

[TC81190]

There are literally riots in Tennessee over this right now.

[KronoRed]

There are literally riots in Tennessee over this right now.

What's worse is the recruits saying the coaches were trying to poach them over to USCw even before the official announcement.

UT will come out this much better off with a real coach, except for the littley NCAA investigation Kiffin got started.

[dabvu2498]

What's worse is the recruits saying the coaches were trying to poach them over to USCw even before the official announcement. UT will come out this much better off with a real coach, except for the littley NCAA investigation Kiffin got started. Coach O calling UT's early enrollees, telling them not to go to class because it will make it tougher to transfer. Lovely. Another southern state hates Ed Orgeron!

[bucksfan2]

What has Lane Kiffin ever done as a head coach? His best moments have been off the field. Sparing with Al Davis, calling out Florida, and minor NCAA violations.

USC will get spanked with NCAA infractions within a year or so of Kiffin's arrival. It will be even worse if the NFL doesn't relocate to LA. (I believe that is the biggest issue with USC. The players are treated like celebrities and NFL players. Not a good thing for intercollegiate athletes.)

[BRM]

:lol:

This was my first reaction as well.

[cumberlandreds]

In another part of the blockbuster staff changes, a deal is being worked on in hopes of bringing longtime offensive coordinator Norm Chow back to USC in the same capacity, sources close to the school told ESPN's Shelley Smith.

The current UCLA offensive coordinator held that position with USC from 2001-04. He was also the coordinator at Brigham Young from 1973-99, at NC State in 2000 and with the Tennessee Titans from 2005-07.

Kiffin will bring his father and defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin, and assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron to Southern California with him

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=4820737

Now that excites me. I love Norm Chow, but the Orgeron hiring is just as big. USC always had a great defensive line when he was there.

Kiffin is putting together an awsome staff at USC. All he will have to do is stand on the sidlines and make a butt of himself. Which he can do very easily.
Bad hire for USC because they are facing NCAA hearing on the Reggie Bush stuff and they go out and hire someone who has basically thumbed his nose at the NCAA since he was hired at UT. IMO, this will end very badly for USC.
UT is literally on fire. I have read that the students were burning mattresses and other things. They even basically got a posse together to go after Kiffin but were stopped. Fun times in Knox-Vegas. :)

http://www.wbir.com/video/default.aspx?aid=88058#/Local%20News/Angry%20UT%20students%20protest%20Kiffin%27s%20res ignation/44024439001/39627146001/61546613001

[traderumor]

What has Lane Kiffin ever done as a head coach? His best moments have been off the field. Sparing with Al Davis, calling out Florida, and minor NCAA violations.

USC will get spanked with NCAA infractions within a year or so of Kiffin's arrival. It will be even worse if the NFL doesn't relocate to LA. (I believe that is the biggest issue with USC. The players are treated like celebrities and NFL players. Not a good thing for intercollegiate athletes.)So why doesn't UCLA have similar problems? I think USC is getting in trouble because of the tone at the top. What goes on in an organization will be a reflection of the leadership's integrity.

[Roy Tucker]

My general opinion of college coaches these days is about on par with streetwalkers.

[bucksfan2]

So why doesn't UCLA have similar problems? I think USC is getting in trouble because of the tone at the top. What goes on in an organization will be a reflection of the leadership's integrity.

Because UCLA has been an afterthought during the Carroll reign. For the better part of a decade USC football was the best show in town. Guys like Leinart and Bush were celebrities, actual celebrities like Will Farrel and Snoop Dogg attended practice, they were LA's version of a NFL team.

[WVRed]

Kiffin is putting together an awsome staff at USC. All he will have to do is stand on the sidlines and make a butt of himself. Which he can do very easily.
Bad hire for USC because they are facing NCAA hearing on the Reggie Bush stuff and they go out and hire someone who has basically thumbed his nose at the NCAA since he was hired at UT. IMO, this will end very badly for USC.
UT is literally on fire. I have read that the students were burning mattresses and other things. They even basically got a posse together to go after Kiffin but were stopped. Fun times in Knox-Vegas. :)

http://www.wbir.com/video/default.aspx?aid=88058#/Local%20News/Angry%20UT%20students%20protest%20Kiffin%27s%20res ignation/44024439001/39627146001/61546613001

When did Tennessee become WVU?:lol:

I said in an earlier post that this is the equivalent of USC giving the NCAA the finger. Knowing you are probably going to be facing sanctions and then hiring the biggest troublemaker of a coach known to man.

Actually, I would compare it to Gilbert Arenas in warmups before David Stern suspended him indefinitely.

I have a friend from Tennessee who I checked on Facebook last night after this happened. He was glad to see Kiffin go and thought he was a jerk after the way he acted toward Frank Beamer after losing to Va Tech. I think Vol Nation was divided on Kiffin, but they are all hurt and betrayed with what is happening right now. I wouldn't be shocked if they decided to bring back a former Vol to lead the program and provide stability. David Cutcliffe or Randy Sanders could be options.

[Sea Ray]

Let's hope it's not Randy Sanders. He isn't even a good asst coach

[WVRed]

Let's hope it's not Randy Sanders. He isn't even a good asst coach

I beg to differ. He has been responsible for turning Andre Woodson around. I think he will also be a force in the development of Morgan Newton. I'd rather we keep him. :)

[traderumor]

Because UCLA has been an afterthought during the Carroll reign. For the better part of a decade USC football was the best show in town. Guys like Leinart and Bush were celebrities, actual celebrities like Will Farrel and Snoop Dogg attended practice, they were LA's version of a NFL team.UCLA had some awfully good bball teams during that time. Yet, not a whiff of wrong doing that I'm aware of.

I'm just not buying the lack of an NFL franchise as any type of cause-effect relationship. You may be right about the star factor being present at USC, but I don't think that is anyway related to the lack of an NFL team.

[Sea Ray]

I beg to differ. He has been responsible for turning Andre Woodson around. I think he will also be a force in the development of Morgan Newton. I'd rather we keep him. :)

He got fired at Tennessee for a reason. If he was so great at UK, why wasn't he calling the plays?

If I'm Tennessee I want something more than a QB coach to lead my team.

You can have him

[Sea Ray]

I beg to differ. He has been responsible for turning Andre Woodson around.

We have different standards at Tennessee. We don't want Andre Woodson. We want Peyton Manning and Heath Shuler

[Newport Red]

My general opinion of college coaches these days is about on par with streetwalkers.

Do you really think she loved you?:)

He was only there for a year. Why does he need a press conference? He needs an hour to clean out his desk.

[WVRed]

We have different standards at Tennessee. We don't want Andre Woodson. We want Peyton Manning and Heath Shuler

I understand the standards completely. Tennessee is to football what Kentucky is to basketball. If John Calipari had done this, I can guarantee you the reaction would be the same.

There are people I know from Tennessee who wanted to keep the job "in-family", even when Kiffin was hired. That is why Cutcliffe and Sanders were mentioned.

If I were a Vol fan, Jon Gruden is the one I would like to see. He has the connections, but at the same time you have to wonder if he would like to go back to the NFL. Unless Tennessee does stay "in family", my guess is whoever they hire isn't going to be a lifer there.

[bucksfan2]

UCLA had some awfully good bball teams during that time. Yet, not a whiff of wrong doing that I'm aware of.

I'm just not buying the lack of an NFL franchise as any type of cause-effect relationship. You may be right about the star factor being present at USC, but I don't think that is anyway related to the lack of an NFL team.

College football and college basketball are apples and oranges. And last I checked the NBA has two teams in LA.

Oh I think there is a direct correlation between USC's problems and the lack of a NFL team. Football is the biggest sport in the country right now. With the lack of a professional sports team USC has taken their place. Back to back national titles, 3 Heisman Torphy winners, numerous first round draft picks, etc. With LA being one of the top 5 markets in America there will be countless business owners and corporations who want to experience football. Money poured into USC football and with it being the in thing to do in LA it made sense. But with all that money you are going to have your bad apples start to surface.

[dabvu2498]

The Vols have contacted Phat Phil about coming back. Absense makes the heart grow fonder? I was only half kidding yesterday when I said his name.

[joshnky]

The Vols have contacted Phat Phil about coming back. Absense makes the heart grow fonder? I was only half kidding yesterday when I said his name.

That's funny. He has practically begged for every open position so far this year.

[Sea Ray]

I understand the standards completely. Tennessee is to football what Kentucky is to basketball. If John Calipari had done this, I can guarantee you the reaction would be the same.

There are people I know from Tennessee who wanted to keep the job "in-family", even when Kiffin was hired. That is why Cutcliffe and Sanders were mentioned.

If I were a Vol fan, Jon Gruden is the one I would like to see. He has the connections, but at the same time you have to wonder if he would like to go back to the NFL. Unless Tennessee does stay "in family", my guess is whoever they hire isn't going to be a lifer there.

That's fine and dandy but what does this have to do with whether Sanders is a good assistant coach or not?

[Reds4Life]

If Gruden went to UT, and had a little success there, he'd bail as soon as the NFL came calling again.

[dabvu2498]

If Gruden went to UT, and had a little success there, he'd bail as soon as the NFL came calling again.In a heartbeat. So would any other coach under 50 years old. It goes with the territory sadly.

[Chip R]

In a heartbeat. So would any other coach under 50 years old. It goes with the territory sadly.


And how long will he stay at USC before he goes to the NFL? This guy makes Nick Saban seem like Joe Paterno as regards to job stability.

[ochre]

http://i.tsn.com/i/photos/20100113/133663.gif

[traderumor]

Gruden is extremely overrated. Does he even have any recruiting experience? I was thinking he has always been an NFL guy.

[WVRed]

That's fine and dandy but what does this have to do with whether Sanders is a good assistant coach or not?

You and I are not going to agree on Sanders. Kentucky fans love him and want him to stay there. He was instrumental in Andre Woodson having a breakout season and most fans expect the same from Morgan Newton. OTOH, when you expect to have a Heath Shuler or Peyton Manning under center, Sanders never really delivered that.

Out of curiosity, why exactly was he forced to resign at Tennessee? I'm guessing he was the scapegoat because the expectations for Casey Clausen and Erik Ainge were borderline insane.

[Reds4Life]

And how long will he stay at USC before he goes to the NFL? This guy makes Nick Saban seem like Joe Paterno as regards to job stability.

Well, at least Saban's got a couple national title rings, about all Kiffin has is NCAA investigations.

Oh, and a smokin' hot wife.

[mlh1981]

College coaches shouldn't even bother signing contracts. They are turning into mercenaries.

[durl]

Somewhere, Al Davis is doing his "I Told You So" Dance.

[Sea Ray]

Out of curiosity, why exactly was he forced to resign at Tennessee? I'm guessing he was the scapegoat because the expectations for Casey Clausen and Erik Ainge were borderline insane.

Because he was horrible as an offensive coordinator. Will he be in that role under Joker next year? I would hope not.

Erik Ainge is a great example. Glad you brought him up. After showing promise as a freshman he digressed seriously under Randy Sanders in his soph year. Not good.

Then UT brought back David Cutcliffe and Ainge leads the team to a 7-1 record before getting hurt. The Vols lose the next two while he's out. After he returns the Vols win their next two, including your Wildcats.

In his senior year he completes over 62% of his passes, throws for 3500+ yards and has a TD/INT ratio of 31/10.

See a difference?

What do you mean about insane expectations for Erik Ainge? Nobody I know of expected better numbers out of Erik Ainge. I feel Cutcliffe got a lot out of him; much more than Randy Sanders did or could have...

Those are numbers UT fans expect. UK fans can only dream of a QB putting up numbers like that.

[joshnky]

Those are numbers UT fans expect. UK fans can only dream of a QB putting up numbers like that.

Funny. I think those were the exact numbers Woodson put up his senior year at UK. But maybe UK fans were dreaming to think they might have a QB putting up numbers to rival a QB at such an elite school as UT.

Really, I don't care about UT and hate UK but I find your comments laughable. UT is irrelevant in football and has been for some time.

[WVRed]

In his senior year he completes over 62% of his passes, throws for 3500+ yards and has a TD/INT ratio of 31/10.

See a difference?

What do you mean about insane expectations for Erik Ainge? Nobody I know of expected better numbers out of Erik Ainge. I feel Cutcliffe got a lot out of him; much more than Randy Sanders did or could have...

Those are numbers UT fans expect. UK fans can only dream of a QB putting up numbers like that.

Andre Woodson

Jr year=65% of his passes. 3,515 yards, 31 TD/7 INT
Sr year=63%, 3,709 yards, 40 TD/11 INT

While we are at it=

Tim Couch

So year= 66.4% 3,884 yards, 37 TD, 19 INT
Jr year= 71.5% 4,611 yards, 38 TD, 17 INT

Oh, and Woodson does hold the record of 325 completions without an interception. Yet we can only dream of having a QB like Erik Ainge.

When I said insane expectations I was referring to those heaped on Ainge, Clausen, and even Jon Crompton expecting them to follow the legacy of Heath Shuler, Peyton Manning, and to a lesser extent, Tee Martin.

[BRM]

Tell us how you really feel, Gene.



Kiffin cares only about himself
By Gene Wojciechowski
ESPN.com

If there were a stock car race between all the frauds, egomaniacs and two-faced weasels I've ever covered, Lane Kiffin would have the pole position all to himself.

Kiffin is a spin doctor without a medical degree. He thinks truth comes in different shades of gray. He demands loyalty, but gives none himself.
Kiffin is a used car salesman with a whistle. Wait, that's not fair to used car salesmen. He ditched Tennessee for USC after just 13 games. The remaining five years on his contract, the players he left behind, the nine high school recruits who planned to enroll early, they all meant nothing to Kiffin.

According to someone who was in the room, the Tuesday night farewell meeting between Kiffin and the Tennessee players was "very, very, very hostile." Kiffin told them that coaches come and go, that USC was his dream job. The players, orphaned after less than 14 months, responded angrily.

If not for interim coach Kippy Brown, who calmed the players down after Kiffin's appearance, the tension and anger could have redlined. Put it this way: Kiffin is lucky no one took a swing at him. That was the level of betrayal felt by the players in that meeting room.

Kiffin doesn't care. That's because Kiffin is about Kiffin. He sold Fords on Monday, Chevys on Tuesday. Just change the business card and the mailing address. His scorched-earth coaching policy isn't concerned with collateral damage.

All that bluster about beating Florida, and singing "Rocky Top" all night long? Nothing more than a Hefty bag full of Kiffin verbal garbage. All those recruiting pitches he made? Empty promises. (By the way, full disclosure: I'm a Tennessee grad.)

Heads should roll, beginning with the one belonging to Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton. Hamilton is the guy who hired Mr. One-and-Done. He's the guy who made like a Kevlar vest and protected Kiffin when the coach falsely accused Florida's Urban Meyer of cheating, or kept committing secondary rules violations, attracting NCAA inquires, or got fined by the SEC for popping off.

Oh, I'm sorry, Kiffin said it was all part of a calculated scheme to keep Tennessee in the news. First of all, Kiffin isn't that smart. Second, it wasn't true. Kiffin wanted everyone to believe it was part of a master plan, but he knows better.

Hamilton paid Kiffin and his staff eye-popping money to come to Knoxville. A lot of good it did. Kiffin is taking his old man and defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin, as well as recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron and several other assistants with him to USC.

It has been a gruesome past 12 months at Tennessee. Firings. Guns. Robberies. Drugs. Player arrests in football and basketball. Player suspensions and dismissals. NCAA rules violations. And now Kiffin ditches the place.

All of this happened on Hamilton's watch. Why anyone would trust him to run an athletic program and make the next football coaching hire is beyond comprehension. He made a panic hire with Kiffin and got exactly what he deserved.

Any chance UT women's basketball coach Pat Summitt would like to become the school's athletic director? Her B.S. detector would have sounded the alarm on Kiffin's nonsense during the first interview.

And if not Summitt, how about hiring someone else who actually cares about Tennessee -- someone who played there, coached there and won a national championship there? I'm talking about Phillip Fulmer, who was forced out by Hamilton and disgruntled heavy-hitter boosters to make room for Kiffin.

According to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, several members of the UT Board of Trustees have contacted Fulmer about the possibility of returning to Tennessee as its athletic director or even as its football coach (but not both positions). Those same sources say Fulmer was receptive to those inquiries, though ESPN.com's Chris Low reports that Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is Tennessee's first choice to succeed Kiffin.

Given the circumstances, the AD job would make the most sense for Fulmer and Tennessee. He would provide instant stability and credibility. But adding to the intrigue and confusion is this: The school is without a permanent president, which means it might take a power play from trustees to force a change.

Whatever happens, it will take years for Kiffin to patch and caulk the gaping holes in his credibility. If you were a recruit, why would you believe a word he said?

On the December 2008 day he was introduced as Tennessee's head coach, Kiffin told reporters: "I want the Tennessee family to know this: This is what I'm going to give you. I'm rolling my sleeves up and going to work. I'm not promising you how many wins, how many championships. I can't do that ... but I can tell you this right now: No one is going to outwork us. No one is going to outwork me as a head coach and no one is going to outwork our staff that we put together. That's the promise I'm giving you, the wins will come after that."

All seven of them.

Some promise, eh?

[Reds4Life]

I don't see Muschamp going to UT. He's already the coach in waiting at Texas, and Mack Brown ain't going to be around much longer. Texas is in a much better position to succeed than Tennessee right now. Plus, Will is still close with Nick Saban, I'm not sure how he'd feel about playing against his mentor frequently.

[Hoosier Red]

Tell us how you really feel, Gene.

I don't really understand why this makes Kiffen worse than any other coach.

On the December 2008 day he was introduced as Tennessee's head coach, Kiffin told reporters: "I want the Tennessee family to know this: This is what I'm going to give you. I'm rolling my sleeves up and going to work. I'm not promising you how many wins, how many championships. I can't do that ... but I can tell you this right now: No one is going to outwork us. No one is going to outwork me as a head coach and no one is going to outwork our staff that we put together. That's the promise I'm giving you, the wins will come after that

All indications are this is correct. He worked his tail off for UT for the one year. It's not like he took a giant signing bonus and then the next day said "well my work is done. I think I'll go play some golf."

How long should a coach stay at a university to prove himself loyal.

[dabvu2498]

Tell us how you really feel, Gene. No way is he really a UT grad. He put more than 2 coherent sentences together in a row.

[Hoosier Red]

Something I was just thinking about.

I've heard a proposal mentioned that if a coach leaves a school, the players at that school can transfer without sitting out the one year. This seems to me to be a double whammy for the school. First you lose your coach, second you lose any prospects.

What I'd like to see is, if a school hires a coach under contract, all players at the hiring school can transfer without penalty. This may make the hiring school think twice about hiring someone who is currently under contract as it could delay the rebuilding process if half the players leave.

Thoughts?

[Reds4Life]

Something I was just thinking about.

I've heard a proposal mentioned that if a coach leaves a school, the players at that school can transfer without sitting out the one year. This seems to me to be a double whammy for the school. First you lose your coach, second you lose any prospects.

What I'd like to see is, if a school hires a coach under contract, all players at the hiring school can transfer without penalty. This may make the hiring school think twice about hiring someone who is currently under contract as it could delay the rebuilding process if half the players leave.

Thoughts?

It's not a bad idea. The musical chairs that is going on with coaches these days is getting to be ridicilous.

I think signing day should be moved back as well, and there should be an NCAA rule that coaches cannot interview for other positions until their current teams season is complete, regular season + bowl game. If you violate the rule, the coach is suspended for 1 year, and the program that interviews them loses schollys. Coaches campainging for new jobs during the regular season needs to stop.

[KronoRed]

I think signing day should be moved back as well, and there should be an NCAA rule that coaches cannot interview for other positions until their current teams season is complete, regular season + bowl game. If you violate the rule, the coach is suspended for 1 year, and the program that interviews them loses schollys. Coaches campainging for new jobs during the regular season needs to stop.

I like it, but I'd actually move signing day up so it coincides with the end of the football season, recruiting is already annoyingly too long.

[WVRed]

Judging by this article, I will be surprised if it is anybody but David Cutcliffe.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4825513


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Will Muschamp, Texas defensive coordinator and head coach-in-waiting, has turned down a lucrative offer to be Tennessee's new coach, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com.

Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton continued to work toward having a coach in place by this weekend, and one of the candidates the Vols are zeroing in on now is Duke coach David Cutcliffe, who is a former Tennessee offensive coordinator.

Sources told ESPN.com that Cutcliffe has talked with Tennessee officials, although he's not the only candidate the Vols are considering.

Lane Kiffin left Tennessee to take the USC job Tuesday evening after only one season in Knoxville.

Air Force's Troy Calhoun was on Tennessee's list, but the coach released a statement through the university Thursday that read, "We look forward to coaching and being a part of the Air Force Academy team both on and off the field in 2010." Calhoun was one of the Vols' finalists when Kiffin was hired.

Louisiana Tech's Derek Dooley also is on Tennessee's list as is Temple coach Al Golden.

Tennessee made a hard push for Muschamp and made it clear that money wasn't an issue. But in the end, Muschamp believed it was best for him to stay at Texas, where he's already contractually in line to replace Mack Brown when Brown retires.

"I'm happy at Texas and plan to be here for a long time," Muschamp said in a statement issued through a school spokesperson Wednesday night.

At the time, Muschamp did not rule out the possibility of leaving Austin for Knoxville, but sources told ESPN.com on Thursday that the Vols had indeed turned their attention away from Muschamp and were focusing on other candidates.

With the recruiting period going live again on Sunday, the Vols are working feverishly to have a new coach in place by then.

Kippy Brown, in his third stint at Tennessee, has been named the Vols' interim coach. Brown on Wednesday said he's been told that he also would be considered for the permanent head-coaching job.

[Hoosier Red]

It's not a bad idea. The musical chairs that is going on with coaches these days is getting to be ridicilous.

I think signing day should be moved back as well, and there should be an NCAA rule that coaches cannot interview for other positions until their current teams season is complete, regular season + bowl game. If you violate the rule, the coach is suspended for 1 year, and the program that interviews them loses schollys. Coaches campainging for new jobs during the regular season needs to stop.

I agree with moving the signing day up. Or at least offer an early signing date. Maybe allow recruits out of the early signing if the coach leaves.

[Newport Red]

I don't really understand why this makes Kiffen worse than any other coach.

On the December 2008 day he was introduced as Tennessee's head coach, Kiffin told reporters: "I want the Tennessee family to know this: This is what I'm going to give you. I'm rolling my sleeves up and going to work. I'm not promising you how many wins, how many championships. I can't do that ... but I can tell you this right now: No one is going to outwork us. No one is going to outwork me as a head coach and no one is going to outwork our staff that we put together. That's the promise I'm giving you, the wins will come after that

All indications are this is correct. He worked his tail off for UT for the one year. It's not like he took a giant signing bonus and then the next day said "well my work is done. I think I'll go play some golf."

How long should a coach stay at a university to prove himself loyal.

With the way he described Kiffen, he should be happy he's gone. The last 12 months have been gruesome?

Vol Nation has a serious bruised ego right now.

[Joseph]

With the way he described Kiffen, he should be happy he's gone. The last 12 months have been gruesome?

Vol Nation has a serious bruised ego right now.

And it should have one. UT is elite in football and womens basketball both. Lanes little press conference calling UT one of the best 15 or so jobs in America was again bordering on insulting to the state and disrespectful to the program. There are a handful of programs that are in that elite class UT is one of them. Yes, so is USC for that matter, but the way Kiffin handled this make Brian Kelly look like a diplomat in the way he left UC.

[WVRed]

And it should have one. UT is elite in football and womens basketball both. Lanes little press conference calling UT one of the best 15 or so jobs in America was again bordering on insulting to the state and disrespectful to the program. There are a handful of programs that are in that elite class UT is one of them. Yes, so is USC for that matter, but the way Kiffin handled this make Brian Kelly look like a diplomat in the way he left UC.

I'm far from a Tennessee fan, but I will always say their football fans are on par with UK when it comes to basketball. The expectations are eerily similar for both programs, whether each side wants to admit it or not. If John Calipari had did this at Kentucky, the fan reaction would be the same in Lexington as it is in Knoxville right now.

I do think though that Mike Hamilton should be held accountable though. He forced Fulmer out, hired Kiffin, watched Kiffin leave, and is essentially going to replace Fulmer with a former assistant. Add the arrests from both the football and basketball teams and it really makes me wonder why heads haven't started to roll.

[Joseph]

I'm far from a Tennessee fan, but I will always say their football fans are on par with UK when it comes to basketball. The expectations are eerily similar for both programs, whether each side wants to admit it or not. If John Calipari had did this at Kentucky, the fan reaction would be the same in Lexington as it is in Knoxville right now.

I do think though that Mike Hamilton should be held accountable though. He forced Fulmer out, hired Kiffin, watched Kiffin leave, and is essentially going to replace Fulmer with a former assistant. Add the arrests from both the football and basketball teams and it really makes me wonder why heads haven't started to roll.

Thats the big difference in the two. UKs AD made a mistake with BCG and went out and made us all forget about it. Their AD is going to screw it up it appears.

You're right about the fans though, both have the same lofty expectations.

[traderumor]

I think the coach hopping is both a money grab and insecurity in their own abilities. The coach leaves before his true shortcomings as a coach are exposed. They come in, add some energy to a program, esp. the name coaches, then they leave before it becomes known that they really are not a good coach. See Zook, Ron. Also Saban, Nick.

Kiffen is just going to be a fall guy for the sanctions that I believe are coming USC's way. Why hire someone good when you are heading into a down cycle because of transgressions? Or, maybe that is the best they could get when they disclosed the probability of sanctions.

[joshnky]

Lanes little press conference calling UT one of the best 15 or so jobs in America was again bordering on insulting to the state and disrespectful to the program. There are a handful of programs that are in that elite class UT is one of them.

I think UT is quickly seeing the truth in Lane Kiffin's words. They might have been elite in the nineties but they are no longer the destination coaching job they once were. In fact there are at least three (Alabama, LSU, Florida) better jobs in the SEC alone and some might argue that the Georgia and Auburn jobs are better as well in the current climate. Calhoun would rather stay at Air Force, Muschamp as an assistant at Texas, and Cutcliffe at Duke. Kippy Brown may be a great choice (assuming he gets the job) but everyone will know that he was at least the third choice.

[Chip R]

Might Tennessee be better off keeping a fellow like Brown in there as an interim coach? Then they can do a thorough search throughout the season so they can hire their top choice after next season. If Brown does a good job, they can keep him on. If he isn't the guy they want, then they have time to get their first choice. It seems like if they try to get someone now - if they choose someone other than Brown - they are going to scrape the bottom of the barrell.

[cumberlandreds]

Might Tennessee be better off keeping a fellow like Brown in there as an interim coach? Then they can do a thorough search throughout the season so they can hire their top choice after next season. If Brown does a good job, they can keep him on. If he isn't the guy they want, then they have time to get their first choice. It seems like if they try to get someone now - if they choose someone other than Brown - they are going to scrape the bottom of the barrell.

I've seen this discussed on other boards. I think it may be a good move for UT. They may have a better chance at someone who fits them better by waiting until after next season. They may have to go through a 2-10 season to get there but may be better off in the long run. If they hire someone who doesn't fit this time it could really be a quick and downward spiral that could take more just a year two to fix.

[joshnky]

Might Tennessee be better off keeping a fellow like Brown in there as an interim coach? Then they can do a thorough search throughout the season so they can hire their top choice after next season. If Brown does a good job, they can keep him on. If he isn't the guy they want, then they have time to get their first choice. It seems like if they try to get someone now - if they choose someone other than Brown - they are going to scrape the bottom of the barrell.

It would destroy them recruiting-wise, not only for this year but for several additional years as well. They need to hire someone with a multi-year deal and express their full commitment to him. Who wants to go to a school going on its fourth coach in four years?

[Newport Red]

It would destroy them recruiting-wise, not only for this year but for several additional years as well. They need to hire someone with a multi-year deal and express their full commitment to him. Who wants to go to a school going on its fourth coach in four years?

The other SEC teams would have a field day. Florida lured back Meyer because they were concerned about recruiting. I don't see how Tennessee could possibly convince quality players to come play for Coach TBD.

[Red Heeler]

The other SEC teams would have a field day. Florida lured back Meyer because they were concerned about recruiting. I don't see how Tennessee could possibly convince quality players to come play for Coach TBD.

You would have to be willing to accept that this class is going to be filled with a bunch of Tennessee high school kids who would die for the chance to play in Neyland Stadium if Mickey Mouse was the head coach. That would hurt for a little while. On the other hand, hot commodity coaches like Petersen at Boise and Patterson at TCU aren't going to even return a call at this time. The timing of this has severely limited the Vols choices. Sacrificing this year's class and keeping Kippy Brown as the coach for next year allows them the entire field of coaches to choose from.

[Chip R]

It would destroy them recruiting-wise, not only for this year but for several additional years as well. They need to hire someone with a multi-year deal and express their full commitment to him. Who wants to go to a school going on its fourth coach in four years?


They are already screwed for this year. Probably next year too. So why hire someone just to hire someone you'll fire in 3 years anyway? Unless they can get some hot NFL assistant - or head coach - you might as well wait for someone good. Now if they get someone like Leach or Mangino who are looking for work, then they should go for it. Maybe Brown's the guy but why make a decision in haste?

[cumberlandreds]

Dooley from Louisiana Tech is emerging as the leading candidate. Sounds like it may he's becoming one of the few interested. Article says Utah coach turned them down yesterday as well as others.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4829107

[Newport Red]

You would have to be willing to accept that this class is going to be filled with a bunch of Tennessee high school kids who would die for the chance to play in Neyland Stadium if Mickey Mouse was the head coach. That would hurt for a little while. On the other hand, hot commodity coaches like Petersen at Boise and Patterson at TCU aren't going to even return a call at this time. The timing of this has severely limited the Vols choices. Sacrificing this year's class and keeping Kippy Brown as the coach for next year allows them the entire field of coaches to choose from.

You're probably right. I'm on the outside looking in.

If the pick is next year, does the current AD survive that long, or will a new AD make the pick.

[joshnky]

They are already screwed for this year. Probably next year too. So why hire someone just to hire someone you'll fire in 3 years anyway? Unless they can get some hot NFL assistant - or head coach - you might as well wait for someone good. Now if they get someone like Leach or Mangino who are looking for work, then they should go for it. Maybe Brown's the guy but why make a decision in haste?

I agree they should take their time but they should still make their decision for this year. Take a couple more weeks and while you might not get the ideal candidate you can probably hire a top assistant or hot mid-major coach. If they wait a year they will have two recruiting classes of nobodies and enough transfers to decimate the upperclassmen ranks. It will be four or five years before UT is back to full strength.

[Red Heeler]

You're probably right. I'm on the outside looking in.

If the pick is next year, does the current AD survive that long, or will a new AD make the pick.

I'm not sure Hamilton (the AD) survives this regardless. The word around here is that there is still a power struggle between Hamilton and Fulmer with the Board of Trustees and boosters split between them. The attempted hiring of David Cutcliff (Fulmer's buddy) was almost certainly not Hamilton's idea. Speculation is he was forced to offer Cutcliff the job and then hard lined the negotiations to make sure he wouldn't take it.

[Joseph]

This whole situation is so reminiscent of what UK went through on the basketball side a couple seasons ago when we hired BCG. Large program, proud fanbase, elite schools....spurned by some name coaches before settling on a 'rah rah' kind of guy with more bravado than brains.

Will UT be back to the drawing board in 2 years?

If its the LaTech guy I'm gonna have to answer yes.

[Red Heeler]

This whole situation is so reminiscent of what UK went through on the basketball side a couple seasons ago when we hired BCG. Large program, proud fanbase, elite schools....spurned by some name coaches before settling on a 'rah rah' kind of guy with more bravado than brains.

Will UT be back to the drawing board in 2 years?

If its the LaTech guy I'm gonna have to answer yes.

Unless he comes up with a Herschel Walker clone in a hurry, you are probably right.

Hamilton is in a no win situation here. The only coaches he can hire at this time are going to be big time gambles. If he keeps an interim coach, Hamilton probably won't be around to make the permanent hire.

If I were in Hamilton's shoes, I'd take my chances on Mike Leach. Yeah, he's a gamble, but at least you know he can hold his own in a BCS conference.

[Reds4Life]

Unless he comes up with a Herschel Walker clone in a hurry, you are probably right.

Hamilton is in a no win situation here. The only coaches he can hire at this time are going to be big time gambles. If he keeps an interim coach, Hamilton probably won't be around to make the permanent hire.

If I were in Hamilton's shoes, I'd take my chances on Mike Leach. Yeah, he's a gamble, but at least you know he can hold his own in a BCS conference.

I think Leach would be a good hire. He built something from nothing at Texas Tech, with minimal resources compared to what he'd have to Tennessee.

[improbus]

I don't think Leach could really hold up in a media heavy, tradition rich, and demanding coaching situation. Lubbock was a nice bubble where they were happy to be winning and the media wasn't going to push him on anything. It took the National Media to step in a get him in trouble. A place like Tennessee would be very different (although it is a moot point because they just signed Dooley from LT). The same thing happened to Gillespie at UK. He simply wasn't ready or equipped for that kind of spotlight. And that is okay, not everyone is.

[WVRed]

I don't think Leach could really hold up in a media heavy, tradition rich, and demanding coaching situation. Lubbock was a nice bubble where they were happy to be winning and the media wasn't going to push him on anything. It took the National Media to step in a get him in trouble. A place like Tennessee would be very different (although it is a moot point because they just signed Dooley from LT). The same thing happened to Gillespie at UK. He simply wasn't ready or equipped for that kind of spotlight. And that is okay, not everyone is.

I do think Leach would be familiar with coaching in the SEC. He was the OC at Kentucky during the days of the Air Raid offense.

Here's a question im wondering about with Dooley. Mark Richt has been on the hot seat at Georgia for some time now. If Son of Vince does well and gets Tennessee on the right track and Georgia decides to dispose of Richt, would they steal Dooley away so he could follow in his father's footsteps in Athens?

Could be another stepping stone situation in Knoxville.

[Red Heeler]

I do think Leach would be familiar with coaching in the SEC. He was the OC at Kentucky during the days of the Air Raid offense.

Here's a question im wondering about with Dooley. Mark Richt has been on the hot seat at Georgia for some time now. If Son of Vince does well and gets Tennessee on the right track and Georgia decides to dispose of Richt, would they steal Dooley away so he could follow in his father's footsteps in Athens?

Could be another stepping stone situation in Knoxville.

That is a concern among us Vols fans. At least if Dooley leaves for Georgia, it means that a) he has the program on the rise making it easier to attract another coach, and b) he's leaving at a time when a coaching search can be done properly with a full plate of candidates.

[Joseph]

That is a concern among us Vols fans. At least if Dooley leaves for Georgia, it means that a) he has the program on the rise making it easier to attract another coach, and b) he's leaving at a time when a coaching search can be done properly with a full plate of candidates.

Not to mention on first glance Dooley seems an infinitely nicer person than Kiffin which won't soothe all wounds but it will certainly raise far less ire I'd wager.

[MWM]

I loved the question in the press conference where a reporter asked him if he also was going to ask players not to go to class.

[Red Heeler]

Not to mention on first glance Dooley seems an infinitely nicer person than Kiffin which won't soothe all wounds but it will certainly raise far less ire I'd wager.

I think that being from the south, with deep roots in SEC football played a large part in Dooley's selection. Kiffen ignored a lot of the Tennessee football traditions, and was generally an abrasive jerk. He was trying to play the Spurier part without having the Spurier success first. That rankled a whole lot of the traditionalist fan base.

[WVRed]

Not to mention on first glance Dooley seems an infinitely nicer person than Kiffin which won't soothe all wounds but it will certainly raise far less ire I'd wager.

I thought in the press conference that he looked like a young Randy Travis.


I think that being from the south, with deep roots in SEC football played a large part in Dooley's selection. Kiffen ignored a lot of the Tennessee football traditions, and was generally an abrasive jerk. He was trying to play the Spurier part without having the Spurier success first. That rankled a whole lot of the traditionalist fan base.

I honestly think this is an underwhelming hire when you consider who all turned down the job.

Joseph made a comparison to UK hiring Billy Clyde and while I somewhat agree, I think there are some key differences:

1. BCG had a more polished resume coming in. Coach of the Year in the Big XII, and if anything a strong disciplinarian which Kentucky fans craved after Tubby Smith wouldn't reign in Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley on the court. Derek Dooley is coming into the SEC with a below .500 record in a midmajor conference and being the Son of Vince. He can recruit, but if he can't coach, he won't be able to attract those recruits.

2. Who would you rather follow, Tubby or Fulmer? Both have one thing in common in that they divided the fanbases toward the end. Tubby had his followers at Kentucky but when he left for Minnesota, the fans united behind Mitch Barnhardt to name the next coach.

Fulmer on the other hand played at Tennessee and was an assistant under Johnny Majors. The older fans won't forget that and were willing to give him a free pass. Mike Hamilton replaced a coaching legend with an abrasive jerk who immediately made enemies in the SEC, recruited trouble players, and bolted after one year for the Pac-10. That is why he has a tiki torch under his seat and the next in line could be the man he fired.

3. For those who may not remember, Mitch Barnhardt was probably the most hated man in Lexington the weekend that Gillispie was terminated. I thank God that Cal decided to come to Kentucky because if Travis Ford would have been named head coach, we would likely be in the same situation that Tennessee is in right now.

That being said, I think the situation is different. Tennessee got punk'd by Kiffin and needed somebody to try and salvage the recruiting class and overall unite the fanbase.

If I were in charge in Knoxville, my choice would have been to fire Mike Hamilton. Two incidents with the football and basketball teams that could best be described as embarrassments in addition to hiring Lane Kiffin. Then appoint Fulmer to AD/Interim head coach and let him find his own replacement.

[IslandRed]

If I were in charge in Knoxville, my choice would have been to fire Mike Hamilton. Two incidents with the football and basketball teams that could best be described as embarrassments in addition to hiring Lane Kiffin. Then appoint Fulmer to AD/Interim head coach and let him find his own replacement.

Fire Hamilton? Maybe. It'll probably happen eventually if Dooley doesn't win big and soon. But no way would I have brought Fulmer back if I were UT, especially not as athletic director. We're decades past the point where AD was a ceremonial post for old coaches. (And if it was, he'd be in line behind Pat Summitt.) Furthermore, lest we forget, it wasn't his choice to stop coaching. Put him in the AD chair, and his choice to replace himself as football coach? Himself. Then you have the power struggle all over again, except he's in an even stronger position because it would take a university president/trustees level decision to root him out.

[Roy Tucker]

I liked this comment by Jay Paterno. It was in Peter King's MMQB and sums up how I feel about this whole deal....



Interesting column Friday on statecollege.com by Penn State quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno, son of Joe, railing about the state of college football. "This profession has lost touch with the reality of the world around us, and some coaches have lost touch with what the mission of our profession should be,'' Jay Paterno wrote. "We are starting to look as arrogant as the Wall Street bankers raking in seven-figure bonuses. The astronomical explosion in coaching salaries continues at a time of 10 percent unemployment in America and exploding tuition costs burdening working class families ... Coaches walk into a recruit's home and talk about how they will look out for that young man's future. The expectation is that the coach will help to guide him through a very formative time. A year later the same coach is off to another job for more money and left behind are the young men he promised to nurture towards their future.''

[Chip R]

"... Coaches walk into a recruit's home and talk about how they will look out for that young man's future. The expectation is that the coach will help to guide him through a very formative time. A year later the same coach is off to another job for more money and left behind are the young men he promised to nurture towards their future.''

Not that Paterno's wrong but a recruit should no more believe a coach when he says he'll be there 4 years than he should believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. You hate to sound like a cynic but that's reality. I know these coaches are smooth talkers and are very persuasive - especially to kids who have absent fathers - but they need to choose a school for what they can do for them as a player and as a student.

[improbus]

Not that Paterno's wrong but a recruit should no more believe a coach when he says he'll be there 4 years than he should believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. You hate to sound like a cynic but that's reality. I know these coaches are smooth talkers and are very persuasive - especially to kids who have absent fathers - but they need to choose a school for what they can do for them as a player and as a student.
I couldn't disagree with what Paterno more. His statement reminds me of Barkley's "I'm not a role model" statement. It is convenient to say and it is what people want to hear, but it is not the reality of the situation. I think Jim Tressel earns every dollar he makes. Does anyone bring in more money to his "company" than Tressel? Who wants a job where every decision every day is part of local and sometimes national news. We treat them like celebrities everywhere they go and they should be comensated as such. There is a reason that top end College Baseball coaches don't make this kind of money. Coaches are the "stars" of college athletics and until we fans take them off of the pedastal, I think they deserve every dime they get.

[Roy Tucker]

I agree with the realities of the situation about expecting a coach to stick around. I just don't like it and think its a sad state of affairs. Contracts don't mean a thing.

I think the fact that they are employees of an academic institution with responsibilities for the learning and development of their athlete/students has gotten lost. If we are to judge college coaches solely by the money they bring in, then lets just call them pro coaches and pay the players and be done with it.

[improbus]

I agree with the realities of the situation about expecting a coach to stick around. I just don't like it and think its a sad state of affairs. Contracts don't mean a thing.

I think the fact that they are employees of an academic institution with responsibilities for the learning and development of their athlete/students has gotten lost. If we are to judge college coaches solely by the money they bring in, then lets just call them pro coaches and pay the players and be done with it.
I agree somewhat. But, I gave up on the combination of academics and athletics at big time schools a long time ago. Instead, I have adjusted my outlook on college sports. First, a large amount of kids enter college sports from underprivelaged backgrounds and their coaches and sport provide a level of structure to the kids that can only serve to help them. Working in education, I often feel that school may not be the best place for many kids, but it certainly isn't the worst. School surrounds kids with role models who can often provide stability in their lives, regardless of their reading level, math skills, and knowledge of history.
When I argue about others with this, I always think about Bob Huggins. He always got blasted for the types of kids he brought to UC, but he became a father figure to hundreds of young men, many of whom had none in their normal lives. In a way, I have more respect for what Huggins did than what Coach K did. I'm sure that Coach K has had a really hard time coaching Shane Battier and Grant Hill. Try coaching Danny Fortson, Ruben Patterson, and Nick Van Exel instead.

[Sea Ray]

Funny. I think those were the exact numbers Woodson put up his senior year at UK. But maybe UK fans were dreaming to think they might have a QB putting up numbers to rival a QB at such an elite school as UT.

Really, I don't care about UT and hate UK but I find your comments laughable. UT is irrelevant in football and has been for some time.

This isn't about the relevance of UT football. It's about coach Sanders. If Kentucky fans like him, great. You can have him

[traderumor]

Not that Paterno's wrong but a recruit should no more believe a coach when he says he'll be there 4 years than he should believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. You hate to sound like a cynic but that's reality. I know these coaches are smooth talkers and are very persuasive - especially to kids who have absent fathers - but they need to choose a school for what they can do for them as a player and as a student.But the stable coach can use that as a recruiting tool.

[Chip R]

But the stable coach can use that as a recruiting tool.

But that's the point. There aren't really any stable coaches except for Paterno.

[WVRed]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5411727

Looks like somebody else in Tennessee wants a crack at Lane Kiffin. If I were Lane, I would make sure not to even pass through the state at any given point:


NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans are suing Southern California and coach Lane Kiffin for "maliciously" luring away assistant running backs coach Kennedy Pola a week before training camp opens.

Tennessee Football Inc., the company that owns the Titans, filed the lawsuit Monday in Davidson County Chancery Court against both the university and Kiffin.

The lawsuit accuses Southern California and Kiffin of violating Pola's contract that required him to have written permission to discuss a job with anyone other than the Titans.

Tennessee hired Pola as running backs coach in February only to lose him Saturday to Southern California as the Trojans' new offensive coordinator and running backs coach.

"USC and Kiffin maliciously intended to -- and did -- induce Pola to breach the Pola contract," the lawsuit charges.

"USC and Kiffin engaged in improper means in their procurement of the breach and were not legally justified in their actions. Kiffin and USC's actions, through him, were part of a course and pattern of conduct fostered by Kiffin and USC to use improper methods and means to the direct harm and damage of parties to contracts ..."

The Titans declined to comment Monday beyond the lawsuit.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher, a Southern California alumnus, said Saturday that Kiffin neglected to make the customary courtesy phone call to let him and the NFL team know he was interested in hiring Pola. Fisher himself had hired Pola, letting go Earnest Byner to free up the spot on his coaching staff.

Pola's contract ran at least to Feb. 14, 2011, with the NFL in the final year of its current labor agreement with the players.

The lawsuit lawsuit notes that written permission from the president and general counsel was needed because verbal "consent is inadequate." The lawsuit also notes Southern California and Kiffin, through Pola, knew about his contract requirements.

"Pola was not given express written consent by Tennessee Football or the Commissioner of the NFL to entertain employment with any other entity," the lawsuit argues.

The move left the Titans without a running backs coach one week before training camp opens, which the lawsuit argues disrupts planning, causes "potential loss of confidence by players" and the loss of salary and benefits already paid to Pola along with "future damage."

The lawsuit is particularly harsh on Kiffin for what it calls intentional actions. Kiffin said he first spoke to Pola on Friday, and then called Fisher on Saturday after Pola called him back, apparently to accept the job.

Kiffin acknowledged in a statement that timing wasn't perfect.

"I have spoken with Coach Fisher and he now has an accurate understanding of the timeline of events," Kiffin said. "We realize the timing of this isn't perfect for all parties, but this is a great opportunity and promotion for Kennedy."

Fisher told The Tennessean newspaper he was very disappointed in Kiffin's lack of professionalism. The lawsuit doesn't hold back in criticizing Kiffin for "furtherance of a culture of violation and avoidance of respect for the sanctity of contract, which Kiffin similarly practices ..." in inducing Pola to breach his contract.

The lawsuit notes Kiffin "abruptly departed" his coaching job at the University of Tennessee in January after just 14 months, which angered Volunteers' fans. Kiffin also lured four other Tennessee coaches to join him at Southern California, and the lawsuit also notes how Kiffin tried to hire Eric Bienemy away from NFL's Vikings, forcing Minnesota to redo his contract to keep the assistant.

The lawsuit asks for a jury trial and punitive damages and attorneys fees.

The Tennessean first reported the lawsuit on its website.

[Dom Heffner]

Lane Kiffin is the king of all jerks.

He makes Dr. 90210 seem like a modest guy.

[Chip R]

The lawsuit asks for a jury trial and punitive damages and attorneys fees.


If the trial is in Knoxville, it will be a slam dunk victory for the Titans.

I'm just wondering why the Titans haven't filed a restraining order to keep Pola from coaching at USC.

[Sea Ray]

I am wondering what USC did wrong in violating a contract between this coach and the Titans. USC was not a party to the contract and did not agree to its terms. The Titans gripe should be with the asst coach, not USC

[Playadlc]

Kiffin = Lady Gaga.

[durl]

If the trial is in Knoxville, it will be a slam dunk victory for the Titans.

I'm just wondering why the Titans haven't filed a restraining order to keep Pola from coaching at USC.

The Titans may not care if he's on the sideline at USC but they seem to be taking a stand against poaching...as they should. The guy was hired just 5 months ago and violated his contract a week before training camp so I doubt they want him back. It seems like the best way to stop such activity is to go after the coach and school and not simply to keep Pola from coaching.


I am wondering what USC did wrong in violating a contract between this coach and the Titans. USC was not a party to the contract and did not agree to its terms. The Titans gripe should be with the asst coach, not USC

I may be wrong here, but since USC signs the paycheck I would think they share responsibility for the hiring decision, and the breach of contract.

[Chip R]

The Titans may not care if he's on the sideline at USC but they seem to be taking a stand against poaching...as they should. The guy was hired just 5 months ago and violated his contract a week before training camp so I doubt they want him back. It seems like the best way to stop such activity is to go after the coach and school and not simply to keep Pola from coaching.

The Titans could have just let this slide and let Pola go without a fuss. But since they are making a big deal of it, I would think that they would want to hurt Pola and USC and Kiffin as much as possible. Filing a restraining order to keep Pola from coaching until this is resolved does just that.


I may be wrong here, but since USC signs the paycheck I would think they share responsibility for the hiring decision, and the breach of contract.

It's probably more along the lines of criminal conspiracy - not that this is a criminal act but the point could still stand. It's like if I tell you to go out and do something illegal, I can be charged with criminal conspiracy and possibly even face charges for the act itself. Pola probably doesn't have any money on his own and Kiffin and USC do. USC and Kiffin were the impetus for Pola leaving so they get sued. Of course the suit may get tossed out by a judge for any number of reasons including that the Titans are suing the wrong party.

[RBA]

I'm with SeaRay on this. I don't see how USC or Kiffin can violate a contract that they are not party too. They are not part of the NFL or the the Titans.

[Roy Tucker]

Kiffin and USC sure look like they have a lot of egg dripping off their faces. Plenty of blame to get spread all around.

Couldn't happen to nicer people, bwah-ha-ha-ha :evil:

[KronoRed]

Lane Kiffin is the king of all jerks.

He makes Dr. 90210 seem like a modest guy.

What's funny is he's a terrible coach and keeps getting away with this stuff, like a con man.

[Sea Ray]

I may be wrong here, but since USC signs the paycheck I would think they share responsibility for the hiring decision, and the breach of contract.

What contract did USC breach? The one between the asst coach and the Titans? How can they breach a contract they didn't agree to? If you agree to a contract with your employer, that's your problem. There's no way I can breach your contract. I might say it was a stupid contract and one I'd never sign.

[BoydsOfSummer]

As a Vols fan, boy am I glad that dude is gone. I hated that head coaching hire almost as bad as I hated the Johnny B. Baker Jr. hiring.

[Boston Red]

I am wondering what USC did wrong in violating a contract between this coach and the Titans. USC was not a party to the contract and did not agree to its terms.

Tortious interference. Can't knowingly encourage, assist, etc. someone to breach their contract with another party.

EDIT to add Wikipedia entry that is as good a basic explanation as anything: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortious_interference

[Sea Ray]

Tortious interference. Can't knowingly encourage, assist, etc. someone to breach their contract with another party.

EDIT to add Wikipedia entry that is as good a basic explanation as anything: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortious_interference

How is USC to know what was in that contract?

[Boston Red]

How is USC to know what was in that contract?

That's an element of the case the plaintiff would need to prove obviously. For now, we (or at least a court deciding whether to throw the suit out) have to assume USC knew, though, based on the article.

ETA what the article says on this point: "The lawsuit also notes Southern California and Kiffin, through Pola, knew about his contract requirements."

[Dom Heffner]

Lane Kiffin is one of the few human beings alive that God would forgive you for speaking bad about him at his funeral.