Our Fans - Mind Blowing.

[NEWDAYVOL]

I swear we have the most passionate fans in college sports but half of us are retarded (can I say that?).

It's reasonable to expect our head coaching compensation / packages to be competitive with the SEC. One may even stretch it to, with our resources, we should be getting and keeping the best coaches in college sports. But to EXPECT us to compete with the Yankees, MLB baseball (the GIANTS)...is mental. To say "if we wanted to keep him he'd still be here." when this guy had to him what may be an opportunity of a lifetime...is wildly crazy.

Then to want the AD DW fired...is even more wild. Is there another athletic department in the country who has more athletic programs top 25 ranked year in and year out? If that isn't a taking things for granted and a "be careful what you wish for" situation in the making I don't know what is. Every sport that matters (and some that don't) is, has been recently, is near, or will be top 10 ranked and y'all want the AD fired???? Have y'all lost your minds???

 

[The Original Fade]

Farhh the fans!!

 

[Baseball25]

What's mind blowing is those that don't listen to baseball players at and connected with the university. Tony didn't want to go. It's not the opportunity of a lifetime if you don't want a job elsewhere and want to stay where you are at. Our sorry athletic director talked with him ONCE in two weeks (have one report that was through another person) which made Tony's mind up that he was being 'helped' out the door by DW. Tony was the face of UT. No other coach here can hold his jock strap with what he has done. DW has alienated a portion of the fan base. If it takes losing in all the sports to get Danny White fired then a lot of us are for it. Karma for Danny White......it can't be soon enough.

 

[therealitytheory]

MLB is the ultimate. The SF Giants are one of the top franchises. Of course he was gonna go...

 

[Beartrainer]

What's mind blowing is those that don't listen to baseball players at and connected with the university. Tony didn't want to go. It's not the opportunity of a lifetime if you don't want a job elsewhere and want to stay where you are at. Our sorry athletic director talked with him ONCE in two weeks (have one report that was through another person) which made Tony's mind up that he was being 'helped' out the door by DW. Tony was the face of UT. No other coach here can hold his jock strap with what he has done. DW has alienated a portion of the fan base. If it takes losing in all the sports to get Danny White fired then a lot of us are for it. Karma for Danny White......it can't be soon enough.

If you read Tony’s on comments this morning and still believe this I got nothing for you. He made it pretty clear it had nothing to do with TN or the Athletic department and it was all about his desire to take the next step. Some of our fans just love to be miserable and always have to find someone to blame.

 

[Herman Hickman]

I don't want Danny White fired. Believe he will hire a good coach.

I also do not believe it is much to ask that an athletic director, at a point when his best coach hesitates at taking what is a unique and special opportunity in his sport, communicates with that coach to see if anything can be done to keep him at Tennessee.

I swear some of you were the same folks running cover for the likes Mike Hamilton and Jeremy Pruitt. Were they still in charge, I have little doubt you would still be treating them like gods.

 

[NEWDAYVOL]

MLB is the ultimate. The SF Giants are one of the top franchises. Of course he was gonna go...

Exactly. He didn't go to Miss St. He didn't go to LSU. He went to the freak'n MLB Giants! We did not "force him out" into the opportunity of a lifetime and into a jump that has never been done before (college manager -> MLB manager). He took a tremendous opportunity. Though it sucks to lose him, we should be proud we have the type of program where a manager can make a historic jump like that to pro sports. Some are acting like we lost him to a rival.

 

[EZE]

I don't want Danny White fired. Believe he will hire a good coach.

I also do not believe it is much to ask that an athletic director, at a point when his best coach hesitates at taking what is a unique and special opportunity in his sport, communicates with that coach to see if anything can be done to keep him at Tennessee.

I swear some of you were the same folks running cover for the likes Mike Hamilton and Jeremy Pruitt. Were they still in charge, I have little doubt you would still be treating them like gods.

How do you know that they didn’t talk? Hell, I’d be surprised if Tony didn’t talk to Barnes and some other coaches.

If I see proof that DW didn’t speak to Tony, I’d be disappointed. But until i see that proof, I’m calling that premise nonsense.

 

[NEWDAYVOL]

I also do not believe it is much to ask that an athletic director, at a point when his best coach hesitates at taking what is a unique and special opportunity in his sport, communicates with that coach to see if anything can be done to keep him at Tennessee.

How do you know that didn't happen. I am sure DW tried to do what he could to keep him. But it was ultimately TV's decision.

 

[EZE]

What's mind blowing is those that don't listen to baseball players at and connected with the university. Tony didn't want to go. It's not the opportunity of a lifetime if you don't want a job elsewhere and want to stay where you are at. Our sorry athletic director talked with him ONCE in two weeks (have one report that was through another person) which made Tony's mind up that he was being 'helped' out the door by DW. Tony was the face of UT. No other coach here can hold his jock strap with what he has done. DW has alienated a portion of the fan base. If it takes losing in all the sports to get Danny White fired then a lot of us are for it. Karma for Danny White......it can't be soon enough.

Can you provide some quotes?

Also, can you tell us how you know that “Tony didn’t want to go.” That is a real gem.

 

[EZE]

How do you know that didn't happen. I am sure DW tried to do what he could to keep him. But it was ultimately TV's decision.

We’re wasting our time with this crew.

 

[VolsFan-TX]

I think DW has done

I don't want Danny White fired. Believe he will hire a good coach.

I also do not believe it is much to ask that an athletic director, at a point when his best coach hesitates at taking what is a unique and special opportunity in his sport, communicates with that coach to see if anything can be done to keep him at Tennessee.

I swear some of you were the same folks running cover for the likes Mike Hamilton and Jeremy Pruitt. Were they still in charge, I have little doubt you would still be treating them like gods.

I think DW has done excellent job overall, but I was also shocked about his lack of meeting with TV. I understand he has lieutenants to handle the day-to-day stuff with the coaches, but DW is also a people manager. When I was at my last corporate job, I traveled the world and met with my direct reports plus those 1-2 levels down twice a year in person. I had weekly team meetings with my direct reports and a twice-a-month 1:1 meetings/calls with each of my direct reports. I also met twice a year with the CEO who was responsible for the large corporation of 125,000+ people (he was 3 levels up). Making time for your staff is critical and I cannot understand DW’s decision not to do so.

 

[EZE]

Exactly. He didn't go to Miss St. He didn't go to LSU. He went to the freak'n MLB Giants! We did not "force him out" into the opportunity of a lifetime and into a jump that has never been done before (college manager -> MLB manager). He took a tremendous opportunity. Though it sucks to lose him, we should be proud we have the type of program where a manager can make a historic jump like that to pro sports. Some are acting like we lost him to a rival.

Tony is the ultimate baseball “junky” and “lifer” and I’m happy for him that he gets to manage in the ultimate baseball league on the planet. And he is one of only 32 at that level.

I’m sad as a Vol fan, but happy for him.

 

[Herman Hickman]

How do you know that didn't happen. I am sure DW tried to do what he could to keep him. But it was ultimately TV's decision.

Did you listen to the press conference?

Assigning the Subaltern Baseball Intern to the Junior Assistant Athletic Director to the Adjutant Assistant Athletic Director to the Athletic Director for Baseball Operations to talk to Vitello doesn't work when the Giants come calling.

I will point again to Indiana. Football is not the primary sport in Bloomington. But Cignetti is their best coach and is building something special. Knowing Penn State and UCLA were open and understanding Florida, LSU and Auburn are possible openings as well, that guy didn't sit up in palatial office and wait. He went directly to his strongest asset and personally communicated to that individual his desire to retain his services.

That is a part of the job.

We're sinking well over $100 million into this new stadium. If you face the possibility of losing the man who made that investment feasible, then why would you not make an absolute effort to keep him when he delays on what is admittedly a special opportunity in his game?

 

[Herman Hickman]

I think DW has done

I think DW has done excellent job overall, but I was also shocked about his lack of meeting with TV. I understand he has lieutenants to handle the day-to-day stuff with the coaches, but DW is also a people manager. When I was at my last corporate job, I traveled the world and met with my direct reports plus those 1-2 levels down twice a year in person. I had weekly team meetings with my direct reports and a twice-a-month 1:1 meetings/calls with each of my direct reports. I also met twice a year with the CEO who was responsible for the large corporation of 125,000+ people (he was 3 levels up). Making time for your staff is critical and I cannot understand DW’s decision not to do so.

My father was one the best managers in the car sales business not only in Knoxville but also statewide.

When the owner thought he was going somewhere else, they didn't send out a flunky to talk to him.

Let's say for a moment Heupel finds the formula and has a period leading to SEC championships and contention for national titles. Perhaps he wins one.

Oklahoma comes calling. And the call comes personally from their athletic director and top boosters. Even Coach Stoops makes a move to mend fences.

I believe our athletic director should do more than "aw shucks" and walk away with little or no communication at that point.

If Heupel evolves into elite status, then I expect our athletic director to be elite at that time and do everything that can be done to keep him in Knoxville.

 

[goldvol]

I swear we have the most passionate fans in college sports but half of us are retarded (can I say that?).

It's reasonable to expect our head coaching compensation / packages to be competitive with the SEC. One may even stretch it to, with our resources, we should be getting and keeping the best coaches in college sports. But to EXPECT us to compete with the Yankees, MLB baseball (the GIANTS)...is mental. To say "if we wanted to keep him he'd still be here." when this guy had to him what may be an opportunity of a lifetime...is wildly crazy.

Then to want the AD DW fired...is even more wild. Is there another athletic department in the country who has more athletic programs top 25 ranked year in and year out? If that isn't a taking things for granted and a "be careful what you wish for" situation in the making I don't know what is. Every sport that matters (and some that don't) is, has been recently, is near, or will be top 10 ranked and y'all want the AD fired???? Have y'all lost your minds???

ok. What do you think Tony's salary at the Giants will be?

 

[05_never_again]

My father was on the best managers in the car sales business not only in Knoxville but also statewide.

When the owner thought he was going somewhere else, they didn't send out a flunky to talk to him.

Let's say for a moment Heupel finds the formula and has a period leading to SEC championships and contention for national titles. Perhaps he wins one.

Oklahoma comes calling. And the call comes personally from their athletic director and top boosters. Even Coach Stoops makes a move to mend fences.

I believe our athletic director should do more than "aw shucks" and walk away with little or no communication at that point.

If Heupel evolves into elite status, then I expect our athletic director to be elite at that time and do everything that can be done to keep him in Knoxville.

You are obviously correct, but the situation you laid out isn't what happened with TV.

The equivalent situation with football would be Heupel getting approached by a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Green Bay Packers.

 

[volfan102455]

I don't have inside contacts, so I don't know anything other than the AD said he had one conversation with TV during this. You don't have just ONE conversation with a coach like TV if your desire is to retain his services.


I wish TV the best - just hope that it wasn't the thought that he was not wanted or being supported at Tennessee that factored into that decision.

 

[EZE]

You are obviously correct, but the situation you laid out isn't what happened with TV.

The equivalent situation with football would be Heupel getting approached by a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Green Bay Packers.

Or the dad got offered a chance to be the CEO at Mercedes Benz.

 

[orangefloyd]

What's mind blowing is those that don't listen to baseball players at and connected with the university. Tony didn't want to go. It's not the opportunity of a lifetime if you don't want a job elsewhere and want to stay where you are at. Our sorry athletic director talked with him ONCE in two weeks (have one report that was through another person) which made Tony's mind up that he was being 'helped' out the door by DW. Tony was the face of UT. No other coach here can hold his jock strap with what he has done. DW has alienated a portion of the fan base. If it takes losing in all the sports to get Danny White fired then a lot of us are for it. Karma for Danny White......it can't be soon enough.

You are completely out of your mind.

 

[Herman Hickman]

You are obviously correct, but the situation you laid out isn't what happened with TV.

The equivalent situation with football would be Heupel getting approached by a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Green Bay Packers.

Not entirely equivalent. But it has this in common: the appeal of alma mater often emulates the appeal of the professional game.

Tennessee in 1969 was a better football program than Florida. When Florida came calling, Doug Dickey answered.

Texas A&M was a better program than Alabama in 1957. They backed their coach above and beyond what he asked them to do. Alma mater called and Bear Bryant answered the call.

At least at that point with DAD, our athletic director did what he could to keep him.

Judged by his own words at the press conference, Danny White couldn't be bothered.

Doesn't mean DW will not make amends with a good hire. He's demonstrated that with Heupel and Caldwell and I think he'll get us there again.

But when this comes up again, we should hope we get the kind of effort we should expect from a top flight athletic director.

 

[Herman Hickman]

How do you know that they didn’t talk? Hell, I’d be surprised if Tony didn’t talk to Barnes and some other coaches.

If I see proof that DW didn’t speak to Tony, I’d be disappointed. But until i see that proof, I’m calling that premise nonsense.

I watched the press conference.

Want to know what we didn't hear from Danny White:

"I did everything I could to keep him in Knoxville."

 

[05_never_again]

Not entirely equivalent. But it has this in common: the appeal of alma mater often emulates the appeal of the professional game.

Tennessee in 1969 was a better football program than Florida. When Florida came calling, Doug Dickey answered.

Texas A&M was a better program than Alabama in 1957. They backed their coach above and beyond what he asked them to do. Alma mater called and Bear Bryant answered the call.

At least at that point with DAD, our athletic director did what he could to keep him.

Judged by his own words at the press conference, Danny White couldn't be bothered.

Doesn't mean DW will not make amends with a good hire. He's demonstrated that with Heupel and Caldwell and I think he'll get us there again.

But when this comes up again, we should hope we get the kind of effort we should expect from a top flight athletic director.

You've already arrived at your conclusion as to what happened and are going back and interpreting past events in a way that fits the conclusion. That's totally your prerogative, but not the best way to look at situations. I wouldn't say that based on DW's press conference (which was a rare L for him, I will concede) he "couldn't be bothered" to keep TV. He didn't say that at all, and I don't think it was implied or said between the lines either.

The situation I laid out with Heup is entirely the equivalent situation. The SF Giants is a top 5 or 6 managerial job in MLB. I know we are all Vols here first and foremost, but Knoxville and the sport of college baseball generally is not exactly the center of the baseball universe. TV seems like an extremely ambitious guy who derives a lot of motivation from people telling him that he can't do something. I don't think there was anything anybody at Tennessee could do to talk him out of ultimately taking the job, although by his own admission it was a really hard decision for him. Someone like TV is simply not going to pass an opportunity like that up. He clearly loves Tennessee, but I bet he would strongly regret passing up a chance to see if he would swim in the biggest pond in his industry.

 

[Herman Hickman]

You've already arrived at your conclusion as to what happened and are going back and interpreting past events in a way that fits the conclusion. That's totally your prerogative, but not the best way to look at situations. I wouldn't say that based on DW's press conference (which was a rare L for him, I will concede) he "couldn't be bothered" to keep TV. He didn't say that at all, and I don't think it was implied or said between the lines either.

The situation I laid out with Heup is entirely the equivalent situation. The SF Giants is a top 5 or 6 managerial job in MLB. I know we are all Vols here first and foremost, but Knoxville and the sport of college baseball generally is not exactly the center of the baseball universe. TV seems like an extremely ambitious guy who derives a lot of motivation from people telling him that he can't do something. I don't think there was anything anybody at Tennessee could do to talk him out of ultimately taking the job, although by his own admission it was a really hard decision for him. Someone like TV is simply not going to pass an opportunity like that up.

That offer was on the table for days after Hundley reportedly declined it. Yes it is a special opportunity. Yes it is a great job at the height of the sport. Yet Tony Vitello delayed in taking it.

Why the delay? Because Tony Vitello loves this place.

At the point between offer and acceptance, our athletic director should have been right there talking to Vitello to get him to stay.

A nine figure investment in the stadium demands that kind of effort and attempt. A coach with an impact on your athletic department beyond the spreadsheet calls for you to expend some time to see if something could be worked out.

If he goes after that, then wish him well.

But at least you can walk into that presser knowing you tried.

Again, we didn't hear any of that from Danny White. Plenty of excuses. But no communication beyond a short conversation.

 

[05_never_again]

At the point between offer and acceptance, our athletic director should have been right there talking to Vitello to get to stay.

How do you know that he wasn't?