Freddie Kitchens — Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator
I still don’t think Kitchens is a realistic option for the Vols, because of the reasons
mentioned here. But because of his relationship with Pruitt, we can’t totally rule him out.
Rhett Lashlee — SMU offensive coordinator
Lashlee served as Auburn’s offensive coordinator from 2013-2016. He left for UCONN after 2016 so he could call plays and install his own offense. UCONN’s offense improved immensely with Lashlee running the show in 2017.
The only thing about this hire is there’s really no reason to delay the announcement. And I can’t imagine there’s much of a buyout to deal with.
Eli Drinkwtiz — NC State offensive coordinator
We haven’t heard much about Drinkwitz since early during the search. But he runs the type of offense that Pruitt likes. It’s balanced and they control the clock (NC State was among the top 15 schools in time of possession this season). I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s still in the mix.
Brandon Streeter — Clemson quarterbacks coach
Streeter’s name was rumored early, but there hasn’t been any officially reported contact between him and Tennessee. However, I think he’d be a solid hire for the Vols. He’s essentially the offensive coordinator in waiting at Clemson, so it wouldn’t be easy to convince him to leave.
Clemson is in the College Football Playoff, so that part would line up with Matthews’ report.
Kendal Briles --- Houston Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator
Outside of the baggage related to the Baylor Bears, Kendal Briles is the hottest commodity out there. We know that the Florida State Seminoles are interested in him, and it looks like he interviewed with the Vols.
As a result, it’s very possible that the two schools are in a bidding war for the offensive genius. If they are, that’s a bidding war the Vols are likely to win seeing as how they have been able to shell out money for their assistants in the past.
But such a bidding war would indeed take time, and that could be why they haven’t found their guy. Heck, even Mike Yurcich and Eliah Drinkwitz would probably want to do some serious negotiation with Tennessee football before taking the job.
Add to the list or commit as you see it.