A Diamond in the Rough

#1
rockymountainvol

rockymountainvol

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#1
From what I saw today, CBJ seemed more prepared in 30 minutes than former CDD did in 3 years. CBJ appears to have Xs and Os intelligence instead of legal intelligence from the former coach. I think this guy could be a diamond in the rough. What does Volnation think? Please dont bash me for this thread.
 
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#3
#3
I think he has a much better chance than Dooley ever did. Although that's not saying much. As with every coach, the results are what matter.
 
#6
#6
Everyone can look like a diamond before they get to the SEC lab......we'll see if he gets certified as genuine.
 
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#7
#7
All I know is that, when UT landed Dooley, I thought Great - this guy's going to be a big success. We all know how that turned out.
When Hart brought in Jones, my first impression was Oh No - this guy's going to be a flop.
Hopefully, opposite first impressions lead to opposite results.


(Now that I've had time to learn more about Jones, he's beginning to grow on me.)
 
#8
#8
At least we should get a little defense out of it. Sal and his package (no homo) is out. Hope for the best, expect the worse.
 
#9
#9
Wasn't my first, second or third choice. Not happy with the humiliation Hart put us through, when we all trusted that he was "working behind the scenes" after it was way too quiet. I am glad the process is over and I am ready to support Coach Jones. He may be the only coach who really wants to be here, so I say lets give him a chance. I am impressed that he actually has a back ground in coaching as a position coach, then as an OC, then HC experience that is relevant...unlike the last time we did this dance,
 
#10
#10
It's not hard to tell why he has been successful in the past. He seems to be very strong willed, and very passionate about football, who really likes what he sees here at UT. I believe we have the first coach in a long time who believes in himself, AND most of all believes in UT. Every success story begins with confidence in one's self, and confidence in what it is you are doing.
 
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#11
#11
First of all, rockymountainvol, let me say that I absolutely love your avatar. I last visited the Maroon Bells almost one year to the day after that photo was shot, so I know very well just how spectacular that area is in late-September.

To answer your question, I was initially as enthusiastic about this hire as I would be at the prospect of consuming burnt toast or Peptobismol. However, like several other contributors to this forum, I have become a bit more receptive after conducting research. As Hart observed, Coach Jones has won conference championships in four of the six years he has been head coach. Granted, the SEC is a BIG step up from his former level of competition but he has won championships at two different programs.

Second, although the skeptical part of me considers it purely coachspeak, it really is nice to hear someone other than a native son of the Volunteer State describe the Tennessee head coaching position as his "dream job." Coach Jones did so in the course of his introductory press conference and, according to Dave Hart, did so approximately 20 minutes into their initial conversation.

Additionally, it has already been posted elsewhere, but it is interesting to note Butch Jones' preseason position in the Sporting News ranking of college coaches ( College football coach rankings: Nos. 26-75 - NCAA Football - Sporting News). Jones came in 28th, 23 spots ahead of Charlie Strong. In comments pertaining to his achievements at Cincinnati thus far, it was said that "Jones cleaned house in Year 1, dealt with significant injuries and had some wondering about him after a three-win debut. Now look: 10 wins in 2011 from a team that probably shouldn’t have reached that high. Next problem for UC: keeping Jones. He won at CMU, he's winning at Cincy. Another big season should lead to a big BCS job (hello, Tennessee)."

Finally, as a postscipt to their analysis, a NFL scout was quoted as saying that "If you’re just looking at the surface, you see him winning with what Brian Kelly built. Don’t believe that garbage. He can coach. He was one of those guys a few years ago where you just knew big things were coming his way. He’s not done, either. Not by a longshot.”
 
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#12
#12
It sounded to me like he has had his eye on this job for a while. He actually addressed some real issues instead of just saying "we're bringing a winning attitude blah, blah, blah." I think he may have his head wrapped around what its gonna take to be successful at UT. Time will tell.
 
#13
#13
Volosaurus rex said:
Additionally, it has already been posted elsewhere, but it is interesting to note Butch Jones' preseason position in the Sporting News ranking of college coaches ( College football coach rankings: Nos. 26-75 - NCAA Football - Sporting News). Jones came in 28th, 23 spots ahead of Charlie Strong. In comments pertaining to his achievements at Cincinnati thus far, it was said that "Jones cleaned house in Year 1, dealt with significant injuries and had some wondering about him after a three-win debut. Now look: 10 wins in 2011 from a team that probably shouldn’t have reached that high. Next problem for UC: keeping Jones. He won at CMU, he's winning at Cincy. Another big season should lead to a big BCS job (hello, Tennessee)."

Finally, as a postscipt to their analysis, a NFL scout was quoted as saying that "If you’re just looking at the surface, you see him winning with what Brian Kelly built. Don’t believe that garbage. He can coach. He was one of those guys a few years ago where you just knew big things were coming his way. He’s not done, either. Not by a longshot.”
Click to expand...

That impresses me a lot. Let's take a look at some of the other names that were thrown around in this search and see where they ranked (and for the record, I'm just using names that I saw fans throw out there, not necessarily just the ones we actually made contact with) :

Larry Fedora @ #53
Charlie Strong (mentioned above) @ #51
Dan Mullen @ #46
Dana Holgorsen @ #44
Frank Solich @#43
Art Briles @ #41
Jimbo Fisher @ #38
Bo Pelini @ #37
Al Golden @ #34
David Shaw @ #32

late edit: Mike Gundy came in at @ #10. He obviously was never going to leave OKSt, but those of you who were bishing about Gundy being a "bad hire" are out of your gourds.

I didn't go higher (or lower, whichever) than Strong. But the point is, I too, was very upset at having to 'settle' for Jones. But, I'm a fan first, and IMO, that means supporting the team and coach until he gives me reason not to, not because I'd never heard him or because our impotent-brained predecessor crushed his team 2 years ago. I'm willing to be patient and see what he can do, because it sounds like a good hire, so far. With that, #GBO & #VFL, and Go @UTCoachJones !:good!:
 
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#14
#14
erwinjrvol88 said:
It sounded to me like he has had his eye on this job for a while. He actually addressed some real issues instead of just saying "we're bringing a winning attitude blah, blah, blah." I think he may have his head wrapped around what its gonna take to be successful at UT. Time will tell.
Click to expand...

The more I think about it, for him to turn down UK, Purdue, and Colorado because he wanted to be here at UT says a lot. I know it was "just UK" and CU and PU (haha, get it, P-U? lol) , but we desperately needed a coach that really wanted to be a Vol. I think we have that. I also think that with that, will come the attitude and understanding that he MUST be capable on the recruiting trail to stay competitive. We'll just have to wait and see what happens there. I guess tonight will be a good indicator since he was at Vonn Bell's game tonight in Rossville, GA. Will be interesting to see since reports were saying that Saban and Meyer were there, too (those slimy jackasses...).
 
#15
#15
Volosaurus rex said:
First of all, rockymountainvol, let me say that I absolutely love your avatar. I last visited the Maroon Bells almost one year to the day after that photo was shot, so I know very well just how spectacular that area is in late-September.

To answer your question, I was initially as enthusiastic about this hire as I would be at the prospect of consuming burnt toast or Peptobismol. However, like several other contributors to this forum, I have become a bit more receptive after conducting research. As Hart observed, Coach Jones has won conference championships in four of the six years he has been head coach. Granted, the SEC is a BIG step up from his former level of competition but he has won championships at two different programs.

Second, although the skeptical part of me considers it purely coachspeak, it really is nice to hear someone other than a native son of the Volunteer State describe the Tennessee head coaching position as his "dream job." Coach Jones did so in the course of his introductory press conference and, according to Dave Hart, did so approximately 20 minutes into their initial conversation.

Additionally, it has already been posted elsewhere, but it is interesting to note Butch Jones' preseason position in the Sporting News ranking of college coaches ( College football coach rankings: Nos. 26-75 - NCAA Football - Sporting News). Jones came in 28th, 23 spots ahead of Charlie Strong. In comments pertaining to his achievements at Cincinnati thus far, it was said that "Jones cleaned house in Year 1, dealt with significant injuries and had some wondering about him after a three-win debut. Now look: 10 wins in 2011 from a team that probably shouldn’t have reached that high. Next problem for UC: keeping Jones. He won at CMU, he's winning at Cincy. Another big season should lead to a big BCS job (hello, Tennessee)."

Finally, as a postscipt to their analysis, a NFL scout was quoted as saying that "If you’re just looking at the surface, you see him winning with what Brian Kelly built. Don’t believe that garbage. He can coach. He was one of those guys a few years ago where you just knew big things were coming his way. He’s not done, either. Not by a longshot.”
Click to expand...

I am a Johnson City native, however the Colorado High Country is very majestic and the picture I have as my avatar does no justice. I frequent the High Country and appreciate the aspens in the fall.

I think CBJ will win here and will win big. He is the next up and comer....He will lead Tennessee back to the glory days. RIP General Neyland, your saviour is now on board.
 
#16
#16
supersmo18 said:
That impresses me a lot. Let's take a look at some of the other names that were thrown around in this search and see where they ranked (and for the record, I'm just using names that I saw fans throw out there, not necessarily just the ones we actually made contact with) :

Larry Fedora @ #53
Charlie Strong (mentioned above) @ #51
Dan Mullen @ #46
Dana Holgorsen @ #44
Frank Solich @#43
Art Briles @ #41
Jimbo Fisher @ #38
Bo Pelini @ #37
Al Golden @ #34
David Shaw @ #32

late edit: Mike Gundy came in at @ #10. He obviously was never going to leave OKSt, but those of you who were bishing about Gundy being a "bad hire" are out of your gourds.

I didn't go higher (or lower, whichever) than Strong. But the point is, I too, was very upset at having to 'settle' for Jones. But, I'm a fan first, and IMO, that means supporting the team and coach until he gives me reason not to, not because I'd never heard him or because our impotent-brained predecessor crushed his team 2 years ago. I'm willing to be patient and see what he can do, because it sounds like a good hire, so far. With that, #GBO & #VFL, and Go @UTCoachJones !:good!:
Click to expand...

Interesting point that you made. They list the top 10 as follows:

1. Nick Saban
2. Chris Petersen
3. Urban Meyer
4. Les Miles
5. Bob Stoops
6. Chip Kelly
7. Gary Patterson
8. Steve Spurrier
9. Frank Beamer
10. Mike Gundy

With the exception of Meyer, all of them have been firmly entrenched at their current positions for some time. All indications are that Petersen is virtually unmovable. Gary Patterson is the one coach that I wish Dave Hart would have put the full-court press on and made him say no, since he had stipulated at the outset that money would not be an obstacle with this hire.

Coaches in the 11-25 range are as follows:
11. Bill Snyder
12. Bret Bielema
13. Mark Dantonio
14. Mark Richt
15. Bronco Mendenhall
16. Mack Brown
17. Mike Leach
18. Brian Kelly
19. Paul Johnson
20. Lane Kiffin
21. Kyle Whittingham
22. June Jones
23. Chris Ault
24. Brady Hoke
25. James Franklin

Of this group, Kiffin will clearly drop, Kelly will go way up. Bielema took the Arkansas position, Snyder will never leave Kansas State, Mack Brown certainly won't leave Texas willingly and Chris Ault (65) probably will retire from his current position at Nevada. I don't see a whole lot of wouldbe candidates there that I would categorically say that are not only clearly better BUT also procurable, compared to Butch Jones.
 
#17
#17
I don't know if "in the rough" applies to him at all, even if he wasn't on top of our list and even if he carries a risk. This was a guy who apparently turned down three separate jobs. I don't know if that has been confirmed, and I understand they're lesser programs, but that's a sign of a very highly desired coach.
 
#18
#18
I would not read too much into a press conference after all they are indeed for the press and are political. Someone being paid 4 million a year can sometimes be very convincing.....I will judge this coach by his recruiting and his wins and loses.....as he should be judged....UT is now a bottom of the barrel program talent wise and it will take a minimum of 2-3 years to see any results.....2 SEC wins in 2 years tells the whole story....and yes it is that bad or even worse
 
#19
#19
rockymountainvol said:
From what I saw today, CBJ seemed more prepared in 30 minutes than former CDD did in 3 years. CBJ appears to have Xs and Os intelligence instead of legal intelligence from the former coach. I think this guy could be a diamond in the rough. What does Volnation think? Please dont bash me for this thread.
Click to expand...

I dont see why Charlie Strong prefers Louisville over UT. This guy may work out ( see K Samlin) or he may not. If I am a 5 star guy and Saban, Les Miles, Spurrier, and even Muschamp want me- why would I go with an unknown ( relatively speaking) like Butch Jones . He is not a name brand, but neither was Les MIles when LSU got him . My honest emotion is disappointment- this was not a "home run" hire by any stretch. Hart does NOT impress me- who hires these geeks anyway?
 
#20
#20
SAY whatever u want- we could have had Petrino and if we had picked him, we would be back in the top 15 in 2 years. This bad-hire bull****e is wearing me down. Why is our money no good anymore. THere is something we cant see that is hurting this great university. This used to be a plum job that good coaches actively seeked. That is no longer the case. Ps - Chucky can take his super-sized ego and abrasive personality ( he was widely disliked by the Tampa players ) and stick it where the sun fails to shine. I have never liked the guy and the stunt he pulled ( trailing his coat) to feed his fat ego didnt help our search at all. Hope he flops with the Eagles or Bolts.
 
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#21
#21
rockymountainvol said:
From what I saw today, CBJ seemed more prepared in 30 minutes than former CDD did in 3 years. CBJ appears to have Xs and Os intelligence instead of legal intelligence from the former coach. I think this guy could be a diamond in the rough. What does Volnation think? Please dont bash me for this thread.
Click to expand...

He could be, but that's not why he was hired. It's not like Hart saw him as a "diamond in the rough"...this was his 5th or 6th choice by my count. Gruden, strong, gundy, fedora, then jones.
 
#22
#22
rockymountainvol said:
From what I saw today, CBJ seemed more prepared in 30 minutes than former CDD did in 3 years. CBJ appears to have Xs and Os intelligence instead of legal intelligence from the former coach. I think this guy could be a diamond in the rough. What does Volnation think? Please dont bash me for this thread.
Click to expand...

First time I've ever seen a coach write a blog and use a twitter account, so the guy can connect with the younger generation.

Overall, feel kind of positive.
 
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