Dear Coach Dooley:
Today (Sunday) or Monday, you will likely be releived from your position as Head Coach of the University of Tennessee football program. This action reflects the University's need to bring a new direction to our historic and proud athletic program, and is not a reflection of your character or any malfeasance on your part. Quite the contrary.
You inherited a program already challenged by successive coaching turnover and nearly depleted of the level and depth of talent normally inherent in the Vols program. While your predecessor brought repeated infractions and national shame to our school, you brought integrity and honesty. While your predecessor attracted shallow, self-absorbed and miscreant recruits, you attracted stable players with an emphasis on the importance of team. You have truly succeeded in building our team's talent base under very challenging circumstances.
Most importantly, you brought stability to the University of Tennessee football program. For that, we thank you.
True fans of collegiate sports recognize that winning isn't everything, but it is required to remain a coach in the SEC.
For our young men on the football team, though, our team is also about building character, developing a strong work ethic, working as a team towards a shared goal and sense of purpose. When their college careers are over, most Tennessee Vol players will never play on Sundays. Their careers will be over. But, they will carry with them for the rest of their lives all the friendships, lessons learned and, hopefully, many fond memories of playing in front of the thousands of cheering Volunteer fans in Neyland Stadium, and take pride in representing one of the finest universities in this country.
While your career at Tennessee is reaching its end, I encourage you to be mindful of your accomplishments, and remain above the fray. True fans of Tennessee football and the University know that you put your blood, sweat and tears into your job. While your record may not reflect your efforts, you are no doubt leaving our program in a better place than where you found it. For that, we are grateful.
I sincerely thank you, and wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.
VFL, Class of '86
