If Danny White’s first week on the job, as the new Athletics Director at the University of Tennessee, is any indication of what his tenure will be like; then hold on to your seat. While dealing with the standard procedure of taking a new position, White will also be facing an uphill battle. The looming investigation and potential NCAA sanctions stemming from accusations of illegal benefits and university comped lap dances, has White backed into a corner. Not only is the new AD dealing with salvaging a flailing football program, he is also tasked with plugging potential leaks inside of his department.
From the perspective of Vol faithful, the head coaching position on the hill, is one of the most desired in the country and speaks for itself. But does it? This search saw Danny White turning over stone after stone, in pursuit of the next man to take the reins. After a brief, yet extensive search, White turned to a familiar face, Josh Huepel. The announcement of Coach Huepel was met with mixed reviews. Part of the fan base rejoiced, other factions lit torches, and the remaining may just be apathetic. What I can tell you from firsthand knowledge, is the Vols did not chart a course to hire Josh Huepel. Through the hired search firm (The Parker Group), several sitting head coaches and prominent assistant coaches were vetted. Unfortunately, some of the most common names tossed around on message boards and around the water cooler, did not get far in the process. While others like James Franklin, chose to stay put.
When setting out on the task of hiring the next football coach, Danny White had a set criteria. After speaking with the team directly, he came up with a list of boxes that needed to be checked. From talking to some directly who have worked with/for White in the past, I am told he is very cerebral in his approach. His goal was to find the best person for the job without involving emotions; and that is what he did. While Huepel may not be the name that most of us wanted, he may be the person we need. He has a firm grasp on the offensive side of the football. We all know the stats of his teams and the productivity at the skill positions. The biggest question marks are around the defensive side of the ball. Huepel is well aware that track meets in the SEC, will not yield the desired results. Josh has been given the ability and resources to make hires to address this need, I assure you.
I know some of you are probably shaking your head and thinking that this is just more of the same. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that it is not. The current administration (Boyd/Plowman/White) is much more involved and in tune with what is actually going on. President Boyd absolutely loves this university and will do what it takes, for it to flourish.
Pete Thamel and every other media hack that lives to take shots at us.
