We should have a VolNation contest to count the number of threads started on the forums yesterday regarding Lane Kiffin – including the hundreds that were merged by our moderators. The number is probably in the quadrillions.
If that’s not proof enough that Tennessee fans have “Kiffin fever”, VolNation members are discussing printing their own t-shirts with clever slogans that spread their joy about the new hire.
It isn’t just fans that want to talk about Kiffin. Numerous football personalities shared their opinion of Tennessee’s new coach including several coaching legends, Pete Carroll and even Archie Manning.
Try to keep things in perspective though. Do you really expect anyone (aside from Steve Spurrier of course) to come out publicly and make disparaging remarks about Lane Kiffin on the day he accepts a new job?
The Contract
If you are interested in reading more about Kiffin’s contract, you can do so here and here. Kiffin’s salary at Tennessee will start out around $2 million and will average around $2.375 million over the six year term.
Monte Kiffin
With all the clues from Hamilton and others as to the price tag on assistant staff that is to be assembled, it should be all but a formality that Monte Kiffin will be named Tennessee’s next defensive coordinator. That falls in line with what Chris Mortensen reported regarding Tennessee making Monte the highest paid assistant coach in college football.
Additional confirmation came from Lane Kiffin today when he announced that he released the entire defensive staff, not because of their abilities, but because he has replacements in mind to fill those positions. He has not yet done the same with the offensive assistants. Scott, Michael, Adkins and Drayton remain pending evaluation – at least for now.
The Orange Swarm
Chris Low of ESPN reported that Ed Orgeron is already telling people about The Orange Swarm. Orgeron is a character to say the least. If you haven’t read the story of his first day at Ole Miss, you can do so here. Beware, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
La La La Layla Kiffin
I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention Kiffin’s wife, the new Mrs. Tennessee football. If you haven’t been introduced to her as of yet, you can find pictures in this thread. I have to agree with what someone posted in that thread – she is likely our biggest competition for Lane’s time.