Strong chronology for those interested in AD workings.....................

[LouisVOL]

Friday:  Tennessee followed protocol and requested permission and spoke to Strong for the first time.
Monday:  Strong met with Tennessee
Tuesday:  Strong offered.
Wednesday:  Day to consider, rejected Wednesday evening.

I guess what surprises me is that there was no contact whatever prior to last Friday, which makes me wonder if Hart was sitting by waiting for seasons to end, or had he already interviewed "x" number of coaches who said no?  Either way, if reports that Hart primarily targeted Gundy (Jimmy Sexton manipulated, no chance), and Strong (whose AD had already publicly stated he would do whatever necessary to prevent) are true, seems to be the ideal scenario for failure, and one of the reasons so many now look at Jones hire as "settling". 

[Clockwork Orange]

Gundy (Jimmy Sexton manipulated, no chance)

Of note: Butch Jones's agent is NOT Jimmy Sexton (it's Trace Armstrong, FWIW). Not that this has much bearing on the hire or the process or whatever, but I am personally relieved by this fact.

[VinnieVOL]

Quite puzzling.  Also, the claim that Cheek met with Strong.

[TheRealOrange]

Friday:  Tennessee followed protocol and requested permission and spoke to Strong for the first time.
Monday:  Strong met with Tennessee
Tuesday:  Strong offered.
Wednesday:  Day to consider, rejected Wednesday evening.

I guess what surprises me is that there was no contact whatever prior to last Friday, which makes me wonder if Hart was sitting by waiting for seasons to end, or had he already interviewed "x" number of coaches who said no?  Either way, if reports that Hart primarily targeted Gundy (Jimmy Sexton manipulated, no chance), and Strong (whose AD had already publicly stated he would do whatever necessary to prevent) are true, seems to be the ideal scenario for failure, and one of the reasons so many now look at Jones hire as "settling". 

The timing and information about Strong seems like standard stuff.  If, however, Hart targeted only Gundy and Strong and contacted no other potential candidates, that is very disconcerting.  I don't buy it, but I have nothing but my guts to go on.

[Cobbvol]

According to Hubbs, Strong met and interviewed with UT on Friday (Nov 30). Gundy was interviewed on Sunday (Dec2). He seemingly had 48 hours to determine if he wanted the job (Big Mistake IMO). After the clock ran out, Hart pursued Strong starting sometime on Tuesday (Dec 4) with rejection on Dec 5.

[BanditVol]

Of note: Butch Jones's agent is NOT Jimmy Sexton (it's Trace Armstrong, FWIW). Not that this has much bearing on the hire or the process or whatever, but I am personally relieved by this fact.

co-sign