I know he's anathema to some here, but I think Clay Travis has been right on this. His theory that some prominent alums want Gruden and have done the legwork while Hart wants someone else makes sense.

It should be noted I have never met Hart, but if he is a super hard-headed guy (some stories make that appear to be the case) this absolutely makes sense.

"Methinks thou doest protest too much." The agent certainly sounds like he's lying. There would be no reason for Hart to call if there was just a story circulating.  

That doesn't mean Gruden is coming, but the agent's statements as reported don't pass the sniff test.

Don't you have a round of golf to play? 

Hear about how much more the players like the new coaching staff than the last one, the defense will be more aggressive, the offense will be more physical, blah, blah, blah 

My fleeting hopes are once again dashed.

He had no chance, but I was more on board with him than the Grudenites are with their guy. Well, that's probably an overstatement.

'Nut, Woodstock and I will accept your hearty congratulations if it's Petrino. Fleming's will be appropriate.

At least Wendy's doesn't look to be a likely option - for now.

I'd put him after Petrino, Gary Patterson and Gundy, but above the other ACC names.

While I am currently in a foul mood due to Clock's thread title I would like to get a review on Tupelo Honey.

I think Gundy and Patterson play this weekend, and Fisher might too. If so I'd expect an annoucement in 5 days at the earliest assuming no Gruden. Very few of my cousins are actually employed so I don't have much in the way of sources.

In a former life I set up a room  or two for press conferences, and sometimes we'd do it just because nothing else was going on.

I think (too lazy to look it up) UNC didn't play Clemson or FSU.

I think it makes sense. He can get paid to rehab. Sure his first contract will be low, but with the cap his second should be fine. Besides, he wasn't going to see the field next year anyway.

That's an infinitely better selection than Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" so don't feel bad. I'm expecting you to switch to "War Machine" as soon as the pain gives way to anger.

Does the Gruden rejection upend Hart, or did he expect it and plan to to hire one of the guys coaching this weekend as a fallback? In short, how many of his eggs did he place in the proverbial Gruden basket?

[going]

If Golden is hired,Tennessee needs to look for a new AD. Golden isn't a good pick at all

I disagree. If Golden is going to be hired UT needs to look for a new AD.

We've exhausted Petrino's pros and cons, but if given the choice between hiring him or going with Golden who would you select? Self-imposing the death penalty is not an option.

I think Golden would have been a fine get for, oh, UK. Seriously, are you going to tell me we couldn't have gotten Patterson, Gundy or Fisher? We absolutely could get one, and possibly any of three.

Al Golden is not on Murfvol's list at all. I'd hire Hugh Freeze before him.

My guess is prominent boosters did the courting. If Hart was an impediment he won't be at his job long. My guess is he didn't stonewall.

Patterson, Gundy or Jimbo Fisher I can live with, and I think Strong would be o.k.

Presumably an NFL team was smoked out and sent Gruden something to think about. More power to him. I appreciate him giving UT a look.

Wasn't Hyams saying Gruden wasn't even in play the other day?

Yep

My guess is Gruden and Punch know each other casually so if Gruden was looking at potentially moving to Knoxville he would ask Punch a few things. Questions don't mean anything definite, but I'd guess the two have talked.

I think you're on to something. Well, Jimbo either wants out of Tallahassee OR wants to force FSU's hand. He wins either way. What's the plumb job right now? That would be UT. Other dominos fall once that job is filled.

It should also be noted Mike Gundy is a Sexton client - or at least was at this time last year.