I must be out in left field tonight. 

From Wikipedia: Bielema has held the position since 2006, achieving a 60–19 record through the conclusion of the 2011 season.

He has taken Wisconsin to back-to-back Rose Bowls and this year would be three if I am not mistaken.

The guy seems pretty accomplished.  I'd say he has better credentials than Strong.

He has had one good year at Louisville:

2010 7–6
 
2011 7–6
 
2012 10–2
 
Everyone seems to talk about what a great recruiter he is but his classes at Louisville have not been that good (I tried to steal the list from another site but I can't find the post).  I'm pretty much the opposite, I'm not sure what everyone is seeing in him.  Right now I think he is closer to a Dooley than a Muschamp.

*EDIT* Creek Walker has it on this site.  Old mind fades fast.

I just don't understand the excitement behind Strong.  I don't know if it was on this board or another but the indication was that he was a great recruiter but that looks like quite a reach. IMO, he's a pretty significant risk.  Unfortunately I don't know what the alternative would be.  Gundy is just playing us, angling for a raise.  Surely it will be Gruden.  (I know, I know).

I remember what everyone said about Saban just before he was announced at Bama.  This is no lie, two days before he was announced a well-connect Bammer bud of mine (yes, I am ashamed) told me he was coming.  I laughed in his face and told him he was so delusional it wasn't funny.  Please leth that be us this time!!   

Simple.  Ego.  At some point its not about money, its about getting back into the game and showing everyone what you got.

I am convinced we could have had Gruden, but I think Hart wants Fisher. Regardless now, I am convinced we will pay alot for mediocrity when we could have had someone who instantly breathed life into a program that is on life support.  I grew up in Tennessee, graduated from Tennessee, and have spent my entire life hanging on every first down on a Saturday in the fall.  That changed a few years back.  The UTAD does not seem committed to doing what absolutely must be done.  I hope the hire is good.  With Gruden I knew it would have been.

The future of Tennessee football is at stake.  Pay the man (and his staff)!   

http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2012/nov/30/report-gruden-has-tennessee-contract-hand-staff-pa/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2012/11/21/grinnell-colleges-jack-taylor-basks-in-glory-media-frenzy-of-138-point-game/1719933/

 

as Gruden's offensive line coach.  Latest rumor of many.   

I'll support whoever it is, hell I supported Dooley basically up to the Bama game when the cumulative stupidity just turned out to be too much.  However, Gruden would have an IMMEDIATE impact, particularly in recruiting NOW.  That would have us in a heck of a position even next year if the offensive talent sticks around and is properly managed/coached.  So yeah, Gruden or bust IMHO.

With the right coach, Bray could be a winner - something he has yet to show.  We only have to look back to Crompton and *gasp* Kiffin's influence on him.  Having said that, however, I hope they prep Worley to start.  For some reason I like our chances better with Worley at this point.   

 

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/242199/2/Volquest-Dooley-out-as-head-coach-press-conference-Sunday-afternoon

UT AD Dave Hart: "We very much appreciate the effort and energy that Derek Dooley and his staff have poured into our football program...

 

Then we could blame this pitiful performance on the distraction.  This is some unbelievable $#@!.  I have watched Tennessee for 35 yrs and have never seen a lower point than where we are now.   

I am not watching another game until he is gone.   

The DB coach should be packing his bags with Sal. 

Whoops, sorry!  When you said "offensive" stats I thought you were referring to defensive stats.   

I'd still take him in a minute over what we have now.   

Miles cost LSU that game when he went for it on 4th and they got stuffed instead of kicking the field goal.  Can't say I'm too upset though, Brent Mussedupburger was already sailvating over Kansas St and Notre Dame in the championship.

Word is now saying Gruden isn't interested in college, only pro.  So what little enthusiasm I have left for Vol football these days is on life support.  I'm not sure who might be considered next in line, but in my opinion it will have to be a big name otherwise the recruiting class will be dismal and we'll head right back down the path we've been on.  I see only one answer now:

 

e word is that Hart has wanted Dooley fired since after Alabama but Cheek says if he wins out he stays.

Missouri or Vandy will oblige Hart if that is the case.

 

IN A BAD WAY!!

Spurrier's Duke team beat the Vols in either 88 or 89.  I was at that game.  It was the start of the hate-hate relationship I have with him to this day.   

Thanks Vinnie - Now I'll have to go through anger management courses again!