Gary Patterson

[Creek Walker]

Am I the only one not enamored by this guy? Maybe I'm wrong about him, but he just doesn't excite me.

But, then again, Dooley DID excite me, so what do I know? (Well, he mildly excited me, anyway. I was only a Dooley guy when it came down to him vs. Cutcliffe.)

I just think that Patterson is a solid coach, but lacks the punch that would be needed to get the fan base excited again.

[ReVOLver]

I don't think he'd be an initially popular hire, but I think he'd be like Fulmer in the long run as long as he didn't get lazy.

You know that they could've hired him instead of Kiffin right? But Hamilton told him that he was too much like Fulmer, which offended him... then when Lane bolted and they went back to him he said fizzle off.

[VoLynteer]

You know, Jon Gruden reads message boards.  I am not in favor of anyone but Jon Gruden.

[murfvol]

I think Patterson's track record makes him at least a solid coach. Petrino is the only sure-fire big winner available, and those are VERY rare. Urban Meyer was one for OSU as was Saban when he went to Bama. Most hires are hopes.

I think Strong and Patterson are in the group below Petrino when it comes to proven ability to win. Granted Patterson isn't blowing up this year (which is why he could be an easier get), but he's using a JV team against the varsity as opposed to against other JV squads.

Al Golden is another rung down at least.

Please note that doesn't mean Golden is a lesser coach, simply that he is less proven. I like proven. I like Petrino, but would take Patterson.  

[Creek Walker]

I don't think he'd be an initially popular hire, but I think he'd be like Fulmer in the long run as long as he didn't get lazy.

You know that they could've hired him instead of Kiffin right? But Hamilton told him that he was too much like Fulmer, which offended him... then when Lane bolted and they went back to him he said fizzle off.

Hamilton could screw up a wet . . . well, he was just a perpetual screwup.

I more or less agree with you on Patterson's ability. I guess my point would be that Fulmer inherited a pretty darned good situation at UT. The only drama he had to deal with was the accusation that he sucker-punched Majors to get the job, and the only person who cared about that was Majors. Patterson would walk into a much different situation here and I wonder if his lack of excitability would prove to be a hindrance to his ability to get the program back on track for the long term?

[murfvol]

Fan enthusiasm is a valid thing to ponder, but I don't think we're Arkansas circa 1997 when they hired Nutt for his sales albility more than coaching. If we win fans will return. I only made it to Knoxville twice this season, and once was because my sister wanted to go to the game.

[10EC]

You know, Jon Gruden reads message boards.  I am not in favor of anyone but Jon Gruden.

Yes he does.... and have you not noticed the private detective following you make sure you are not a stalker?   

[VoLynteer]

Yes he does.... and have you not noticed the private detective following you make sure you are not a stalker?   

Like I can't shake a PI.