Commentary: If I were Dave Hart...

Wes Rucker
7 months ago
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Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart

Some variation of the following question — “Who would you hire?” — has been asked countless times in the past week. Here's my answer.

Wes Rucker
Tennessee Insider - GoVols247

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7 months ago

http://tennessee.247sports.com/Article/Commentary-If-I-were-Tennessee-Vols-athletic-director-Dave-Hart-103317
Some variation of the following question — “Who would you hire?” — has been asked countless times in the past week. Here's my answer.
Wes Rucker
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Kevin Ryan
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7 months ago

Nice commentary Wes.
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile

I just think the gruden move is what UT needs. Huge splash, will make national news and every 5-star recruit in the nation will do a double take at UT, and probably be willing to take a visit just to see what gruden will be doing in Knoxville. Honestly believe he could also sway many of the current offensive players to stick around another year and increase their draft stock. ( Bray, Hunter, Patterson)
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile Premium Post
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile

Kevin Ryan said...
Interesting take. Thanks for doing this. I think I'd personally flip Mora and Stoops and Strong and Fedora, but we're on the same page.

Gruden,Stoops and Strong would be my order. All three would fit and I think thrive in the UT atmosphere. Let's get it done and focus on recruiting.
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile

Kind of surprised Mullen didn't make the list. Like you said about Strong, you can't judge him on one game.
I was talking to a State fan today and he said that Mullen could do a lot at a school like Tennessee. He's really held back by the lack of resources at Missy State and how difficult it is to recruit there.
I think he is at least worth a look if we fall down the board that far.
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Wes Rucker
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile

Wes,
How much do you think SEC experience will weigh in this decision?
Billvol301
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile

2 of these coaches aren't even coaching all be it one of his own accord but basically no college coaching experience and no head coach experience in college. All but 3 lost yesterday to lower ranked teams. Of the 3 that won 2 of them barely beat a lower ranked team and OU had to do it in 3 OT's. Something to think about.
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile

Nice summary Wes. My picks in order and only including those that I think are realistic would be:
1. Gruden
2. Fisher
3. Fedora
4. Strong
5. Golden
Stoops and Gundy aren't realistic options to me but the 5 above are in my opinion. I think we can afford to pay any of these and we also offer intriguing challenges to each coach.
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Wes Rucker
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7 months ago

I could go for this . I would have Smart, Kliff Kingsbury , Dirk Koetter and Todd Grantham at 7,8,9 and 10 .
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7 months ago

ArnieFife said...
2 of these coaches aren't even coaching all be it one of his own accord but basically no college coaching experience and no head coach experience in college. All but 3 lost yesterday to lower ranked teams. Of the 3 that won 2 of them barely beat a lower ranked team and OU had to do it in 3 OT's. Something to think about.

Actually there's not much to think about. You're putting way too much stock into 1 game. Losing happens...to every coach and every team. And sometimes to lower ranked opponents. Find us a FBS coach with a perfect record and you'll save Dave Hart a lot of time and the AD a lot of money.

This post was edited by JCJ1986 on 11/25/2012 at 1:54 PM
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7 months ago

No Gary Patterson from TCU on your list? I think he is one of the very elite coaches in college football. It would take alot alot to get him away though & he is on alot of Texas Longhorns wish list. Mack Brown is facing some pressure in Austin
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7 months ago

I don't know but I freaking love Bo Pelini. That guy who some feel is a lunatic I love him. He cracks me up and he was good at LSU.
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile

I would also be curious...why no Patterson?
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7 months ago

volinfranklin said...
Nice summary Wes. My picks in order and only including those that I think are realistic would be:
1. Gruden 2. Fisher 3. Fedora 4. Strong 5. Golden
Stoops and Gundy aren't realistic options to me but the 5 above are in my opinion. I think we can afford to pay any of these and we also offer intriguing challenges to each coach.

I agree with your list, but I put Strong at the top and everybody above him drops a spot.
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7 months ago

As you and others have said, this is a critical hire for UT. The SEC has gotten so good, if we dont start catching up soon we're going to have to wait for the leaders to lap us to get back into the race. Outside of Gruden and Stoops, I think the names on your list all have real risk. I don't think we can afford that. I think we need a sure thing, and i know there aren't many of those. In that regard, the most highly credentialed unemployed coach is clearly Jim Tressel. Winning percentage of .810 (not counting the 11 wins in 2010 the ncaa took away); won 6 Big Ten titles in 10 years (not counting the one the took away); 4-3 in BCS bowls; 1 Nat'l champ; numerous former players starting on the NFL; great recruiting ties in talent-rich Ohio. With that record, doesn't Hart have to at least interview him personally and form his own opinion regarding his integrity and ethics? Would really like to hear you thoughts.
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7 months ago via 247Sports Mobile

Wes,
What would be your take on Rich Rodriguez? I am not saying that he would be at the top of my list but if the list starts thinning out at the top how would you view him?
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7 months ago

gwbask said...
No Gary Patterson from TCU on your list? I think he is one of the very elite coaches in college football. It would take alot alot to get him away though & he is on alot of Texas Longhorns wish list. Mack Brown is facing some pressure in Austin

Haven't heard enough about interest from either side to this point.
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Wes Rucker
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