The CheckerBoard

Thanks for the kind words. And I assume when you say "fan-type" questions, you just mean good questions rather than questions asked through orange-tinted glasses.

In general, though, that's what we try to do as sports writers: ask the questions you guys want answered. And we ask them objectively and fairly.

Ha! Yeah, it's not often I say that, is it?

Very nice story, Wes!! Glad I signed up for this site....

Awesome read. More and more happy with this site everyday.

One of the major complaints that critics of Coach Dooly have leveled against him has been that he is unable or unwilling to accept blame. Wes I thank you for this article, and for the thoughtful questions you asked. In answering one of those questions, CDD said: "‘Where could I have done a better job? Where could we, as coaches, have done a better job to get us to where we need to be?’"

Then, when talking about the running game, Coach said that the problems began with coaching. I will say that I have been less than pleased with some of CDD's statements as regards the players. However, here I think we see the coach we need. We see a man who is taking responsability for last year, and is placing next year on his shoulders. I cannot wait for the 2012 season to kick off. Nothing would make me happier than for the Wolfpack to kick it off, and CP be back to return the kick, and take it the distance. Nothing would fire me up more than to see the Big Orange storm on to the field on Defence and sack the crap out of NC State. I'm just ready for football to start.

Go Vols!

Wes, that was a great interview and I think it may have brought out some reasons some of the coaches left and why at least one was not asked to return. It smacks of a total lack of synergy. Sounds like everyone was coaching in their own style and not for the creation of a 'team'. I also wondered about Charlie Baggett and whether he was not on board with the run blocking that it sounds like Dooley wanted from his WR's. Just speculating because that 'retirement' left more question marks than any other for me. Thanks and +1

All the hard work you guys put in is amazing. Great article and interview. I for one love the fact that we have a coach who will answer the tough questions and puts the blame squarely on his shoulders. I also like how everytime he speaks i feel better about our program. As a University we have always been patient and loyal not only to our teams but coaches. I hope that we remain behind Dooley give him a REAL shot to turn this around. Go Vols.

well i am a fan and i appreciate your hard work

Thanks for posting, maysii.

I, for one, love the fact that coach answers directly and doesnt avoid the question or ramble off some cliched coach speak in answering. He calls a spade a spade and nothing else. I think this will be the year we see a marked improvement and look for the 2013 class to show what we have already seen..the recruiting ability and the rankings will follow as well....I am so ready for Sept. I would love to start the season at the Georgia Dome and play our next to last game there as well...wishful thinking i know...but i think we have a good chance if we stay healthy. Great article Wes...you guys are doing a great job!