The CheckerBoard

Absolutely does not make any sense at all that Dooley alienated so many of our former players. Ryan, do you have any insight as to why Dooley kept our players at army's length? Is this normal? Meaning, do coaches like Saban or Miles keep former players at arm's length? Just curious bc it really made no sense to me when Dooley was here.

I will always remember Dooley for starting the VFL (Vol for Life) program. What a tremendous program for the players, past and present! That was, in my opinion, his greatest, most enduring contribution to UT. I think, from what is being said and reported so far, that Jones is taking that impulse and really embodying it in a more dynamic way. It's not about which one is good or bad. I am simply thankful for what both have done so far. I can only hope that Jones will be as great with game day coaching and developing player talent as he is with relating to people (recruits, players, families, alums, and fans). There is certainly reason to have hope on Rocky Top.
Vols!!

couldnt agree more! The connection between passed and present Vols suffered tremendously during the Dooley era, and I believe realizing the foundation these past Vols have set is so very very important to the program! Keeping the former greats around and involved with the program can only bring about good things! Go Vols!

Dooley did start the VFL program which is a good thing however thats about the end of the good for the Dooley era. He proved to be a pompous A$$ and his relationships with area highschool coaches and former Vols was basically non existing! Dooley did very little to keep people that matter to the program happy , and infact made quite a few very angry!

That's just how he was...another reason why he sucked!!! If I recall Julio jones and mark Ingram (or maybe Trent Richardson) standing on the Alabama sideline at the SEC championship game...