The CheckerBoard

Respectfully, the players will determine if this is a splash or not. It seems like everyone likes this hire, except "fans".

Quit being so pessimistic. We weren't getting the Gruden pipedream. We weren't getting Gundy or Fisher. The only other realistic option was Strong. Butch brings intensity and proven success to the program. He's the type of coach that can yell at your face and then 30 seconds later you'd still have his back. He's a players coach. Don't you think that would mean he would do well with young people aka recruiting? It's not a high profile hire but we're the University of Tennessee. Our Orange T is high profile and when Butch starts to get it beating down other teams we'll be right back up there. This man is a football coach. Not a California daddy's boy or a smart lawyer. He is a football coach. Get behind him and raise hell for him. It's time to put Big Orange back on the map.

I don't know how to see those....but time will tell, we will know for sure by Feb.

Recruits and most players don't have the emotional bagage that we have. We're carrying around a 5 plus years of pull your hair out dissapointment. Hopefully BJ will sell them the new TN. We at least have to give him a chance.

Most players are not necessarily "fans" of the school they decide to sign with. That's why schools like Alabama, Florida, and even UT will have killer classes when they're hot, and lower-ranked classes when they're not. Winning and success goes a long way for these kids, especially in the era of 24-hour coverage and the ability to watch any team from virtually anywhere in the country.