The CheckerBoard

I know for a fact that not all big money supports him. It may be that most do, but they are not in lockstep over Hamilton's future.

i dont understand the concept that hamilton is most to blame for all of this. he has done a ton for tennessee. he has vastly upgraded our facilities. yes he hired kiffin, but if one person can say they knew the usc job would open up a year after our coaching change is blowing smoke and nothing else. kiffin wouldnt have left any other way, except for the nfl. he put blackburn over the football program immediately after kiffins hire. that in itself was a crucial move to save the football program from harsh sanctions. as far as the pearls hire, i am glad he made it because basketball has reached levels never seen before. ut basketball would be for not without pearl and that has to due with the hire. all of the turmoil surrounding the basketball program has to do with recruiting violations and LIEING to the ncaa, which has everything to do with pearl and his staff. i mean a recruiting violation, not even a week after saying he was so sorry and would do anything to change it, was and is not acceptable. although hamilton hasnt made any fans through the media, which slanders him almost on all accounts, i as a vol fan and ut supporter am overall happy with the work hamilton has done.

I have also defended Hamilton in the past for his exceptional fundraising abilities and the wonderful upgrading of UT's facilities. He certainly merits praise there. I am also happy with his Derek Dooley hire. However, as the highest ranking official in the Athletics Department he must be judged on the performance of the entire athletic department and especially its coaches. On that side he doesn't come out as well because three of his coaches - all of which he hired and supervised - came under NCAA investigation. By any measure this reflects poorly on his ability to manage his coaches and keep them in compliance. On top of that, this interview yesterday was extremely irresponsible for someone in his position and most unfair to Pearl and especially to the players. All of this calls into question his judgement and his ability to effectively manage the department. In my opinion, we require a stronger leader and more effective manager.

Whoever replaces Hamilton, it needs to be someone that is hungry and will work 24 hours a days to make sure Tennessee has an elite athletic program. I don't someone like Fulmer has enough gas in the tank to get the job done.

If the stay in house, and wouldn't surprise me if they go that way, David would be the logical choice. I don't know if David ready or not but he has been all aroound program for 25 years. Great guy BTW.

I should say also, if anything happens with Mike