We begin this edition of the War Room like we do every week with a couple of ground rules. Everything that is reported in the War Room must stay in the War Room. That is how this works. The information in War Room is detailed to the point that it does not need to be passed beyond the doors of this post. This is a special feature for subscribers only, which is why it is posted on the premium board. Posting here is the only way to ensure that the information is exclusive to The General's Quarters. The War Room is a collective effort of notes and news gathered throughout the week by Brent, Rob, Austin and Jesse. The War Room will only work if everyone helps make it work … it's on with the news.
Naturally, we start with Tennessee’s coaching search — which is where everyone's focus begins and ends. Right now, all eyes are on athletics director John Currie and whether or not Currie will meet with Mississippi State's Dan Mullen in the coming days. Currie was in the Bahamas Tuesday evening, all day Wednesday and returned to Knoxville on Thursday.
As of posting, there’s been no confirmation that a face to face meeting will happen on Friday, but several we have spoken with expect some kind of conversation will take place in the coming day or two. In talking to multiple sources, Mullen does have interest in Tennessee’s opening and will listen to overtures, however, he hasn't formally talked to any schools to this point. He apparently hasn't even had a phone conversation with Currie or any other school yet, per sources.
Mullen has made it clear to his agent, Jimmy Sexton, and others that it's not something he would discuss or deal with until his team’s regular season is over. Of course, it is over now, in dispiriting fashion too, as State lost to Ole Miss 31-28 at home in the Egg Bowl on a night were Mullen's quarterback was injured and his team committed five turnovers.
While Mullen may listen to prospective offers, there's definitely people who know Mullen who feel like he may very well stay in Starkville. Mullen has a good team coming back next year, and much like Currie, he is playing things close to the vest.
It's obvious that Mullen is squarely on Tennessee’s list, but who else? That is where Tennessee’s search seems to lack clarity. Multiple sources have indicated to VolQuest that Currie does indeed like Iowa State's Matt Campbell, but no one likes the $9 million buyout. However, over a multi-year stretch, the cost of Campbell (who currently makes $2.1 million annually) would be more than comparable to someone like Mullen.
Another candidate who seems to have made an impression on Currie is Scott Frost. Tennessee has vetted the UCF coach, who has led the Knights to a 10-0 record this season. Frost could have his pick of any number of jobs this offseason, as almost everyone believes Frost will head to his alma mater Nebraska or stay in the Sunshine State at his school of choice — with three schools potentially in the mix. UCF athletics director Danny White is doing all he can to keep Frost in Orlando, while the Gators job is open and there are a lot of eyes on what's going to happen at Florida State with Jimbo Fisher. With Texas A&M expected to open after this weekend, Fisher is considered the leading candidate for that job.
The feeling is that there will be a lot of people interested in the FSU opening — and the candidate pool includes some that could be on Tennessee's list like maybe Mullen, Frost or Willie Taggert.
Meanwhile, Frost has made it clear that he's not interested in talking to anyone until his regular season is over. That could include a conference championship game a week from Saturday. Central Florida has to beat South Florida this weekend to make the championship game. Currie's timeline for a hire has been this upcoming week, according to everyone we’ve spoken with. That could change if anything developed with Frost and if his Central Florida football team advances to the championship game.
Currie has clearly worked the phones talking to some possible candidates. We believe he has talked to Matt Campbell. Currie has done a lot of research on candidates by talking to a lot of people. Remember, Currie doesn't have a search firm. Currie has also sought advice or input from people like Phillip Fulmer, Peyton Manning and longtime mentor Doug Dickey.
In Currie's research and conversations with people, sources say it seems his preferred criteria is someone who has coached and/or played at the Power 5 level. Mullen, Campbell, and Taggert fit that bill. Frost doesn't have head coaching experience at the Power 5 level, but he won a title at Nebraska as a player and was successful as the OC at Oregon. Greg Schiano was a head coach at Rutgers and in the NFL. The current Ohio State defensive coordinator should not be overlooked for Tennessee's vacancy. Those five candidates seem to be talked about more than any others as Tennessee’s search is set to really heat up over the next few days.
As for the current team, Brady Hoke has put his fingerprints on things the last couple of weeks. Last week, Hoke bought lunch for everyone working in the football office. This week, Hoke put together a team-wide Thanksgiving dinner for the program — deviating from the normal holiday plans at Tennessee where players had meals with different teammates, coaches and families. After a morning practice Thursday, over 400 staff members, players and their families ate together in a room at the Knoxville Convention Center. Hoke did something similar at Ball State, Michigan and other places where the entire program and their families had Thanksgiving together.
“I really think it’s part of being a football team,” he said. “It’s something I think will be special.”
Hoke made major news on Wednesday in dismissing Jauan Jennings. The details are Jennings' departure remain sketchy. But after being protected publicly by Butch Jones throughout the season for his disappearance from the team, Jennings was dismissed by Brady Hoke and John Currie after posing the obscenity-laced video on social media. The video caught everyone at Tennessee by surprise. Hoke clearly had Currie's blessing on the decision, but it is unclear if Currie would be open to Jennings potentially returning once a new coach is hired. Right now, it would seem doubtful that Jennings would even want to return given his tirade on Wednesday night.
As for the team, the offensive line will get Brett Kendrick back on Saturday afternoon. The senior finished up passing concussion protocol late in the week and will start for Tennessee at tackle.
Kendrick’s family met with University officials earlier this week to learn the results of the investigation involving the concussion that Kendrick played with against Kentucky. The family did have representation present solely to learn the findings, as it was required by the university.
Tennessee will honor 22 players Saturday — many of whom will likely play football for the final time. As VolQuest noted earlier in the week, Cortez McDowell will be recognized, opting not to pursue a medical redshirt. However, safety Todd Kelly Jr. will not take part in the festivities and is slated to return to the team in 2018.
Several juniors could make their last appearance in a Tennessee uniform though, as Drew Richmond, John Kelly and Rashaan Gaulden are all considering leaving for the NFL Draft, per VolQuest sources.
Naturally, we start with Tennessee’s coaching search — which is where everyone's focus begins and ends. Right now, all eyes are on athletics director John Currie and whether or not Currie will meet with Mississippi State's Dan Mullen in the coming days. Currie was in the Bahamas Tuesday evening, all day Wednesday and returned to Knoxville on Thursday.
As of posting, there’s been no confirmation that a face to face meeting will happen on Friday, but several we have spoken with expect some kind of conversation will take place in the coming day or two. In talking to multiple sources, Mullen does have interest in Tennessee’s opening and will listen to overtures, however, he hasn't formally talked to any schools to this point. He apparently hasn't even had a phone conversation with Currie or any other school yet, per sources.
Mullen has made it clear to his agent, Jimmy Sexton, and others that it's not something he would discuss or deal with until his team’s regular season is over. Of course, it is over now, in dispiriting fashion too, as State lost to Ole Miss 31-28 at home in the Egg Bowl on a night were Mullen's quarterback was injured and his team committed five turnovers.
While Mullen may listen to prospective offers, there's definitely people who know Mullen who feel like he may very well stay in Starkville. Mullen has a good team coming back next year, and much like Currie, he is playing things close to the vest.
It's obvious that Mullen is squarely on Tennessee’s list, but who else? That is where Tennessee’s search seems to lack clarity. Multiple sources have indicated to VolQuest that Currie does indeed like Iowa State's Matt Campbell, but no one likes the $9 million buyout. However, over a multi-year stretch, the cost of Campbell (who currently makes $2.1 million annually) would be more than comparable to someone like Mullen.
Another candidate who seems to have made an impression on Currie is Scott Frost. Tennessee has vetted the UCF coach, who has led the Knights to a 10-0 record this season. Frost could have his pick of any number of jobs this offseason, as almost everyone believes Frost will head to his alma mater Nebraska or stay in the Sunshine State at his school of choice — with three schools potentially in the mix. UCF athletics director Danny White is doing all he can to keep Frost in Orlando, while the Gators job is open and there are a lot of eyes on what's going to happen at Florida State with Jimbo Fisher. With Texas A&M expected to open after this weekend, Fisher is considered the leading candidate for that job.
The feeling is that there will be a lot of people interested in the FSU opening — and the candidate pool includes some that could be on Tennessee's list like maybe Mullen, Frost or Willie Taggert.
Meanwhile, Frost has made it clear that he's not interested in talking to anyone until his regular season is over. That could include a conference championship game a week from Saturday. Central Florida has to beat South Florida this weekend to make the championship game. Currie's timeline for a hire has been this upcoming week, according to everyone we’ve spoken with. That could change if anything developed with Frost and if his Central Florida football team advances to the championship game.
Currie has clearly worked the phones talking to some possible candidates. We believe he has talked to Matt Campbell. Currie has done a lot of research on candidates by talking to a lot of people. Remember, Currie doesn't have a search firm. Currie has also sought advice or input from people like Phillip Fulmer, Peyton Manning and longtime mentor Doug Dickey.
In Currie's research and conversations with people, sources say it seems his preferred criteria is someone who has coached and/or played at the Power 5 level. Mullen, Campbell, and Taggert fit that bill. Frost doesn't have head coaching experience at the Power 5 level, but he won a title at Nebraska as a player and was successful as the OC at Oregon. Greg Schiano was a head coach at Rutgers and in the NFL. The current Ohio State defensive coordinator should not be overlooked for Tennessee's vacancy. Those five candidates seem to be talked about more than any others as Tennessee’s search is set to really heat up over the next few days.
As for the current team, Brady Hoke has put his fingerprints on things the last couple of weeks. Last week, Hoke bought lunch for everyone working in the football office. This week, Hoke put together a team-wide Thanksgiving dinner for the program — deviating from the normal holiday plans at Tennessee where players had meals with different teammates, coaches and families. After a morning practice Thursday, over 400 staff members, players and their families ate together in a room at the Knoxville Convention Center. Hoke did something similar at Ball State, Michigan and other places where the entire program and their families had Thanksgiving together.
“I really think it’s part of being a football team,” he said. “It’s something I think will be special.”
Hoke made major news on Wednesday in dismissing Jauan Jennings. The details are Jennings' departure remain sketchy. But after being protected publicly by Butch Jones throughout the season for his disappearance from the team, Jennings was dismissed by Brady Hoke and John Currie after posing the obscenity-laced video on social media. The video caught everyone at Tennessee by surprise. Hoke clearly had Currie's blessing on the decision, but it is unclear if Currie would be open to Jennings potentially returning once a new coach is hired. Right now, it would seem doubtful that Jennings would even want to return given his tirade on Wednesday night.
As for the team, the offensive line will get Brett Kendrick back on Saturday afternoon. The senior finished up passing concussion protocol late in the week and will start for Tennessee at tackle.
Kendrick’s family met with University officials earlier this week to learn the results of the investigation involving the concussion that Kendrick played with against Kentucky. The family did have representation present solely to learn the findings, as it was required by the university.
Tennessee will honor 22 players Saturday — many of whom will likely play football for the final time. As VolQuest noted earlier in the week, Cortez McDowell will be recognized, opting not to pursue a medical redshirt. However, safety Todd Kelly Jr. will not take part in the festivities and is slated to return to the team in 2018.
Several juniors could make their last appearance in a Tennessee uniform though, as Drew Richmond, John Kelly and Rashaan Gaulden are all considering leaving for the NFL Draft, per VolQuest sources.
