Why now?
I think a couple of things. One this is done for long term stability. Everyone has known and indicated that Hart wasn't going to get an extension despite wanting one.
I think you will see Tennessee move pretty fast in this search.
The priority is to keep Butch Jones. He needs to know who his boss is going to be. Hart as a lame duck ad (not getting an extension) wouldn't make Jones comfortable. And with a good season, you never know what schools might call. I'm not suggesting Jones is looking to leave. I'm suggesting if you don't know who you are working for you might listen more.
That's why you are going to hear the name David Blackburn early and often. The University president who will make this hire has a good relationship and respect for Blackburn. Blackburn certainly knows Tennessee and he knows Butch Jones as he worked with him daily in Jones' first year.
Blackburn has also done a great job at Chattanooga. Now, I'm not saying anything is done as there will be other candidates for sure. Charles Davis' name is one you will hear and there will be others maybe even Fulmer. But Blackburn knows Jones the best and that could be a key and worth watching.
I think a couple of things. One this is done for long term stability. Everyone has known and indicated that Hart wasn't going to get an extension despite wanting one.
I think you will see Tennessee move pretty fast in this search.
The priority is to keep Butch Jones. He needs to know who his boss is going to be. Hart as a lame duck ad (not getting an extension) wouldn't make Jones comfortable. And with a good season, you never know what schools might call. I'm not suggesting Jones is looking to leave. I'm suggesting if you don't know who you are working for you might listen more.
That's why you are going to hear the name David Blackburn early and often. The University president who will make this hire has a good relationship and respect for Blackburn. Blackburn certainly knows Tennessee and he knows Butch Jones as he worked with him daily in Jones' first year.
Blackburn has also done a great job at Chattanooga. Now, I'm not saying anything is done as there will be other candidates for sure. Charles Davis' name is one you will hear and there will be others maybe even Fulmer. But Blackburn knows Jones the best and that could be a key and worth watching.
