Tomorrow, Hubbs will be releasing a long piece I've helped him with offering additional details in the phone records, emails, texts, etc. of John Currie.
Hopefully, we can put a bow on the subject as best we can — while acknowledging that there clearly remains many unanswered questions considering what's not in the documents.
Anyways, that's for tomorrow.
As for some of the more trivial, yet still very interesting pieces of info gleaned from reading all the stuff, here you go...
* Currie indicated to multiple people via texts messages that he "supported Brady's decision" to dismiss WR Jauan Jennings. That's notable considering Hoke never should've been in that position as an interim head coach. Currie did note in the same text that the next coach would have the power to determine his roster as he saw fit — at least opening the door for a possible return. Obviously, we know how that turned out after Currie was bounced.
* Rich Bisaccia wanted this job BADLY. Multiple messages indicate his strong interest in becoming a candidate, even name dropping Charles Davis, Jason Witten (both of whom supposedly, via other messages, were said to endorse Bisaccia), Jon Gruden, Eli Manning, Archie Manning and David Cutcliffe as folks to call for recommendations. He also mentioned that he was close with Joey Galloway and Booger McFarland of ESPN, and that both former NFL players would give UT lots of positive pub about the hire.
* Former UT linebacker Kevin Simon, who is now on staff with Pruitt, sent Currie a lengthy message offering his support, advice and guidance during the search. It's unclear if Currie ever reached out to Simon.
* Knoxville mayor Tim Burchett sent Currie a couple messages during the search, including leaving a voicemail on some unknown "scoop."
* After the fallout with Antoine Davis, Todd Kelly Sr. told Currie he was interested in becoming the new VFL Coordinator.
* As we reported in real time, Currie spent a good bit of time after Jones' dismissal calling recruits and parents in the 2018 class. Bob Welton made sure Currie contacted guys like Cade Mays, Greg Emerson, Alontae Taylor, Adrian Martinez and Brant Lawless immediately. At the time, Welton was "confident we can keep this class together." Charlton Warren was also active in making sure Currie talked to players and parents (namely Trey Dean and Tanner Ingle), stressing how badly Tennessee "needs corners in this class." Dean and Warren ended up together at Florida.
* Finally, Currie had lots of contact with the former staff during Jones' firing and the following weeks, meeting with each coach individually. Several asked for recommendations for future jobs, including Bob Shoop, who pursued the Holy Cross head coaching gig.
Hopefully, we can put a bow on the subject as best we can — while acknowledging that there clearly remains many unanswered questions considering what's not in the documents.
Anyways, that's for tomorrow.
As for some of the more trivial, yet still very interesting pieces of info gleaned from reading all the stuff, here you go...
* Currie indicated to multiple people via texts messages that he "supported Brady's decision" to dismiss WR Jauan Jennings. That's notable considering Hoke never should've been in that position as an interim head coach. Currie did note in the same text that the next coach would have the power to determine his roster as he saw fit — at least opening the door for a possible return. Obviously, we know how that turned out after Currie was bounced.
* Rich Bisaccia wanted this job BADLY. Multiple messages indicate his strong interest in becoming a candidate, even name dropping Charles Davis, Jason Witten (both of whom supposedly, via other messages, were said to endorse Bisaccia), Jon Gruden, Eli Manning, Archie Manning and David Cutcliffe as folks to call for recommendations. He also mentioned that he was close with Joey Galloway and Booger McFarland of ESPN, and that both former NFL players would give UT lots of positive pub about the hire.
* Former UT linebacker Kevin Simon, who is now on staff with Pruitt, sent Currie a lengthy message offering his support, advice and guidance during the search. It's unclear if Currie ever reached out to Simon.
* Knoxville mayor Tim Burchett sent Currie a couple messages during the search, including leaving a voicemail on some unknown "scoop."
* After the fallout with Antoine Davis, Todd Kelly Sr. told Currie he was interested in becoming the new VFL Coordinator.
* As we reported in real time, Currie spent a good bit of time after Jones' dismissal calling recruits and parents in the 2018 class. Bob Welton made sure Currie contacted guys like Cade Mays, Greg Emerson, Alontae Taylor, Adrian Martinez and Brant Lawless immediately. At the time, Welton was "confident we can keep this class together." Charlton Warren was also active in making sure Currie talked to players and parents (namely Trey Dean and Tanner Ingle), stressing how badly Tennessee "needs corners in this class." Dean and Warren ended up together at Florida.
* Finally, Currie had lots of contact with the former staff during Jones' firing and the following weeks, meeting with each coach individually. Several asked for recommendations for future jobs, including Bob Shoop, who pursued the Holy Cross head coaching gig.
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