"I was urged by a member of r/ockytop (will edit and shout you out if you see this and are cool wit it) after this post to clear things up, and answer some things about coach Pruitt.
Most of the linked post is about the future of the SEC, and how I think all the "defensive-minded" hirings by SEC schools looking for the next Saban is a mistake. I'm not here to debate that on this thread, just here give a little insight as to who Pruitt is as a coach/person:
If you wanted the antithesis of Butch, you 100% got it.
I was an offensive scout team player for FSU, so I dealt with him every day. He was a raging dick to scout O, and I'm honestly not salty (knew someone would go there). We were human tackling dummies, and deserved to get shit on if we couldn't read a ****ing play card, but sometimes he went a little far, even with scholarship guys/starters. Our '13 team was so mentally-tough, and good they took it like champs (see what I did there?)
DO NOT expect him to say stupid shit like "champions of life." That probably pissed him off when he heard it, even though it had zero effect on him
You are getting an incredibly good defensive coach, and will get the absolute most out of your defense. Bare in mind though, the '13 FSU snd '16 Bama D's were some of the most talented ever, and his two years at UGA they improved both years
I have no idea what he thinks is a good offensive philosophy to fit his scheme/plan - in the linked post, I explain the best course of action for ALL SEC coaches, not Pruitt specifically.
He is NOT a "players coach" - this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is what it is. He's not gonna be a guy players see as a "father figure." Link all the posts you want of players praising him in pressers, but they have to. It's the "politics" of being a college athlete. Jalen Ramsey loved Pruitt because they're the same "I ain't here to **** around, and find an inspirer I'm here to get W's" so expect players like that for him to sign. Guys like Dabo IMO are "players coaches" but not all good/great coaches are like that.
He is incredibly difficult to work with and has a "know-it-all" mentality. Some of it for good reason because he is an incredible defensive mind, but that MIGHT scare away some good/great coaches/coordinators
He will coach people HARD. He's not gonna be the guy who says "come on buddy, I expect more out of you" it's gonna be "[player] what the ****?! You gotta make that ****ing play!"
He slept around with (a) wome(a)n @ FSU which is 100% why he left. Some think this is a non-issue, some think it's "bad character." I'm pissed about it cause he was a hell of a coach and if he's in Tally in '14 we win back-to-back titles.
He's never been a HC before, has a lot of learning to do, and I honestly have no idea how good he'll be.
These are just some thoughts on Coach Pruitt. He's incredibly intense, and will bring a LOT of energy. I think UT next year wins 6-8 games (roster just isn't good enough rn to compete for a conf title, and your schedule is brutal with your crossover every year being Bama, and under Pruitt, (Rocky) tops out at MAYBE 10 Ws, BUT sets UT up to be in a position to get a big name in 4-5 years.
If you read through my post-history you'll see I've been incredibly critical of UT throughout their hiring process (who hasn't?), and it's really nothing personal, just feel like they've been incredibly stupid about this whole situation.
Bottom line: They made a good hire, and your team will be better. Guys just kind of (is) an asshole. This last bit is strictly my opinion, and am not going to argue/debate stats, or whatever you think is going to happen in the future.
I just wanted to give people some insight on a guy I interacted with a LOT, and a chance to ask some questions. I will answer any questions you may have, but I really don't want to debate anything. If you know him personally and disagree with something, please feel free to call me out. But all I ask is not to say stuff like "well [player/coach] said this about him on [national media outlet]" you're an idiot. I genuinely want to give you all and your fanbase some insight on your new coach from a former player.
I know I've forgotten some stuff, been a long day, so expect some edits, but fire away with questions."
