Pruitt’s emotions, arrogance, and inexperience have cost him. Even with a top 10 class, recruiting losses caused an emotional turnover on the defensive staff from last year. Sherrer, Rumph, and Rocker combined had 50 years on-field experience with many of those years around Pruitt and on SEC staffs. He replaced them with Felton, Brumbaugh, and Neids having less than 10yrs on-field experience in what was clearly a recruiting move. He arrogantly felt that he could make up for any coaching shortcomings and then Covid happened. Players and coaches were isolated into position groups. The new coaches couldn’t teach scheme, reads, and alignment because frankly they didn’t know it themselves. Preparing a game plan involves studying film and tendencies and taking a week to prepare the players. Pruitt does this well hence Tennessee’s successful first half play. After halftime when adjustments are made, the position coaches must make adjustments real-time. And that’s not happening hence the awful 3rd quarters! Pruitt’s defense relies on recognition and cohesion amongst position groups and it’s just not there. Not with these coaches, it’s just not. And without that players have regressed on defense.
Pruitt got the job by selling Fulmer on an experienced SEC staff. And then after a few recruiting losses, Pruitt over-reacted and brought in a staff of recruiters without experience. Now with the AD budget issues, will he be allowed to pay the buyouts like was done with Brumbaugh and hire experienced coaches. He better see the big picture this time and make the right hires. @Austin_Price
Pruitt got the job by selling Fulmer on an experienced SEC staff. And then after a few recruiting losses, Pruitt over-reacted and brought in a staff of recruiters without experience. Now with the AD budget issues, will he be allowed to pay the buyouts like was done with Brumbaugh and hire experienced coaches. He better see the big picture this time and make the right hires. @Austin_Price
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