Since losing to South Carolina, I've read dozens of posts about coaching changes. Some have said they want Butch to be fired, some have said they want DeBord to be fired, and several big names have been thrown around as possible candidates for each job.
I think the board could benefit from taking a step back and looking at this from an Athletic Director's perspective, so I've typed up a little role play to help us think through all this and determine what's really possible when it comes to a potential coaching change. (Note that I don't think Butch would request a new OC. I've only included that because that's what some of you have suggested.)
Here's the scenario: I'm the UT Athletic Director and my goal is to lead Tennessee Football to an SEC Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff within the next 3 years.
This is what I’m dealing with… The football program has failed to meet reasonable expectations, the fan base is losing patience, and the media is painting a negative image of Tennessee Football. Our team has failed to capitalize on good opportunities to take the next step in reaching our goals. Recruiting is down and, to make matters worse, some big-time players have quit the team. The positive momentum we had to begin the 2016 season has come to a screeching halt. As a result, several boosters are pressuring me to make a head coaching change and Butch is pressuring me to let him hire a new Offensive Coordinator.
I have to make a decision. Do I give Butch my full support by hiring a big-name OC, or do I go a different direction? I have some valid concerns about Butch Jones as our HC and my gut is telling me that he isn't the guy. After much thought, I’ve discussed this with people I trust and I've decided that we need a new head coach. However, I’m afraid my hands are tied because of the financial status of the Athletic Department. So what's my next move?
The first step in strategic planning is to check the facts:
(This is where my opinion takes over) Despite the cost of facilities upgrade, I’ve decided that we can afford to hire a new head coach after next season. Therefore, I decline Butch’s request to bring in a new offensive coordinator. During that conversation, I explain to Butch that if he doesn’t get us to Atlanta next year, I’m making a change. I also tell my target's agent that we're serious about hiring his client. Hopefully, that will convince Bobby to stay in Louisville long enough for me to grab him.
I think the board could benefit from taking a step back and looking at this from an Athletic Director's perspective, so I've typed up a little role play to help us think through all this and determine what's really possible when it comes to a potential coaching change. (Note that I don't think Butch would request a new OC. I've only included that because that's what some of you have suggested.)
Here's the scenario: I'm the UT Athletic Director and my goal is to lead Tennessee Football to an SEC Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff within the next 3 years.
This is what I’m dealing with… The football program has failed to meet reasonable expectations, the fan base is losing patience, and the media is painting a negative image of Tennessee Football. Our team has failed to capitalize on good opportunities to take the next step in reaching our goals. Recruiting is down and, to make matters worse, some big-time players have quit the team. The positive momentum we had to begin the 2016 season has come to a screeching halt. As a result, several boosters are pressuring me to make a head coaching change and Butch is pressuring me to let him hire a new Offensive Coordinator.
I have to make a decision. Do I give Butch my full support by hiring a big-name OC, or do I go a different direction? I have some valid concerns about Butch Jones as our HC and my gut is telling me that he isn't the guy. After much thought, I’ve discussed this with people I trust and I've decided that we need a new head coach. However, I’m afraid my hands are tied because of the financial status of the Athletic Department. So what's my next move?
The first step in strategic planning is to check the facts:
- Butch's buyout is $10M after this season and $7.5M after next.
- DeBord's buyout is $580,000
- Shoop's buyout is $2.3M after this season and $1.15M after next.
- I've identified my top target and based on some “off the record” conversations with his agent, I’ve learned that my target wants 4yrs, $20M ($5M per year) for himself and $4M per year for his assistants.
- The university's board of trustees recently approved the initial phase of a facilities upgrade which will cost donors and the athletic department $106M.
(This is where my opinion takes over) Despite the cost of facilities upgrade, I’ve decided that we can afford to hire a new head coach after next season. Therefore, I decline Butch’s request to bring in a new offensive coordinator. During that conversation, I explain to Butch that if he doesn’t get us to Atlanta next year, I’m making a change. I also tell my target's agent that we're serious about hiring his client. Hopefully, that will convince Bobby to stay in Louisville long enough for me to grab him.
