New Dooley Rules
Want to know what UT football coach Derek Dooley is thinking these days? So do I.
Apparently the head coach isn't anxious to speak about it. A request to interview Dooley was placed two weeks ago, and so far, nothing. I'm not alone. I am hearing similar comments from other members of the media.
All coaches have their styles. We're getting to know Dooley's, and we shouldn't be surprised.
Dooley is a lawyer, and those guys love to play it close to the vest. No talking, unless it works to your advantage. Dooley is also a Nick Saban protege, and let's just say attention isn't something that Saban likes, unless of course, it's a post-game interview after winning a national title, and even that's a close-call.
In a way, I can't blame Dooley. Who wants a pack of quote-hungry print and electronic journalists knocking on the door every day? Especially when there's nothing new to talk about.
But that's where Dooley has it wrong. There is PLENTY to talk about.
He's got a new coaching staff in place-- a coaching staff that, by the way, is off limits to the media.
I'd love to tell you what former Vol football player Chuck Smith thinks about coming back to Knoxville. We've asked to interview Smith. We've been turned down. New policy-- assistant coaches can't speak, at least for now.
Tennessee sports fans have been spoiled. Despite his occasional grumpiness (something I can relate to), Phillip Fulmer was usually available-- he also had the benefit of knowing most of us who covered him.
As for Lane Kiffin, he was a quote machine. Many times practice was covered, not just to see how the team was playing, but to make sure we got what the coach was saying.
Pat Summitt and Bruce Pearl are both comfortable with the media, and make time for us when it's not always so convenient.
In fairness to Dooley, he's only been on the job for a few weeks, and he held a press conference on National Signing Day to update us on recruiting.
The new coach may be pacing himself with the media, and that's ok. Sometimes things get over-saturated around here. And I am sure it will loosen-up once spring practice starts.
And that's good.
Because when a Tennessee fan asks me my impressions of the new coach-- I want to provide an answer.
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Dooley
It doesn't seem he wants to make a fool of himself or the program. I think so far we are lucky to have someone with class. Give him a while U.T. fans! Think about this Kiffin went 5-7... Fulmer could have easily done that! We were sold hype and an idiot who has to have his dad to be successful. I'm only half sorry for the comment as they snuck out like the Baltimore Colts. He says that If he would of been a bad coach then we wouldn't have been mad. Does he not know that people on the south are somewhat old fashioned in the fact that we like to see someone who acts like they have morals! Sure he gave us publicity but it always seems like it was the wrong kind. Dooley has the bloodline and the gumption to be a great coach. Even when he was at La Tech he may have lost but didn't get blown out and here at Tennessee we did. With much better talent. True we played better talent but La tech does play some of the big boys and I personally think they have a hard schedule year in and out. Basically fellow fans be glad were where we are. We need more Tennessee alum in good positions though. My vote goes to bring Phil Fulmer in for Athletic Director. Before you yell... Bottom line he loves the University of Tennessee. That makes him want to better it. As fans do we not want to see the University of Tennessee become elite in everything sports or not. Lets take away the arrests and violations and bring southern pride and competitiveness back to the second oldest university in the S.E.C. Lets all get proud to be a VOL again. not think about the hoodlums that smear a whole footballs teams work. And without a coach that runs his mouth! As Lil Wayne the rapper said "Talkin $h*t like Lane Kiffin."
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