What Is Next For the University of Tennessee?

Written by Brittni Michaelis

With Lane Kiffin vacating his head post as the University of Tennessee’s Football Coach, to take the same role at the University of Southern California, many are left wondering what happened and more importantly what’s next for UT?

I can’t say I blame Kiffin. To be able to land the head coaching job at arguably the nation’s best football program within the past decade is impressive, and he would be ludicrous to pass on this opportunity. But for UT, his departure left a sour taste in many people’s mouths. With Pete Carroll leaving USC to coach the Seattle Seahawks, many candidates were being suggested: Jeff Fisher, Jack Del Rio and Mike Riley. Kiffin was not even mentioned in the pool of people USC were considering. Then two days later, the nation along with the fans and players of UT’s football program hear Lane Kiffin accepted USC’s offer and is bringing his dad and fellow coach, Monte Kiffin and offensive coordinator Ed Orgeron along with him. That leaves three huge gaps in Tennessee’s coaching staff as well as three big question marks. Who is going to replace Orgeron, and the Kiffin’s? Will they be filled by February 3rd, which is the national signing day for football recruits? What will happen to the recruits who have already signed with Tennessee; will they jump ship?

Tennessee Students riot Tuesday Night feeling betrayed and abandoned by Lane Kiffin

With so many questions, comes too few answers. Mike Hamilton the athletic director for University of Tennessee, said he was disappointed for the players, and the fans who support UT. Hamilton currently hired Kippy Brown as the interim head coach, and is looking to fill the spot by Sunday. So far 8 recruits who enrolled in UT early have been told to stay and attend classes, which allows them to engage in spring practices. However two commitments, defensive end Delvin Jones and defensive tackle Brandon Willis, have de-committed and are now considering other schools.  According to TMZ, Kenbrell Thomkins – a star wide receiver who was also recruited by Florida, Alabama and LSU– took about an hour to decide he would not be attending the first day of classes at UT today because of Kiffin’s decision.

Thompkins told TMZ, “I plan on departing from Tennessee and heading elsewhere. Lane Kiffin was a big part of me choosing UT, but with his departure I’m pretty sure I’ll be heading elsewhere. I’m not sure at this moment what my other top choices are.”

It is to be seen what happens after the chaos and shock reside, and the sudden departure of Tennessee’s football coach kicks in. Will Tennessee be better off, did USC pick the right candidate?

I guess for now only time will tell, and for all those Tennessee fans out there, remember time heals all wounds