Lane Kiffin coach of the year?

Volunteer · November 1st, 2009, 10:38 AM

I read Jess Nicholas's article with great interest with respect to what coaches are doing the best job. I understand that Lane is the enemy and not the favorite of opposing fans, but if he wins out, how can he not be the SEC coach of the year? If the criteria is to give the coach of the year honor to whoever wins the league, then it's settled and not up for debate. However, if it is rewarded to the coach that made the most positive impact, Lane has to be considered, if he wins out and leads Tennessee to a decent bowl. This is a team that finished 5-7 last season and lost to Wyoming. They are currently playing like a Top 15 club and could easily be 6-2 or 7-1.
In addition, I would like to take exception with Jess's opinion that the Vols will be worse next season. Monte has stated that he has not put the entire defense in and we should be better in year two of being in a new offensive and defensive system. We knew there would be growing pains in year one. Also consider that Tennessee is starting two walkons on the o-line and a rs freshman right tackle that is a converted tight end.
Herbstreet,Collin Cowherd,Jim Rome and other national pundits are jumping on the Big Orange bangwagon as Vol stock continues to rise. Even Paul Finebaum is becoming impressed and he has been Lane's biggest critic.
I predict Lane will win a national title in the next five years and goes back to the NFL, but in the meantime there will be good times in Knoxville. Thank you.

NYBamaFan · November 1st, 2009, 10:43 AM

I am thinking that winning coach of the year honors has to include more than moral victories over the two best teams in the conference, no?

Bear Disciple · November 1st, 2009, 10:44 AM

There might be some good times in Knoxville, but for as long as Nick Saban is around, there won't be too many over Bama.

Airborne Tider · November 1st, 2009, 10:46 AM

Well I will try to be objective and say that, it could happen. But I also think Dan Mullen has done a fine job at Miss. St. Then again Gene Chizik could realistically get a lot of credit if Auburn continues to win, outside of the Bama game of course. But being a Bama fan I say if Alabama wins the National Championship, he should be the Coach of the Year.

GulfCoastTider · November 1st, 2009, 10:47 AM

First of all, welcome to Tidefans!

As a Bama fan I hate to say it, but so far I think Chizik is head and shoulders in front of Kiffin for Coach of the Year honors. Kiffin has made a positive impact, but UT is still only at .500 for the year, and Chizik is setting himself up for an 8-win season and a trip to Nashville. Kiffin is in the neighborhood of Rich Brooks, who could take UK to a record fourth straight bowl.

Crimson Cat · November 1st, 2009, 10:56 AM

	Quote:	GulfCoastTider
	First of all, welcome to Tidefans! As a Bama fan I hate to say it, but so far I think Chizik is head and shoulders in front of Kiffin for Coach of the Year honors. Kiffin has made a positive impact, but UT is still only at .500 for the year, and Chizik is setting himself up for an 8-win season and a trip to Nashville. Kiffin is in the neighborhood of Rich Brooks, who could take UK to a record fourth straight bowl.

Agreed. Chizik is doing a lot more with less, as is Dan Mullen.
Utee isn't exactly devoid of talent.

CapstoneTider · November 1st, 2009, 10:57 AM

He didn't inherent a bad team at all, but under similar circumstances to Bowden, the players were not happy and wanted a change. Their record is
below the average for Tennessee the past 10 years. He had a losing record
until recently. They are not competition for the East.

Let's not get carried away, and remember he didn't inherit an Alabama situation.

4thGenBamaGrad · November 1st, 2009, 11:00 AM

Rich Brooks usually gets my vote every year based on talent and injuries. But this year, Mullen should get it, but remember Tennessee always ends the season with the easiest schedule in the country, so an 8-4 UT squad will probably earn Kiffen the award from the writers. No way in heck the coaches vote for Kiffen, though.
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bamadp · November 1st, 2009, 11:13 AM

	Quote:	Volunteer
	I predict Lane will win a national title in the next five years

Harmost · November 1st, 2009, 11:16 AM

He didn't inherit a depleted team (UT has recruited well for years) and isn't doing anything special; in fact, 4-4 is below par for a schedule that sets a team with UT's talent up nicely to be 6-2. Not sure how much winning out should count for, who's the toughest UT has left, Ole Miss? UK?

Heck, if Chizik were to win out till the Iron Bowl, he might've done something more impressive. Nevermind that one of Saban or Meyer is ikely to steer their team through an undefeated SEC season and a NC.

TommyMac · November 1st, 2009, 12:17 PM

	Quote:	Harmost
	He didn't inherit a depleted team (UT has recruited well for years) and isn't doing anything special; in fact, 4-4 is below par for a schedule that sets a team with UT's talent up nicely to be 6-2. Not sure how much winning out should count for, who's the toughest UT has left, Ole Miss? UK? Heck, if Chizik were to win out till the Iron Bowl, he might've done something more impressive. Nevermind that one of Saban or Meyer is ikely to steer their team through an undefeated SEC season and a NC.

Here's your answer Volunteer.

ScoobyVol · November 1st, 2009, 12:19 PM

If I had a vote today it would be Saban with Mullen second. Gene Chizik gets no love from me, the guy that replaced him at Iowa State took Gene's team and has as many wins after 8 games that Gene did in two years, somebody explain that!?

Bama323 · November 1st, 2009, 12:29 PM

	Quote:	Volunteer
	I read Jess Nicholas's article with great interest with respect to what coaches are doing the best job. I understand that Lane is the enemy and not the favorite of opposing fans, but if he wins out, how can he not be the SEC coach of the year? If the criteria is to give the coach of the year honor to whoever wins the league, then it's settled and not up for debate. However, if it is rewarded to the coach that made the most positive impact, Lane has to be considered, if he wins out and leads Tennessee to a decent bowl. This is a team that finished 5-7 last season and lost to Wyoming. They are currently playing like a Top 15 club and could easily be 6-2 or 7-1. In addition, I would like to take exception with Jess's opinion that the Vols will be worse next season. Monte has stated that he has not put the entire defense in and we should be better in year two of being in a new offensive and defensive system. We knew there would be growing pains in year one. Also consider that Tennessee is starting two walkons on the o-line and a rs freshman right tackle that is a converted tight end. Herbstreet,Collin Cowherd,Jim Rome and other national pundits are jumping on the Big Orange bangwagon as Vol stock continues to rise. Even Paul Finebaum is becoming impressed and he has been Lane's biggest critic. I predict Lane will win a national title in the next five years and goes back to the NFL, but in the meantime there will be good times in Knoxville. Thank you.

LOL