The search for the next Tennessee Vols football coach has been one of the wildest and most bizarre coaching searches in recent memory.
It seemed like university officials found their guy when they began finalizing a deal with Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. However, fans rioted and went on an all-out attack on social media to stop the hiring.
Since then, Mike Gundy has turned down the job, people finally appear to realize Jon Gruden is not a realistic candidate, and everyone’s favorite candidate Lane Kiffin has been mercilessly trolling the program.
Well, with a list of candidates dwindling down, the Vols have to do something so they are reportedly looking into NC State’s Dave Doeren.
That has led to yet another meltdown from the Vols faithful.
If you’re wondering just how bad they are taking the news, just look at some of these comments on social media.
Poll on #volnation 96.7% against hiring Dave Doeren as next Tennessee football coach. #vols. #johncurrie
— David Osborn (@DrDavidOsborn) November 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/ZehDuck/status/936093878989524992
We will protest if @StateCoachD is hired at Tennessee! We demand an interview for Tee Martin, Les Miles and Lane Kiffin!
— Tennessee Football (@TennesseeFB) November 30, 2017
RT to say no to Dave Doeren @John_Currie
— Fake Phillip Fulmer (@FakeFulmer) November 29, 2017
Dave Doeren is 15-25 in five years in ACC. Butch Jones was 14-24 in five years in SEC. UT is effectively hiring the Butch Jones of the ACC.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/FeelsLike98/status/935957251185135616
I haven't seen a single person, fan or former player, that at all supports the hiring of @StateCoachD. Similarly if not more unanimous than Schiano.
— Charlie Burris (@Charlie_Burris) November 30, 2017
We decided to talk to the Dave Doeren instead of Les Miles…..
This is an effin joke.
— Jayson Swain (@SwainEvent) November 30, 2017
After the way Butch Jones and Tennessee mishandled Brett Kendrick, it would be a slap in his face, and the face of UT fans, to hire Dave Doeren, a man who basically bragged about his team giving a Clemson RB a concussion.
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) November 30, 2017
Imagine for a moment believing that Greg Schiano can consistently beat Kirby Smart and Dan Mullen in your division, and your rival Nick Saban.
Then imagine thinking Dave Doeren can.
This is Tennessee’s administration at the moment.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) November 30, 2017
They're gonna go to Dave Doeren before Tee Martin. What a total embarrassment.
— Charlie Burris (@Charlie_Burris) November 29, 2017
At this point, what do Tennessee fans expect?
Maybe we just don’t get it?
The National media doesn’t understand the culture of living in Knoxville and what the Power T means to them. There is a reason UT is special. Criticizing the UT fans means you don’t understand them. 102,455 & 21,678 show up because they’re invested. Give them what they want.
— Justin Phelps (@CoachPhelps) November 30, 2017
It’s understandable that they did not want anyone associated with Penn State and the child sex abuse scandal associated with their program, but the vitriol and embarrassing antics from some of those on social media — I’m looking at you, Erik Ainge — has made Tennessee one of the most appealing jobs in college football.
Not only does the fan base have unrealistic expectations about what the team can accomplish on the field, they seemingly have unrealistic expectations about the caliber of coach that is interested in the program.
Whatever happens, it doesn’t seem like anyone is going to come away happy. What an absolute debacle all around.
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!
