Witten to coach UT?

atlantacowboy · Jan 20, 2021

LACowboysFan1 said:
Define "qualified".

If it's understanding of the game, he is qualified. If it's the ability to have respect from his players, a long career as an NFL tight end alone would get him that, so he's qualified. If it's personality, he's a past NFL Man of the Year, so he's qualified.

If it's coaching experience, he's obviously not, though perhaps in his last few years he was doing some "coaching on the field" or "on the sideline", but doubt that's enough.

If the Tennessee program is in shambles, though, and the university heads are willing, letting him learn on the job is an option, in which case the lack of coaching experience isn't a big deal.

Could work, but I'd not do it...

Understanding the game and being respected are the minimum requirements. Leading a major SEC program is a whole other deal. He has no recruiting ties. He does not have a roster of people who came up the coaching ranks with him to call upon. He has no clue how to implement systems that can effectively operate under NCAA guidelines and manage an entire program. Its a long list.

He has zero chance of being the next HC at TN.

Ranching · Jan 20, 2021

Future said:
In the FCS...

But I'd say that Deion is probably more qualified than Witten based on the simple notion that he'll be a better recruiter. I don't think Witten has any appeal to an 18 year old from Miami or wherever.

I would jump on it if I was him. These guys have huge egos, if he wants to coach, I'm sure he will take it if offered. He will need to hire an experienced staff. Maybe he'll bring Garrett!!!

Ranching · Jan 20, 2021

atlantacowboy said:
Understanding the game and being respected are the minimum requirements. Leading a major SEC program is a whole other deal. He has no recruiting ties. He does not have a roster of people who came up the coaching ranks with him to call upon. He has no clue how to implement systems that can effectively operate under NCAA guidelines and manage an entire program. Its a long list.

He has zero chance of being the next HC at TN.

Wow, you know him pretty well. Tell him Ranching said hello and to take the job if offered.

CouchCoach · Jan 20, 2021

They need to put a better face on their program and he's the most successful ex player next to Manning. It's the staff beneath the HC that's the tricky part.

A HC for a college team is all about making the alums, the deep pocketed ones, happy and trying to erase the image in place. UT is embarrassed and needs to get clean and he could be the guy to help do that. This might be more about the man than the coach.

Witten carries himself well and would be a good face for UT to put on the program. This guy is a past Man of the Year recipient and any family would be happy to have him in their living room talking about what their son is going to learn from him.

TwoCentPlain · Jan 20, 2021

Ranching said:
All he has to do is manage it, he can hire coordinators and a former head coach to his staff and he'll be fine. Deion Sanders is HC at a university in Florida.

Yeah, exactly. Hire an OC and DC and recruit. I would recommend Sean Lee as DC. Witten and Lee would be able to recruit and they would be an instant draw for fans win or lose. TV ratings would soar. It would be fun. And fun seems to be missing a lot at Tenn.

LACowboysFan1 · Jan 20, 2021

atlantacowboy said:
Understanding the game and being respected are the minimum requirements. Leading a major SEC program is a whole other deal. He has no recruiting ties. He does not have a roster of people who came up the coaching ranks with him to call upon. He has no clue how to implement systems that can effectively operate under NCAA guidelines and manage an entire program. Its a long list.

He has zero chance of being the next HC at TN.

Agreed, but like I said, if the university is willing to let him learn on the job, they might do it. Jason would likely get a pass for a couple of years by the fans, after all he IS an alum and former player.

But I doubt it, there's a lot of pressure to win, and win NOW....

Plankton · Jan 20, 2021

Why would anyone take the Tennessee job when they are about to get hammered big time for recruiting violations? Witten would be best advised to stay far far away from that job. The fan base there is beyond delusional.

atlantacowboy · Jan 20, 2021

LACowboysFan1 said:
Agreed, but like I said, if the university is willing to let him learn on the job, they might do it. Jason would likely get a pass for a couple of years by the fans, after all he IS an alum and former player.

But I doubt it, there's a lot of pressure to win, and win NOW....

Fulmer would have to micromanage it.

LACowboysFan1 · Jan 20, 2021

atlantacowboy said:
Understanding the game and being respected are the minimum requirements. Leading a major SEC program is a whole other deal. He has no recruiting ties. He does not have a roster of people who came up the coaching ranks with him to call upon. He has no clue how to implement systems that can effectively operate under NCAA guidelines and manage an entire program. Its a long list.

He has zero chance of being the next HC at TN.

The university already has coaches, recruiters, compliance people, etc. He's not going to run the program all by himself. I'm sure he'd have lots of help to start....

John813 · Jan 20, 2021

I didn't realize UT had reached this low of a depth to even consider Witten at this stage for a HC gig.

atlantacowboy · Jan 20, 2021

LACowboysFan1 said:
The university already has coaches, recruiters, compliance people, etc. He's not going to run the program all by himself. I'm sure he'd have lots of help to start....

Pruitt learned under Saban and he couldn't do it. Running a team is not just about coaching the kids up and recruiting. Its also about managing the people who run the program 365 days a year, and Witten is not the best communicator. He lead the cowboys locker room mostly by example, and his stint on MNF kinda showed he isn't much of a talker.

I just can't see Witten plopping into the middle of a staff of coaches and administrators that he doesn't know.......with his skillset....... and have any chance of success.

tm1119 · Jan 20, 2021

They should go with a bad idea that is a real possibility...Jeff Fisher

BrAinPaiNt · Jan 20, 2021

atlantacowboy said:
Fulmer would have to micromanage it.

From what I undestand...Fulmer is going to step down as AD after the new HC is hired. But I could be wrong on that.

JoeKing · Jan 20, 2021

Jake said:
They let a country singer talk them out of Greg Schiano. That worked out well for them.

No, it didn't.

jazzcat22 · Jan 20, 2021

Ranching said:
So none of you are confident enough to take a job that you may think you aren't ready for?? Such low self esteem. I went from a seventh grade coach to HC and AD in 7 months. Went went 36-9 at that school in 4 years. Go get Witt!!!

When I left Ohio, went to work in Florida, we were trained on their CAD system. As a young Design Engineer, I was thrilled at that.
We had a project and 3D use was just coming into being a design tool. They were asking how we each felt about using it. Out of 8 people, I was the only one that said, I feel very confident.

So I was put on that project. And my career took off from there for the good. I had confidence in myself to be successful at it.

So a coach, or anyone in any position no matter what is is, can do the same. Just be confident and learn as you go.
However coaching a team is far different from designing aircraft engines. But I did get to lead my own project 4 years later.

So if Garrett can go to be a HC with not much experience...oops...bad example. :laugh:

Point-of-the-Star · Jan 20, 2021

Just gonna throw this out there: This is Texas, there's only one UT (even though they suck too).

Witt may very well consider a job coaching and it may be at the University of Tennessee but it won't be UT.

Motorola · Jan 20, 2021

Teague31 said:
Dan Patrick threw it out there that Witten could be in the running for the Tennessee job. That place has turned into a total dumpster fire

Heading toward a decade and a half of mostly mediocre to bad football.
Since 2008 - 8 losing years out of 13, (9-4 twice, 8 -5, 7-6 twice were only winning seasons)
6-7, 5-7 five times, 4-8....3-7 this past season....and HC is outsted, leaving behind a program that will be sanctioned in the near future for recruiting violatons.
However...there are way more qualified candidates to try and raise the Volunteers from their doldrums than an alum with no coaching experience.

Ranching · Jan 20, 2021

jazzcat22 said:
When I left Ohio, went to work in Florida, we were trained on their CAD system. As a young Design Engineer, I was thrilled at that.
We had a project and 3D use was just coming into being a design tool. They were asking how we each felt about using it. Out of 8 people, I was the only one that said, I feel very confident.

So I was put on that project. And my career took off from there for the good. I had confidence in myself to be successful at it.

So a coach, or anyone in any position no matter what is is, can do the same. Just be confident and learn as you go.
However coaching a team is far different from designing aircraft engines. But I did get to lead my own project 4 years later.

So if Garrett can go to be a HC with not much experience...oops...bad example.

LACowboysFan1 · Jan 20, 2021

ninja said:
Yeah, exactly. Hire an OC and DC and recruit. I would recommend Sean Lee as DC. Witten and Lee would be able to recruit and they would be an instant draw for fans win or lose. TV ratings would soar. It would be fun. And fun seems to be missing a lot at Tenn.

Yeah I believe Dave Campo is currently unemployed, e.g. While Jason didn't play under him, all he has to do is have Jerry call him and introduce him, etc.

Not saying Campo would do it or be a good fit, just that there's tons of NFL coaches that might work under Witten...

atlantacowboy said:
Pruitt learned under Saban and he couldn't do it. Running a team is not just about coaching the kids up and recruiting. Its also about managing the people who run the program 365 days a year, and Witten is not the best communicator. He lead the cowboys locker room mostly by example, and his stint on MNF kinda showed he isn't much of a talker.

I just can't see Witten plopping into the middle of a staff of coaches and administrators that he doesn't know.......with his skillset....... and have any chance of success.

You never know, besides, it's not like he needs the money. There are different kinds of leaders, wouldn't say he doesn't have any chance...

cern · Jan 20, 2021

He lacks the gift of gab. Recruiting might be difficult for him. He'll need to assemble a staff. Keep in mind he was highly influenced by garrett. Then again, he might be great.

Witten to coach UT?

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