Former Tennessee assistant evaluates positives, negatives of Butch Jones tenure
In the wake of the firing of Butch Jones at Tennessee, it may be difficult for some to take an objective look at how the now former coach did in his time in Knoxville.
One man who is very similar with the situation is Doug Mathews, a former long-time assistant who was the defensive coordinator and coached running backs at Tennessee from 1980–1989. Mathews said in an interview on The Midday 180 on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville that Jones had a lot of positives, but most of them didn’t come on game day.
Mathews also believes a theory that others have floated: Jones couldn’t get comfortable with the size and scrutiny of the job.
Interesting comment from former UT coach Doug Mathews on @Midday180.
"Butch Jones was good at everything until the ball was kicked off…the guy did a lot of good."
— Will Boling (@will_boling) November 15, 2017
Butch Jones' biggest flaws according to Doug Mathews:
1. He was not a good game day coach.
2. He did not develop the talent on his roster.
3. He did not recruit well to his offensive style.— The Midday 180 (@Midday180) November 15, 2017
More Doug Mathews on Butch Jones: I don’t know that he was ever really comfortable being the Head Coach at Tennessee. He wasn’t able to escape the negativity and scrutiny that comes with the position.
— The Midday 180 (@Midday180) November 15, 2017