Jeremy Pruitt releases statement following Tyson Helton's departure to Western Kentucky
Jeremy Pruitt’s Tennessee program is currently on the market for an offensive coordinator after Tyson Helton left that role on Rocky Top to become the new head coach at Western Kentucky. The school formally announced the move Tuesday.
Helton only served on Pruitt’s staff for one season but the Tennessee coach can now sell to his next potential offensive coordinator that working for him in Knoxville can get them a head coaching position down the line. For a coach known for his recruiting ability, there’s no doubt Pruitt will be making that pitch to whichever coaches are on his short list to become the Volunteers’ next OC.
Following Helton’s departure, Pruitt released the following statement on his former assistant’s move, including an expression of gratitude and well wishes for the future of the WKU program.
Here is the statement released to the media, which comes via Knoxville-based WBIR Sports:
Got too much blame for the offensive struggles. Yes, he didn’t always plan/call a great game, but first time as a coordinator. He also had a pretty empty cupboard to work with. I wish him the best.
The only thing this guy did not have to work with was an offensive line…WR’s and RB’s are talented and proved it…when they had the opportunity. With Morris, Lampley and possibly others..fingers crossed, rabbits foot in pocket et. al. Wright; help will be on the way! However, we will still need a couple of recruiting classes to shape up this offensive line.
Small RBs, slow, albeit physical, WRs and a non duel threat “duel-threat” QB. So no, the Offensive line (which was very offensive to watch) was not the only thing that “this guy” did not have to work with.
Offensive line yes you are correct on. Chandler is a good speed back and does very well cathching the ball.Jordan is a good 3rd down back. Doesn’t really have the speed to break a 50 yard run but can get you 10 yards bc he runs hard and tuff. Yes thats tuff with 2 f’s. WRs yeah and no. They showed up most of the time with big catches, but most had a lot of drops as well. What was that stat that Tennessee lead the league with dropped balls. Pruitt needs to go to JUCO and get immediate o-line help, then get play makers.
As far as the OC is concerned, Freeze is not coming. Too much baggage. It’s gonna be Kingsbury or Dan Enos. Enos did a good job of mixing up play calling at Arkansas. The Hogs problem is they didn’t have the defense to match their offense.