New Tennessee OC Larry Scott: 'I've been preparing for this for 40 years'
After weeks of rumors, Tennessee formally announced that tight ends coach Larry Scott has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Scott addressed the media on Friday and commented on getting the gig, the Vols’ recruiting plans and his thoughts on new quarterbacks coach Mike Canales.
The 40-year-old Scott described being the Volunteers’ offensive coordinator as the gig of a lifetime.
Larry Scott on landing Tennessee's OC job: "I've been preparing for this role for 40 years." Cites interim HC job Miami helping him
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) January 20, 2017
Scott replaces Mike DeBord, who previously served as quarterbacks coach as well. For that role, Tennessee hired Utah State’s Mike Canales, head coach at North Texas from 2010-15. Canales has impressed Scott in his ability to develop quarterbacks, which will be important as the Tennessee offense enters the post-Josh Dobbs era.
Scott: "I've seen what Coach Canales can do for a QB, help develop them on and off the field, that's something that's always stuck with me."
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) January 20, 2017
Though Scott has not been a play-caller before, he stated that he has been involved in offensive game-planning:
Scott cites love of recruiting, confirms he was involved every week with the offensive gameplanning when asked about challenges of being OC
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) January 20, 2017
On the recruiting front, Scott said the staff has not decided whether to pull the staffer who has been filling in since DeBord’s departure.
Scott says no decision to take assistant coach Walt Wells off the recruiting trail following Canales hiring. Decision is to be determined
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) January 20, 2017