Report: Tennessee extends massive offer to try to lure assistant away from Ohio State
The Tennessee Volunteers are searching for a new defensive coordinator. Recent reports have linked them to Ohio State LB coach Al Washington.
However, per a report from FootballScoop.com, the highly coveted assistant was expected to remain with the Buckeyes.
That hasn’t stopped the Vols from trying, though. Per the report, the Vols have offered a 3-year deal to Washington worth $1.2-$1.5 million per year:
According to both Southeastern Conference and Big Ten sources, the deal is said to be a three-year offer with a total value between $1.2 and $1.5 million per year, on average.
The Vols are making some progress on the offensive side of the staff under new coach Josh Heupel, but the defense has yet to take shape.
How long will the Vols pursue Washington before moving on? Or, will Washington have a change of heart and head to Rocky Top?
I know the Vols aren’t likely to have many highly successful DCs that want to come there, given the current circumstances…but throwing that kind of money at someone that has never been a DC???? He is obviously a good coach and may be great calling plays, but there has to be an experienced DC that would be available and want it. Check D2 teams, there are plenty of good DCs that would probably take even less $ just for the opportunity at an SEC school.
It’s not just his play calling they are after. Washington has a reputation of being a tremendous recruiter, a developer of talent, an really relates to the kids he coaches. Tennessee sorely needs all three talents.
Given the circumstances, I can see the value in that. It may be that due to the style of offense that CJH runs, it won’t really matter the DC as the defense will probably be on the field a lot. Jt may be better to just get a ton of athletes that can handle the workload… who knows, just want to see consistent improvement.
Why would he want to leave the security of OSU to come to a possible 3 year job? Money isn’t everything.
Money is everything if the coach is going to end up being gone in 2 to 3 years!
It doesn’t make sense…I’m sure he’s a fine coach but it leads me to believe they’re grasping at straws now. Must be a lot turning down the job because of possible sanctions. At this point might as well give the job to Steele, he’ll bring some kind of stability on that side of the ball.
Heupel let him go! I’m guessing he didn’t want him!
Again he would have been the homerun hire for Tennessee!
Steele has not been let go, at least as of yet.
Nope, Steele according to reports is still recruiting for the Vols. Why pay so much for an inexperienced DC. It just seems like yet another mistake by Tennessee.
Actually, top coordinators are knocking down around 2.5 million a year. So this is not close to top end money.
Bad idea, Tennessee.
Wrong page sax
♂️
I wouldn’t call that a massive offer by todays standards. I’m sure it’s probably double or more from what he’s making now but he’s got to take into account the career risk of walking into a complete train wreck.
Its amazing you Georgia and Florida fans and others are so freaking comical with your name calling that all you can say is (train wreck) or some other stupid non sensible remark. Teams in every league have coaches fired and bad or questionable decision making or hires over the years and you will face the same thing sooner or later at your schools mark my words, Southern Cal, Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida, Texas, Nebraska, Michigan, and you can go on and on with the list of teams that have had periods of despair…so wise up nut jobs and talk sense instead of your high school name calling. Tennessee will eventually come back as has been the history in college sports teams.
Its also amazing you think its strange to fire a coach that sucked at his job and lost institutional control of the process of managing a program, Tennessee had no choice but to make a move, any SEC team would have, and has done similar things, and as far as saying it was orchestrated by the university to get out of paying buy out…that’s just stupid, they gave the man an extension just months prior to an independent complaint…they had their hand forced.
You’re probably right. And when it happens TN fans will be just as “comical”. Nature of the beast.
I’ve seen Tennessee fans call UGA worse things than “train wreck”. And to be fair, I’ve also seen Tennessee called worse things. Really, in the scheme of things, “train wreck” is very mild.
How ’bout You DONNAN? LOL.
Love how Georgia fans are always all over the Tennessee and Florida pages giving their 2 cents. Always negative name calling childish behavior.
Yeah tends to go both ways. I mean, these are major rivals.
To be fair, Tennessee is a train wreck right now. When you have a wreck, crowds gather to look on and talk about it. I think Auburn, and South Carolina, and LSU fans are kind of glad you guys are drawing attention away from us.
Careful now, 101, that kind of logic and levelheaded thinking can be a very dangerous thing.
How many were fired this year besides the head coach at Tennessee. The only one left from the Saban Tree is Kirby Smart, and I believe he’s staying alive because of top recruiting in the SEC just behind Alabama. I don’t necessarily thing he’s that great of a head coach…and my opinions are the same of Dabo Sweeney, good recruiting and solid staff doing it for him.
Your rant does not change the fact that UT is a train wreck at this point in time and the NCAA is liable to make it even worse.
Add to that the fact that dumpster fire is so worn out it negates someone’s post.
He’s walking into an SEC job with a 4.5 financial gain over the next three years. He could do worse, your “assessment” notwithstanding…
What?! He isn’t going to be dumb to take it and then be out of work in 2 or 3 years!
You got a crystal ball?
Make the offer and if he doesn’t accept, then move on. I am sure there are DCs out there wiling to come. I feel pretty confident Heupel will do fine with the offense. I think the biggest hire will be his DC.
Should’ve kept Steele man
They still might, though I doubt it. He hasn’t been named DC yet, that tells me that either he didn’t want it or CJH did not want him. Either way, if he stays on as an assistant for a year or so, that would be good.
Well he is still recruiting for Tennessee, so none of us exactly know what is going on there with that.
He’s trying to poach AU Players?? lol
They should just let him go with it…spring ball is just around the corner…and the players have to learn a system.
Steele’s collecting a nice paycheck and will continue to do what UT asks him to. Smart guy.
It’s the weirdest part of the Tennessee situation. Appears that Steele would stay as DC as he is still recruiting. A guy that has years of experience, in the SEC yet, and successful years. Why are they not just asking Steele to become DC. Its crazy how this is being handled.
Jelly of the month club and 10rc coaching searches. The gifts that keep on giving!
Considering what Arkansas is paying Odom this is by no means massive.
I’m glad Arky kept Odom. I love playing against his defense in the 4th quarter of a tight game.
Congratulations on the greatest 5-5 season in SEC history. Mizzou has really SHOWN ME how elite they are lol. You lost to 2 teams we beat so what does that say about tour team? More like we got shafted early and nearly missed having the same record as you. Let me know you win a Natty in any sport for the SEC in any sport.
Let me know when Arkansas win their next football game against Mizzou!
Fact Mizzou fans think beating Arkansas is winning a Natty where Arkansas wins more National Championships in a year than you have in a decade lol. The top players in the state every year go out of state cause they know Mizzou isn’t gonna win a Natty and your still getting out recruited by a guy who has never been a HC in his career lol.
That is the truth! MIZZOU just got out recruited by more than half of the SEC and isn’t getting any consideration by any athlete still looking for a team this year. We have a long way to go. I predict a 6-6 season and better than a 50/50 chance we lose to Arkansas this fall.
Ha. Arky loved playing against the Mizzou defense.
Its hilarious how you got so pumped up over a .500 year. Just hilarious.
I hear Bo Pelini is available. Sorry, couldn’t help myself. Just kidding. My wife went to Tenn so the jokes keep rolling.