The Tennessee contingent arrived Tuesday to SEC Media Days for their sessions with the league’s media and immediately upon arrival, head coach Butch Jones broke some news in regards to new responsibilities among his coaching staff.
“We do have some title changes and responsibilities within our coaching staff,” Jones said to reporters as he arrived to Hoover. “(tight ends coach) Larry Scott will assume coordinator of special teams, (running backs coach) Robert Gillespie will be assistant head coach offense and (linebackers coach) Tommy Thigpen run game defensive coordinator.”
Jones was asked about the likely expectations facing his team, the presumed heavy favorites to capture the SEC East heading into his fourth season on Rocky Top.
“It’s a sign of respect,” Jones said. “I don’t think we can ever forget that. You earn everything that you get.”
Jones even took a moment to poke fun at the prognostications, as the league’s media has had a hard time nailing down an accurate preseason prediction in season’s past.
“I get nervous because I think the media has only picked the champion five times,” Jones joked.
Hopefully for Tennessee fans, the media’s pick won’t prove to be the kiss a death it has been in the past. As the Vols already have a reputation as a team that struggles to hold onto a lead, how will this now experienced and deep team handle being the leader to start the season?
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
