Tennessee has to take another step toward rebuilding next season in Jeremy Pruitt’s second season. The Vols showed signs that could happen in 2018. Can Pruitt lead UT to a winning season?

Here are 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Tennessee’s football program:

1. Hire an offensive coordinator

Do I really have to say this? It has been a month and no end seems to be in sight. Credit the Vols for one thing. It doesn’t matter who they’re hiring, they take their precious time. However, at some point it would benefit the Vols in recruiting to have a coordinator in place.

2. Close the 2019 recruiting class with 3 4-star prospects or higher

UT’s class is respectable. It ranks sixth in the SEC and 13th in the nation. However, it could use some more star power with only 1 5-star commitment and 9 4-star commitments. The Vols have a month to add some more elite prospects before National Signing Day in February.

3. Show some serious strength and conditioning progress

The Vols have one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the country in Craig Fitzgerald. Moreover, this is his second season. Players and other strength coaches should know his style. This is the year to make a big jump in the weight room.

4. Don’t fire a coach

Some stability could come in handy during this recruiting period. Former UT coach Butch Jones never could accomplish that. I know changes have to be made, but those buyouts are getting expensive.

5. Cut some fat

There are plenty of players on this roster who don’t have the attitude Pruitt is looking for. He’s openly alluded to that. I’m not suggesting haphazardly kicking players off the team, but there needs to be some frank conversations taking place in the coming weeks that will have some players second guessing their decision to sign with UT and likely heading elsewhere.

6. Hire an offensive coordinator, really

Seriously, it’s time.

7. No more first-year coaching mistakes

We’ve spent enough time and space chronicling some of Pruitt’s rookie mistakes as a head coach. No need to rehash the past, but those need to be left in the past.

8. Decide where Jeremy Banks should play

Like many great UT athletes before him, Banks could play offense or defense. He has that type of ability. Pruitt has to make a decision on Banks after playing him at tailback and linebacker last year. Otherwise, Pruitt is risking Banks being serviceable at both and great at neither. It’s time to choose a direction.

9. Don’t get blown out this season

The Vols lost 6 games by 25 points or more points last season. With an easier schedule, blowout losses should only be tolerated to Alabama and Georgia. The Vols should be competitive in the rest of their games.

10. Win 8 games

I know that’s a lofty goal, but the Vols don’t have the same daunting schedule as they did in 2018. Winning 7 games should be the bare minimum for this team. Winning 8 games would be a successful schedule by any measurement.