So now that Tennessee finally hired a head coach, here are a few pieces of Coach Dooley's staff that Butch Jones may want to look at keeping.
Sam Pittman, Offensive Line
After two years of inexperience and a lack of depth on the offensive line, Sam Pittman comes in and retools Tennessee’s offensive line to one of the best in the nation. Under Pittman, Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed just a total of seven sacks this season, the fewest in the SEC, and eleven better than the eighteen sacks they allowed last year. If Sam Pittman is retained in the next coaching staff, expect Tennessee to continue to have an excellent offensive line.
Jay Graham, Running Backs
Before Jay Graham returned to his alma mater, Tennessee’s rushing attack was in disarray. The Vols were dead last rushing in the SEC last year with just 90.1 yards per game, and really struggled to do anything but pass the football. This year with Jay Graham as the running backs coach Tennessee is averaging 160.0 yards per game, which is good enough for 8th best in the SEC. If Jay Graham comes back as Tennessee’s running backs coach with the next coaching staff, expect only more improvement in the running game.
Charlie Coiner, Special Teams
Before last year if you asked any Tennessee fan the two major concerns for this team would be the running game and special teams. After a rocky start to the year, the special teams have become one of the most consistent units on this Vols team. Michael Palardy and Derrick Brodus have combined to hit 14 of 18 field goals and 45 of 49 extra points. After being one of the most inconsistent units last year, Charlie Coiner has developed this unit into something this team can count on when they need it.
Sam Pittman, Offensive Line
After two years of inexperience and a lack of depth on the offensive line, Sam Pittman comes in and retools Tennessee’s offensive line to one of the best in the nation. Under Pittman, Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed just a total of seven sacks this season, the fewest in the SEC, and eleven better than the eighteen sacks they allowed last year. If Sam Pittman is retained in the next coaching staff, expect Tennessee to continue to have an excellent offensive line.
Jay Graham, Running Backs
Before Jay Graham returned to his alma mater, Tennessee’s rushing attack was in disarray. The Vols were dead last rushing in the SEC last year with just 90.1 yards per game, and really struggled to do anything but pass the football. This year with Jay Graham as the running backs coach Tennessee is averaging 160.0 yards per game, which is good enough for 8th best in the SEC. If Jay Graham comes back as Tennessee’s running backs coach with the next coaching staff, expect only more improvement in the running game.
Charlie Coiner, Special Teams
Before last year if you asked any Tennessee fan the two major concerns for this team would be the running game and special teams. After a rocky start to the year, the special teams have become one of the most consistent units on this Vols team. Michael Palardy and Derrick Brodus have combined to hit 14 of 18 field goals and 45 of 49 extra points. After being one of the most inconsistent units last year, Charlie Coiner has developed this unit into something this team can count on when they need it.