KNOXVILLE- Mike Gundy is out as as a candidate for the head coaching position at Tennessee. The Oklahoma State head coach is expected to remain at his alma mater after rumors had him connected to the vacancies at Tennessee and Arkansas. Yesterday Arkansas snatched away Brett Bielma from Wisconsin, and Auburn hired former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, leaving only Tennessee as the only SEC head coaching position available. Charlie Strong of Louisville was thought to be close to signing a contract yesterday, but sources today have said that he and Louisville's athletic director are now in discussions about a contract extension. So now that it looks like Strong is out, where do the Vols look next? Here are my top five candidates still available:
1. John Chavis- Defensive Coordinator LSU
The former defensive coordinator at Tennessee moved to LSU after former Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton fired Phillip Fulmer. He could bring a strong defensive presence back to Tennessee very quickly.
2. Larry Fedora- Head Coach North Carolina
The former Southern Miss head coach left after coaching the Golden Eagles to a 12-2 record and a Conference USA title. After he left the Golden Eagles, who had 15 starters returning, they went 0-12, finishing as one of the worst teams in the nation. In his 1st season as UNC head coach he led the Tar Heels to an 8-4 record.
3. Bobby Petrino- former Head Coach Arkansas
He knows how the SEC operates, and despite his questionable past, he could turn turn around Tennessee.
4. Phillip Fulmer- former Head Coach Tennessee
This could be a long shot, but if Tennessee is desperate they could turn to Fulmer. If he can put aside everything the former athletic department did to him, he may come back.
5. Kirby Smart- Defensive Coordinator Alabama
He is a great defensive coordinator, and the only reason he is lower than Phillip Fulmer is because he would just keep our defense the same way it was this year, and we all know that can't happen
1. John Chavis- Defensive Coordinator LSU
The former defensive coordinator at Tennessee moved to LSU after former Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton fired Phillip Fulmer. He could bring a strong defensive presence back to Tennessee very quickly.
2. Larry Fedora- Head Coach North Carolina
The former Southern Miss head coach left after coaching the Golden Eagles to a 12-2 record and a Conference USA title. After he left the Golden Eagles, who had 15 starters returning, they went 0-12, finishing as one of the worst teams in the nation. In his 1st season as UNC head coach he led the Tar Heels to an 8-4 record.
3. Bobby Petrino- former Head Coach Arkansas
He knows how the SEC operates, and despite his questionable past, he could turn turn around Tennessee.
4. Phillip Fulmer- former Head Coach Tennessee
This could be a long shot, but if Tennessee is desperate they could turn to Fulmer. If he can put aside everything the former athletic department did to him, he may come back.
5. Kirby Smart- Defensive Coordinator Alabama
He is a great defensive coordinator, and the only reason he is lower than Phillip Fulmer is because he would just keep our defense the same way it was this year, and we all know that can't happen