I was highly critical of the move yesterday. Still think there were better attainable options. That said I was impressed with Coach Jones today in the presser. Willing to bite tongue for now.
Cincinnati coach Butch Jones has emerged as the front runner for the Tennessee coaching job, according to a report from GoVols247.com.
“One source close to several coaching circles told govols247 that UT is ‘(Jones’) job to turn down,’ and that focus would most likely shift to Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart if Jones doesn’t accept it.”
It should be pointed out that govols247 has not reported Jones has an actual offer in hand. In fact, Volquest.com reported Thursday night that Jones hasn’t received an offer and hasn’t met face-to-face with Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart.
Jones, who has a 50-27 career record as a head coach, is in his third season at Cincinnati. The Bearcats finished the regular season with a 9-3 record and accepted a bid to play Duke in the Belk Bowl on Dec. 27.
Here’s what we wrote earlier today on Jones:
“Butch Jones of Cincinnati is a Brian Kelly disciple who should have gotten more play on Tennessee’s list to begin with. He doesn’t have the SEC background of (Charlie) Strong, but he does have a longer track record as a head coach at multiple schools. And if you’re willing to throw money at Louisville’s coach, what’s the big deal with throwing cash at Cincinnati’s coach? That path sure seems to have worked out well for Notre Dame.”
