The rumors continue to grow louder and louder that Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly could be the man to replace Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer.

The UC coach is not a last-second addition to the coaching list, either.  As a matter of fact, he’s been watched by UT for some time, according to a source close to the program.

Athletic Director Mike Hamilton has alluded in the past to having a list of names in his desk drawer in case of emergency… football coaches, basketball coaches, etc.  Sort of a “you never know” list that 99% of athletic directors keep.

Turns out, one of the names that we can assume has been on that list is Kelly’s.

More than a year ago, when a Cincinnati football game appeared on a television monitor at Neyland Stadium, Hamilton told the people around him all about Kelly’s accomplishments.  He detailed Kelly’s record at Central Michigan and Grand Valley State.

“He seemed to really like him,” said the source.  “And this was before Tennessee turned the season around last year.”

Now, does this mean that Kelly is the leader in the clubhouse and will be the next UT head coach?  Of course not. 

Maybe Hamilton can list the accomplishments of every Big East coach. 

But it sure sounds like Hamilton’s been keeping up with Kelly for a while.  And it’s certain that no search firm had to tell him of Kelly’s career path.

Kelly might not be the leader, but he’s been on Hamilton’s radar for at least a year now.

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