Knoxville Media Turns the Corner

When the Tennessee coaching search was set in motion, just after Phillip Fulmer's dismissal, there weren't many Lane Kiffin supporters to be found among the Knoxville media. Kiffin was too young, too inexperienced, and he had recently been fired from his current job in Oakland. Nevermind his accomplishments or the quality of staff that he could likely assemble, it just wasn't a good fit.

Even weeks later, after Kiffin was hired, things didn't change. I'm sure you remember. It was a questionable hire, they said. A 33 year-old NFL dropout with no college head coaching experience couldn't have possibly been Tennessee's first choice. Something had gone terribly wrong.

Perhaps the media prejudice towards young Kiffin arose from loyalty to coaches that were fired, or maybe it was simply the fear the unknown. Either way, there was undoubtedly a certain familiarity and comfort with the previous staff, which is very understandable considering the length of time that regime was in place.

It's also possible that media members were disappointed and embarrassed that none of their "likely replacements" were hired (Bill Cowher, John Gruden, or Butch Davis). I certainly don't recall any of them campaigning for Lane Kiffin as their candidate of choice, and as a result, they appeared uninformed.

But those days are behind us.

Yesterday was the first day of spring practice under new coach Lane Kiffin, and area media are suddenly gushing with excitement over what they witnessed on the football field. Once considered too young and inexperienced, Lane Kiffin now runs the best first day of practice in the history of football practices. A blueprint should be recorded and enshrined forever so all future generations can experience such greatness. We are being told that it was perfect -- physical, well organized, intense, and yet simplistic and fundamental.

I don't know why we've seen this sudden change, but now that the transformation is complete, I must caution you. Remember these words: physical and fundamental. Those are the adjectives that will be overused all spring and summer. They will be preached by the staff and repeated mindlessly by the media. Come fall, if they aren't careful, fans will be expect to see the most physical and fundamental team in the Southeastern Conference take the field.

Understand, I don't have a problem with the media being positive about practice. I'm certain the new regime, in many ways, is refreshing to everyone. It's even possible that Tuesday may have been an exceptional first day. Without question, football is a physical game and, absolutely, fundamentals are essential. But don't be blinded by the shine of the newness or seduced by the sound of football cliche's just because they originate from the lips of a different staff.

Last season, fans were promised a new offense (Clawfense) that would get the ball in the hands of play-makers in the open field. (What an innovative concept!) It was theme of the off-season. But as we quickly learned, having it said and printed repeatedly doesn't make it so.

Because I've let you in on this little secret, you will no longer be hyptonized by the establishment whenever you hear those words (physical and fundamental). Instead, they will serve as triggers that remind you of reality. And the reality is, this will be a process, a long process, that begins with a 5-7 football team.

I realize Tennessee fans are starving for success. So, before you label me, understand that all I'm asking is for realistic expectations - from both fans and media. It was the first day. At the very least, wait until Friday, when the team is sporting full football gear, before declaring the Vols' impending wrath upon the world of college football.