Vols' Derek Dooley reassures recruits, fans

Vols' Derek Dooley reassures recruits, fans
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100118/SPORTS0601/1180346
By Austin Ward • KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL • January 18, 2010



KNOXVILLE — Derek Dooley had been in town for only a few hours before concerns were raised about when he might want to leave.

Given the circumstances surrounding his hiring as the new football coach at Tennessee, he seemed to know the questions were coming.

Dooley gave his word to the fans and told Athletics Director Mike Hamilton that UT was where he wanted to be.

"I wish I could sit here and give you a one-liner that's going to convince 100 percent of the fans, but that's never going to happen," Dooley said. "All I can do is go to work and assure you that I love being where I am, and I'm not looking to leave.

"Knowing there's been a ton of coaches who have said the same thing and they've done it, I don't know how best to answer that question other than to tell you I've never been more excited about the future for my family and for a program and for living than I am right now."

That enthusiasm was exactly what the Vols needed after Lane Kiffin's unexpected departure to Southern Cal, and Dooley will need it as well with signing day looming in two weeks and holes to fill on his staff.

He addressed the latter with his first two hires, picking up Louisiana Tech recruiting coordinator and secondary coach Terry Joseph and respected special teams coach Eric Russell from Texas Tech on Sunday to go with holdovers Jim Chaney, Lance Thompson and Willie Mack Garza.

Dooley also appears to be holding together a highly rated recruiting class so far. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported on its Web site Sunday night that former Ooltewah All-American defensive end Jacques Smith reconfirmed his commitment to the Vols.