CNN reported earlier tonight that a 7.0 earthquake had struck Haiti ... apparently they were incorrect on the location.  What started as a rumor, then quickly whipped into a frenzy was the dust settling from Lane Kiffin's sudden departure from Knoxville.

The funny thing is four hours previously, I had jokingly asked Gil if he wanted to start a rumor about Kiffin heading to USC ...   Well....

The Lane Train has left East Tennessee and in its wake has left Vol nation stunned.  In a move that has shocked many, first year head coach Lane Kiffin has not only left the building, but is apparently taking his Dad Monte and Ed Orgeron with him.  After being slapped across their orange faces, what must UT fans do to pick up the pieces?

First, let no one lie to themself ... the Vols finished last season 7-6 ... the team was demoralized in their bowl game versus Virginia Tech.  That is approximately the same record that many Vol fans were expecting out of former head coach Phillip Fulmer. 

Outside of having some of their most sacred traditions broken (black jerseys), and disgruntled fans, what has UT gained on the one year jaunt?  Nothing, but pain.  Plain and simple.  Kiffin running like an athlete from the scene only overshadows a termination.

We stated that Mike Hamilton put himself on the firing line when he hired Kiffin ... Hamilton is sitting squarely in the cross-hairs of the Old Guard Boosters and fans alike.  If Hamilton survives the fall-out from this, and he may not, Hamilton must hire a 'name' and hire them now.

So who are the names?

David Cutcliffe
Former UT Offensive Coordinator

Why he makes sense:  Cutcliffe is a UT Man.  Phillip Fulmer's cyclical record shows that Coach Cut was the magic behind the wins total.  While I do not want to take all of Fulmer's credit away from him, the record easily shows this statement to be true.  Cutcliffe is a master quarterback coach and excels at putting quarterbacks into position for the NFL. 

Why he doesn't make sense:  Cutcliffe is black-and-white television bland.  Not exactly Mr. Excitement.  While he did a solid job at Ole Miss and almost had Duke bowl eligible in year two, he simply does not have that 'aura' surrounding him.

The Bottom Line:  Cutcliffe has to be heavily considered.  Following a tumultous season with Kiffin, UT needs a recognizable name and stability.  UT would receive both with David Cutcliffe.

Mike Leach
Former Head Coach Texas Tech

Why he makes sense:  To tell you the truth, after looking at him and looking at him, I can't tell you why he makes sense.  Leach is quirky, arrogant at times, and was forced out by a Board that absolutely loathed him.  If Mike Hamilton wants the fastest route out of his job then he needs to hire Leach.  Leach won at Texas Tech ... and your point is?

Jon Gruden
Analyst, Former Head Coach of Tampa Bay

Why he makes sense:  Gruden has UT ties (Graduate Assistant; property owner) and a Super Bowl ring.  Gruden is a savvy coach that can still identify with the recruits.  Gruden is tough as nails and should be able to get the drugs, guns, and fighting problems under control.  In other words, he is a younger David Cutcliffe.

Kippy Brown
Newest Lane Kiffin Hire

Three weeks ago, Kippy Brown's hire was heralded as a coup ... now all indications are pointing to Brown as the interim head coach of the UT Vols.  Brown is not ready to be a head coach, my opinion.  While he has solid ties to the University, he is not ready.  Do the Old Guard Boosters push for Brown?  Don't laugh, it could happen, especially when you are dealing the Haslams and the Hands of the world.

Who would be the largest shock hire?

Phillip Fulmer
Former UT Head Coach

Why he makes sense:  Fulmer is UT's second winningest coach.  While his record declined after David Cutcliffe left Knoxville, Fulmer is the poster-child for at least 30% of the fan base and 40% of the money men.

Why he does not make sense:  What would ever possess Mike Hamilton (outside of booster involvement) to bring back the man he just fired 14 months ago?  Hamilton would make a larger career mistake in rehiring Fulmer than he did in hiring Lane Kiffin.  A standard management principle is simple to understand:  when you throw someone away, you can not bring them back.

To quote College Football News' Brandon Sallee "This hasn't left egg on UT's face ... it's an entire omelot". 

UT must plug the holes and fast.  UT AD Mike Hamilton has a very narrow window to get this done.  We are currently in the recruiting dead period, which is good for the Vols, but the entire recruiting class could be devastated.  Early reports have commitments ready to jump ship (one report has Markeith Ambles following the staff to USC).  If UT does not get this fixed NOW, the next boom you hear coming from Knoxville will be Mike Hamilton's head rolling down the steps.

So what do UT students think of the entire dog-and-pony show?

From Heather Harrington's Twitter Feed
http://twitpic.com/xvbxx

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