The search is on for Tennessee’s next head football coach. Now the series begins.
I’ll be taking a look at candidates until UT athletic director John Currie names Butch Jones’ replacement. I wasn’t planning on tackling this candidate but Rick Neuheisel got me thinking about a candidate that wasn’t even on my coaching board.
Mack Brown. Yes, that Mack Brown. Not Johnny Mack Brown, who was the legendary actor from western movies in the 1950’s. No, Neuheisel actually suggested the Mack Brown who won a national championship at Texas.
Fans on social media were a bit stunned at the suggestion. That would certainly be a big-name hire, but fans didn’t react positively for the most part. As part of an ongoing series of potential candidates, let’s tackle Brown first.
Why the Vols should hire Mack Brown?
Brown is a proven coach. I seriously doubt the Vols will be able to hire a coach with a national title on their resume other than Brown, who had strong recruiting ties in the Carolinas and Texas. Both are rich recruiting areas. If Brown can re-cultivate those, that would certainly be a strength. Brown would also bring some integrity to UT, which is needed after some of Jones’ recent antics have come to light. He’s also from Cookeville, Tenn., so he should understand what Tennessee football means to the state.
Why the Vols shouldn’t hire Mack Brown?
Brown is 66-years-old. Not to be an ageist here, but that’s getting up there. How long could the Vols expect him to be at the helm? Also, it’s arguable if Brown should even be considered an elite coach. Would he have that national title if not for Vince Young’s incredible performance and Southern California’s bumbling in the 2006 national championship game? Probably not.
Why the Vols can hire Mack Brown?
I’m not sure if Brown wants to coach again. However, if he does, Tennessee would be an elite program that should be able to woo him out of broadcasting.
Why the Vols can’t hire Mack Brown?
Perhaps he just doesn’t want to coach anymore, but I’d bet if he was really a target, UT could land him.
Final Verdict
With all due respect to Neuheisel, I don’t think Brown is a good fit for the Vols.
