Offensive Coordinator update.

[McCoy]

Offensive coordinator update: Jones didn't make any formal announcements in his search for a new offensive coordinator, but did say that not having one had little bearing on recruiting and added that he plans to have one in place soon.

"Not one person expressed concerns," Jones said. "All they told me was `Coach we trust ya. Go get the best coach that fits us.' I am closing in on an offensive coordinator. I would expect to have somebody in place hopefully by the end of the week."

 

[rooketnhunter]

Who do you think he'll go with?

 

[THEdonkey0515]

It's really amazing he put together a top 5 recruiting class with a 12-13 record, And didn't even have a OC 2 weeks before NSD and still Don't have one, and it didn't cause any recruiting problems Wow! thats amazing.

If all them big time players who had more then a few schools to choose from Picked The Vols, knowing CBJ record, stuck with the Vols after the OC left, And trust CBJ to hire the right guy and to keep pushing the Vols football program back to the top.

Then I see no reason as fans Not to trust CBJ.

 

[huntinkev]

It's really amazing he put together a top 5 recruiting class with a 12-13 record, And didn't even have a OC 2 weeks before NSD and still Don't have one, and it didn't cause any recruiting problems Wow! thats amazing.

If all them big time players who had more then a few schools to choose from Picked The Vols, knowing CBJ record, stuck with the Vols after the OC left, And trust CBJ to hire the right guy and to keep pushing the Vols football program back to the top.

Then I see no reason as fans Not to trust CBJ.

Good point. I don't want debord but I guess I need to trust our coach, if the guys that will be playing under a new, unannounced oc trusts him to make the right call, then I guess I need to.

 

[TeamMainStreet]

I may be wrong with this prediction because I have been before but Im gonna throw it out anyway.


Most have been saying that nobody has been hired because of signing day. Lets really give that some thought. If Debord was definately the guy, why has he not been hired officially? He did not have any recruits to lose at MI. He has also sitting around doing nothing so why not just get him in here and get to work. If you think it is because Butch was afraid he would lose recruits by calling Debord the guy ask yourself, if Butch was that afraid of losing recruits because of hiring Debord, why hire a guy like that? Friends or not, if I think there is a chance that nobody is going to want to play for this guy, if Im Butch, hes not the right guy. Butchs job is on the line with this hire.


Debord may be hired in some capacity and if he is I think he will be the Oline coach and run game coordinator.
I think Azzani stays and is promoted somehow. He has tweeted that he is excited for the talent coming in and is eager for 2015 and 2016. He has also said he has not been approached about the CMU job. Jancek would be a fool for bailing on this defense as well.


I dont know what Butch has planned but I dont think it involves handing over full offensive control to Debord. Thats JMO.

 

[McCoy]

I agree the more I read and think about debord as the hire, I'll be ok. We have no reason not to trust him. In my opinion though I don't think it will be debord I think it will be a better fit for our system and if it is debord he will be a co-coordinator with Azzanni or someone else possibly. Another reason I don't think it's debord is because we would then have to hire a qb coach....we will see. If UT will dish out some dough we could absolutely get a home run hire with all the talent that we have. Butch might just surprise everybody! GBO!

 

[McCoy]

I may be wrong with this prediction because I have been before but Im gonna throw it out anyway.


Most have been saying that nobody has been hired because of signing day. Lets really give that some thought. If Debord was definately the guy, why has he not been hired officially? He did not have any recruits to lose at MI. He has also sitting around doing nothing so why not just get him in here and get to work. If you think it is because Butch was afraid he would lose recruits by calling Debord the guy ask yourself, if Butch was that afraid of losing recruits because of hiring Debord, why hire a guy like that? Friends or not, if I think there is a chance that nobody is going to want to play for this guy, if Im Butch, hes not the right guy. Butchs job is on the line with this hire.


Debord may be hired in some capacity and if he is I think he will be the Oline coach and run game coordinator.
I think Azzani stays and is promoted somehow. He has tweeted that he is excited for the talent coming in and is eager for 2015 and 2016. He has also said he has not been approached about the CMU job. Jancek would be a fool for bailing on this defense as well.


I dont know what Butch has planned but I dont think it involves handing over full offensive control to Debord. Thats JMO.

I agree 100%

 

[Wrangler95]

I will trust in Butch Jones no matter who he chooses,he has not been wrong yet and I think he knows what he is doing in this hiring.I dont even know if it will be a OC from the college ranks or the pro's!!

 

[THEdonkey0515]

Looks like CBJ is gonna hire Debord!!!

 

[huntinkev]

That's what it is sounding like, Debord turned his notice to Michigan said he is going to TN. I can't say I'm thrilled, matter fact I feel gut punched a little but I'm going to trust butch knows what he is doing. ray:

 

[THEdonkey0515]

Yup not the hire I wanted! But i'm gonna trust the program and CBJ and wait and see how it all works out before I trash talk it.

 

[McCoy]

Live from Henley Street Bridge.

 

[Wrangler95]

Live from Henley Street Bridge.

:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

 

[Wrangler95]

Huntinkev and Donkey,just wondering you all wanted?

 

[THEdonkey0515]

Huntinkev and Donkey,just wondering you all wanted?

Azzanni is who I wanted to move up and take the OC job

 

[huntinkev]

Mazzone or see Azzanni promoted in some capacity, I would be happy with Sanford as well. Debord just doesn't sit well but I don't get paid the big bucks to make those decisions and I'm not in the know. I do wonder who will coach the QB now. Debord is a O line coach, we need QB coach.

 

[McCoy]

I'm trying to like the guy....found these reasons to like debord

-DeBord was one of the few coaches Jones mentioned as an influence when he was hired at UT in late 2012.

-Michigan went undefeated in 1997 – claiming an AP national title with DeBord calling the offense.

-(On his tenure at CMU) But while the defense was his undoing in many respects, DeBord did develop a strong rushing attack, hovering around the 200-yard per game average his final two seasons there.

-In the Mike DeBord era, the running game has always been the staple of this offense. Despite the one-back look often used, they are most effective when lining up in the "I" and running it right at a defense.

-Quote from Debord: "Our offense will be built to control the ball. We cannot have turnovers or penalties."

-Carr, after a disappointing 7-5 season, again turned to DeBord to replace Terry Malone. DeBord helped stabilize the offense, installing a zone-blocking scheme that was more friendly to Michigan's personnel (and is something UT uses a lot under Jones currently), helping the Wolverines get back in the top-10 with an 11-2 overall season that ended with a loss in the Rose Bowl.

-You can check off the boxes of play-calling experience, NFL ties and head-coaching experience with DeBord.

-DeBord specializes in the offensive line, the run game and physical football – all things that Tennessee wants to improve upon.

-DeBord's switch to the zone-blocking philosophy in 2006 and some adjustments later in his career at Michigan makes the thought of him jumping in to lead UT's offense a little bit more understandable. Perhaps Jones sees this as an opportunity to further intertwine the spread principles that are in place with him and his current staff with some downhill, pro-style running elements that could make UT's offense with the likes of Jalen Hurd, Alvin Kamara and Joshua Dobbs running the ball, very tough to stop.

-While blind, unquestioning support of a head coach and his moves isn't healthy for a fan base, Jones has clearly done enough right in Knoxville to gain the benefit of the doubt when making this hire. Some of the coaches he brought originally were questioned at large by fans and media alike, only to become essential parts of helping rebuild a program that is on a significantly better trajectory than it was just a couple years ago.

Just something to think about...... maybe not all hope is lost necessarily.

 

[gator-n-buck]

I'm trying to like the guy....found these reasons to like debord

-DeBord was one of the few coaches Jones mentioned as an influence when he was hired at UT in late 2012.

-Michigan went undefeated in 1997 – claiming an AP national title with DeBord calling the offense.

-(On his tenure at CMU) But while the defense was his undoing in many respects, DeBord did develop a strong rushing attack, hovering around the 200-yard per game average his final two seasons there.

-In the Mike DeBord era, the running game has always been the staple of this offense. Despite the one-back look often used, they are most effective when lining up in the "I" and running it right at a defense.

-Quote from Debord: "Our offense will be built to control the ball. We cannot have turnovers or penalties."

-Carr, after a disappointing 7-5 season, again turned to DeBord to replace Terry Malone. DeBord helped stabilize the offense, installing a zone-blocking scheme that was more friendly to Michigan's personnel (and is something UT uses a lot under Jones currently), helping the Wolverines get back in the top-10 with an 11-2 overall season that ended with a loss in the Rose Bowl.

-You can check off the boxes of play-calling experience, NFL ties and head-coaching experience with DeBord.

-DeBord specializes in the offensive line, the run game and physical football – all things that Tennessee wants to improve upon.

-DeBord's switch to the zone-blocking philosophy in 2006 and some adjustments later in his career at Michigan makes the thought of him jumping in to lead UT's offense a little bit more understandable. Perhaps Jones sees this as an opportunity to further intertwine the spread principles that are in place with him and his current staff with some downhill, pro-style running elements that could make UT's offense with the likes of Jalen Hurd, Alvin Kamara and Joshua Dobbs running the ball, very tough to stop.

-While blind, unquestioning support of a head coach and his moves isn't healthy for a fan base, Jones has clearly done enough right in Knoxville to gain the benefit of the doubt when making this hire. Some of the coaches he brought originally were questioned at large by fans and media alike, only to become essential parts of helping rebuild a program that is on a significantly better trajectory than it was just a couple years ago.

Just something to think about...... maybe not all hope is lost necessarily.

It's normal for a fan to try and back their coaches..... :tu: This guy was over the girls hockey team at Mich. and runs a pro-style offense. Should be interesting.... op:

 

[McCoy]

Hey I'm trying to like him.....at least I don't act like he's the best OC hire in ncaa history...... :tu:

 

[gator-n-buck]

Hey I'm trying to like him.....at least I don't act like he's the best OC hire in ncaa history...... :tu:

It shouldn't be a big surprise because I posted back in Jan. that he would be coming to UT... :tu:

 

[McCoy]

I still think there is a catch to this.....Azzanni will be the co oc.....let's face it he wasn't ready for the job himself and he can learn a year or two before he takes over completely

 

[TeamMainStreet]

I'm with you McCoy.

 

[McCoy]

And where has it official been announced? If it has been I'm unaware...

 

[Mudbone]

Hey I'm trying to like him.....at least I don't act like he's the best OC hire in ncaa history...... :tu:

It shouldn't be a big surprise because I posted back in Jan. that he would be coming to UT... :tu:

Fact.

 

[TeamMainStreet]

Rocky Top Insider



DeBord, 58, will replace former offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian, who worked with Jones for eight seasons and was the only OC he'd ever had as a head coach. Bajakian departed for a job as the Tampa Bay Bucs quarterbacks coach on Jan. 22, reuniting with head coach Lovie Smith after the two worked together for the Chicago Bears from 2002-03.

FootballScoop also reports that Tennessee receivers coach Zach Azzanni, who has been viewed as the top in-house candidate for the job, will receive a "bump in title, role and pay."

If there are no other staff moves made, the Vols would be left without a true quarterbacks coach on their full-time staff. Tennessee graduate assistant Nick Sheridan played quarterback at Michigan under DeBord in 2006 and 2007, and went on to be a quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator at both Western Kentucky and South Florida after graduating from Michigan in 2010.

Perhaps Jones plans to use Sheridan as a de facto QBs coach for the 2015 season, though using a graduate assistant in that manner is always a touch risky because they can be hired away to a full-time staff position at any point, and they generally only stay for two years total as a GA. Sheridan is entering his second year in that position in Knoxville.

Jones has regularly discussed his desire to bring in a coordinator that he is familiar with. DeBord certainly fits that mold, having worked with Jones at Central Michigan from 2000-03. DeBord retained Jones on staff when he came over after being the offensive coordinator at Michigan from 1997-99. DeBord promoted Jones from position coach to offensive coordinator at CMU in 2002, a position he held through the 2004 season.

Jones listed DeBord as an influence when he was first hired at Tennessee.

"Obviously, there are a number of individuals who have really kind of helped define some of my principles," Jones said in 2012. "I've been very fortunate to work for a lot of very successful coaches – not just head coaches – but many assistant coaches who are now in the National Football League. I take a little bit from Rich Rodriguez. I take a little bit from Brian Kelly. I take a little bit from Mike DeBord, who was the head coach at Central Michigan and is now the tight ends coach with the Chicago Bears."

But while there's a ton of personal familiarity, DeBord doesn't have an extensive background with the spread offense. And while Jones doesn't like to label his offense as just "spread," there are certainly plenty of spread elements in it. DeBord primarily ran a pro-style offense at Michigan and CMU that featured a heavier emphasis on the I-formation than what has been seen at Tennessee under Jones.

One source familiar with Jones and the search told us that it'll be Jones' offense that is run regardless, so based on that, DeBord will be brought in as more of a caretaker of the offense, perhaps tweaking small aspects, especially in the run game, but not overhauling anything.

 

[PalsPal]

One source familiar with Jones and the search told us that it'll be Jones' offense that is run regardless, so based on that, DeBord will be brought in as more of a caretaker of the offense, perhaps tweaking small aspects, especially in the run game, but not overhauling anything.

Exactly. Plus he wants continuity with the play calls, formations, etc.

DeBord should be able to strengthen the OLine and the run game which will be a huge plus moving forward.

I think DeBord will only be in the role of OC until Butch feels Azzani is ready to take over.

 

[gator-n-buck]

One source familiar with Jones and the search told us that it'll be Jones' offense that is run regardless, so based on that, DeBord will be brought in as more of a caretaker of the offense, perhaps tweaking small aspects, especially in the run game, but not overhauling anything.

Exactly. Plus he wants continuity with the play calls, formations, etc.

DeBord should be able to strengthen the OLine and the run game which will be a huge plus moving forward.

I think DeBord will only be in the role of OC until Butch feels Azzani is ready to take over.

I know it had been mentioned that it was "CBJ" offense. Keep in mind that CBJ only had one OC his whole time as a HC. Time will tell who's offense it really was.... :tu:

 

[buckaroo]

If he only had one, I'm sure he knows the offense pretty good by now!!

 

[huntinkev]

One source familiar with Jones and the search told us that it'll be Jones' offense that is run regardless, so based on that, DeBord will be brought in as more of a caretaker of the offense, perhaps tweaking small aspects, especially in the run game, but not overhauling anything.

Exactly. Plus he wants continuity with the play calls, formations, etc.

DeBord should be able to strengthen the OLine and the run game which will be a huge plus moving forward.

I think DeBord will only be in the role of OC until Butch feels Azzani is ready to take over.

BUT I am still concerned about who will be coaching the QB. We already have an Oline coach, Debord isn't a QB coach but we don't need two guys coaching Oline, debord may coach TE. I am sure we will find all this out when it is officially announced, but right now I am concerned. We don't have a man to do it on the coaching staff right now and with Debord we have a full staff.

 

[McCoy]

Mahoney might be looking for a new job and we might be bringing in a qb coach possibly?