Posted by VOLS85 on March 8, 2008 at 1:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

“It’s like I’m speaking the same language again where before I went to Pluto and I had to learn 3 yards and a cloud of dust again.”

ummm, what? Is that supposed to be offensive? I don't even know how to respond...

Trooper, the five yard pass in the flats is not that complicated.

Thanks for your time, you brought a great spark to our team, but that comment is odd.

Posted by snafu14u on March 8, 2008 at 2:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess I'm surprised about the "Pluto" comment, but then again I'm not.It opens up the whole can of worms about the offensive philosphy of Fulmer and CO. That also includes Cutcliffe. You also have to consider he's playing to his new boss/staff and players.Maybe an insight on why he and Fulmer did not talk about the OC vacancy. Looks like a job for CSI-Knoxville. Go ahead boys fill in the blanks. bonzaivol

Posted by brdteton on March 8, 2008 at 2:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ummm,,,

What bowl did OSU end up in?? And while on it,, what round was Robert Meacham drafted in?

Flake.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on March 8, 2008 at 2:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Agreed on the 3 yard comments.

Brdteton, I get your point but Meachem was first round my friend. If anything, point to the fact that he didn't even get 1 snap this year... but I don't want to discredit Meachem or Taylor.

Posted by Germany_Vol on March 8, 2008 at 3:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper simply states the truth about Fulmer and his offense of college football past. Trooper was given a great opportunity by OSU and he took it. I don't blame him for wanting to coach somewhere else. If I remember correctly, our running game was 3 yards and a cloud of dust most of the time. I'm anxious to see the Vols of 08 and what Clawson brings to the field. Oops, I mean what PF "lets" Clawson bring to the field. Go Big Orange

Posted by vols76 on March 8, 2008 at 6:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"SpiderMan" has a date on Sept 20 that will tell us all about him.......will he start out a "favorite son" or be in the doghouse?

Posted by mtnvol on March 8, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Troop was playing to his audience, you goobers. Do you think any of the new Vol coaches are going to say "it was better where I come from"? Everyone hates the new neighbor who says "that's not how we did it back in ______."

Fulmer haters will take the "Pluto" comment as gospel, but objectively, the SEC hasn't been a "3 yards and a cloud of dust" conference since the 70s-80s and neither have the Vols.

Posted by st98 on March 8, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yet another story about a fomer assistant with his new team. This is a TN newspaper right? I'm sure there will be a big writeup about the Duke spring game soon. These guys are not at TN anymore, quit writing stories about them.

Posted by volfan51128 on March 8, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper Taylor seemed a little shady when he left. I think he left because Phil decided not to make him the offensive coordinator.

Mr. Taylor, I'm sure we can clear a date on the schedule to accomodate you and your cowboys.

Oh yeah, we might do some 3 yard passes and clouds of dust to confuse you.

Posted by khelton657 on March 8, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper sounds like he had his little feelings hurt....saying he is a "players coach", does that make him the weakest coach on the team ? Players need a coach, including a life coach, more than they need a belly bumping buddy...

Posted by vol88 on March 8, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't criticize TT or Gundy will throw another hissy fit like he did at that news conference during the season. :)

TT left b/c he wasn't good enough to be OC. If he's a little miffed, then so be it. But I don't think the Pluto comment was a slam. Besides, he was talking to an Oklahoma newspaper.

st98...it's March, dude. It's snowing outside. Vols and LV are both ranked in the top 5. I promise you, there aren't a lot of football-related stories out there. So quit complaining just to hear yourself type. You read the story AND still asked why it was in the paper. Hmmm.

Posted by JohnAdamsIsTrash on March 8, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The story is from the associated press, but the news sentinal picks the title. Crappy title by the way! I for one am glad this guy is gone. I understand that his "backward hat" is a tribute, but he says he wants to be a head coach. If he wants a major university to give him consideration, he better turn that thing around or take it off all together! Run your spread Trooper, and we will continue our "cloud of dust" and we'll see who winds up with the better rankings year after year!

Mike "I'm a man, I'm 40" Gundy has fooled you into thinking you will have any say so in his offense. He even contridicts you in this article. I think it's very funny!!

Peace out Troop!

Go Vols!!

!!! Fire John Adams !!!
so our newspaper wont suck anymore!

Posted by pdhuff on March 8, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ZZZzzzz ZZZzzzzzz, talk about the Vols. Tell us about the DTs, Clawson, etc......

Posted by waterskier3 on March 8, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

more money and better oppor that's why he's gone... i'm not sure what to make of the comment but i'm sure TT and CF didn't see eye to eye on a lot of issues... i mean come on how many workers don't think they can do a better job than their boss???? I know i do :):):)

Posted by khelton657 on March 8, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

..it's a sign of a character problem when someone talks trash about their past employer ..Tennessee gave him an opportuity, ..shouldn't talk bad about someone when they give you an opportunity...

Posted by pms151 on March 8, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He didn't mean anything negative. His comment was merely about familiar terminology to him. Most of the negativity is coming from those who were begging CFP to hire TT as OC. Now they have turned on TT. Childish.

Posted by lnbadger320 on March 8, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WHAT IS SO BAD ABOUT WHAT HE SAID, it's absolutely TRUE. how times did you guys complain about how everyone in the stadium what the next play will be or that the whole Defense knows exactly what we're going to do.

he's absolutey right about what he said. TT probably had a lot of good ideas, he just didn't get to use them because we got to "POUND THE ROCK"

Posted by lastlap on March 8, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fact is Taylor was holding Tennessee for ransom every year he was here. Always looking at other places. But it was about more money every time and several loyal coaches were bypassed on larger raises while he got more money. I say good riddance and goodbye. Nothing wrong with trying to better yourself but you may need to come back someday. Don't see that happening now. You got what you wanted we thank you for your time here now go on about your business and count your money. I'm sure your next prospective employer will think about what you said before he hires you. Offense Co. LOL.

Posted by PennVol on March 8, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do we care about OSU and a former asst coach?

Posted by EastTNVol on March 8, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally agree with Khelton on this one. Trooper was a class act and a great coach at Tennessee. But come on, don't trash the employer because they didn't hire you as O-Coordinator. We were priviledged to have him on the staff at UT, a big loss no doubt, but don't bite the hand that fed you TT. Be thankful for Tennessee and move on with your new job. Wish you a lot of success.

Go VOLs

Posted by Pullingguard on March 8, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In reality he told it exactly like Fulmer sees the offense.. He would prefer 3 yards and cloud of dust to any other play, because he believes in the run. I think what Trooper was referring to was the lack of imigination in the offense. Most of it was running between the tackles and short slant passes.. There was very little guess work to the Vol offense and what they would attempt to do. In other words they did not utilize the entire field vertical or horz. to put pressure on the defense. It made passing more difficult as it did the running game.. Lets hope Clawson is given the latitude to change the offense, but that is very questionable with Fulmer being so ingrained with his idea of offensive football.

Posted by rockytop47 on March 8, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what is bad about it, is that it is classless. Trooper normally has class so it was a little suprising. It was obvious to Fulmer that Trooper was not OC material or he would have hired him. What does this job say about Trooper, Co-OC and they don't want to change anything.

Posted by volroadwarrior on March 8, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This shows that Gundy is running the show and Trooper is falling in line. If Gundy wants a "cloud of dust" TT will run it. It might have been a Freudian slip, but he probably meant no harm.

Posted by agentorange on March 8, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

we had one of the worst rushing teams in college football the past two years b/c we don't run much. he's full of crap.

Posted by VolnDothan on March 8, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What happened to all the love for Trooper? A lot of you guys were in love with this moron for the past few years. What happened?!?!

Personally, I think Trooper Taylor is an idiot. He's a one trick pony who relies on excessive motivational tactics to wring performance out of his players. He got where is by his over the top behavior which disguised his inability to COACH.

Posted by utfpmd on March 8, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VolnDothan, I'll give you a leaping chest bump on that comment.

Posted by Colliervol on March 8, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Co-offensive coordinator". Please. Somehow I doubt his brilliant offensive mind is bringing much to the table in Stillwater. Everybody with any sense knows why he's there. To recruit. Period. If Gundy really wanted him as offensive coordinator, give him that title and let him go to work. Instead, he gets to "share" it with Gunter Brewer and Gundy (who will call all the shots anyway).

Moral to the story: Don't whiz on my head and tell me it's raining. Most of us weren't born yesterday.

Posted by VOLstuckINky on March 8, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

said it before .... Taylor never calls a single play at OSU. Gundy is the "master mind" of the 7-5 OSU offense.

Taylor is not a loss.

Posted by winbigvols on March 8, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the Vols should schedule the Cowboys and give TT a dose of 3 yards and a cloud of dust. Very classless comment. He broke the Cardinal rule, never talk about your former team in a bad light. We should give the Cowboys what they deserve.

Posted by jzt on March 8, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You cashed in. Everybody knows Taylor left for the money, no ones blames him for that. Dont tarnish your reputation by running your mouth. T. Boone will get tired of going 7-5, 6-6 and he will be on the move again. He did leave for better money but he left an established program for one with a lot of questions.

Posted by Bigger_Al on March 8, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We'd like to get to "6 yards and a Pancake'd D-Line, then Throw it Over their Heads" offense.

That's how we won the NC.

Posted by pdhuff on March 8, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

colliervol 11:03- I think you nailed it. Recruiter. Period.

Ga -Rodney Garner- Recruiter. Period. Good one.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 8, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck Troop, but never burn bridges. You never know when you might want to cross them again.

Posted by Michael1204 on March 8, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for the Pluto comment Troop. Enjoy being the 2nd/3rd best team in the state of Oklahoma.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 8, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've read this twice ,and am still puzzled.Was this a shot across the bow?When Troop first came to UT it was 3 yrd's and a cloud of dust, but the O didn't resemble anything like that the last 2 yr's, especially 06.Maybe he just was making the point that the style of smashmouth football in the south is different.

I really liked TT, but I hope Scott makes me forget him real soon.The spread is good and fine Troop, but when you're defense gives up 29.5 pts a game (w/ teams like Sam Houston & Florida Atlantic on you're schedule)you may want to try 3 yrd's and a cloud of dust to speed up the clock.GOOD LUCK!

Posted by blaconsults on March 8, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Love to hate in minutes. UT bloggers gushing over TT just months ago. We lost a really inspirational coach who is happier in familiar setting at OSU. He is not the first to slight UT play calling. Why so defensive?

Posted by khelton657 on March 8, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Co-offensive Coordinator" - It's like the saying "When ya have two quarterbacks, ya don't have one"...well, when ya have two offensive coordinators...

Posted by givehim6 on March 8, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What I got from this article was Olk. St. didn't want imagination, but a pearson that would keep things the way thay had it that the past few years. That is why troop is a co-coordinator he is beeing made sure he does things the way the H/C wants him to.

Posted by VolPowers on March 8, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a bunch of friggin' hypocritical, head-up-your-tail comments on this story. 75% of all UT fans loved Troop, and the other 25% are probably racist. So he likes their offense better? So What?!? I probably would like their offense better, too.

Troop was good for UT while here, and he deserves nothing but credit and respect for that. I think we can all see what kind of impact he had on recruiting while he was here judging by this last stellar class.

Criticizing him for which direction his hat is pointed in during a game....seriously rednecks, the century has turned. Go figure out which Dixiecrat you can vote for, your time would be better spent.

Posted by Vol_Fan_4_Life_615 on March 8, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well last time i checked Pluto's offense has won more games, and Championships the any thing the Cowpatties have or ever will win. Did they even win the Big 12 when they had Barry Sanders and Thurman Thomas in the same backfield?

Troop i wish you all the luck at "Oklahoma Sucks University". Your gonna need all of it if you ever want to win. Oh thats right your a Baylor man, well then you should be very happy going 5-7 or 6-6 three out of 5 years.

Posted by ggriggs939 on March 8, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kinda like the Churchill story. At a party one night, he had had a few or maybe quite a few and was accosted by a woman who said, 'Mr Churchill, you are drunk. You are the drunkest man I have ever seen." He responded, "Madam, you are ugly. You are the ugliest woman I have ever seen.
Ii is true that I am drunk tonight, but tomorrow I shall be sober."
Whereever he goes, Trooper will always be Trooper. If he'd had the skills he is imputing to himself, he would be the OC for the VOLS. Nothing like being a legend in your own mind.
He was considered to be a good recruiter, but was that because of where he was working. Just as Wade Houston was said to be a great coach and recruiter. Was that because he was at Louisville?
He showed no great skills in either task at Tennessee.

Posted by volroadwarrior on March 8, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What is wrong with you "Rednecks" and "Dixiecrats"?
You know you can't criticize without being called names. Trooper is a good guy and a good coach and doesn't have to be defended by people like VolPowers.

Posted by invisiblekid on March 8, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I guess the Pluto line gives a pretty good indication of why Taylor isn't the OC on the Hill. He did a good job for the Vols and I wish him the best of luck in Stillwater. Have to say I was more interested in our current OC and his thoughts though. I'd be even more interested to see a story regarding improvements being made on the defensive side of the ball.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 8, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolPowers - thanks for pulling the race card. I hadn't even considered it until you pulled it.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 8, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsportvol for Governor!

Posted by daddyaxe on March 8, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JUST LIVE WITH THE FACT THAT TENNESSEE LET A GOOD COACH IN TAYLOR GO FOR A COACH WHO IS UNPROVEN TO ALL OF US....I COULD HAVE LIVED WITH A BIGGER NAMED O.C. BUT WE HAVE A GUY WHO I THINK IS IN THE SAME BOAT AS TAYLOR...HE WILL DO WHAT THE BOSS SAYS...LIVE WITH IT AND GOOD LUCK TO TAYLOR AND I HOPE THAT HE HAS ALL THE SUCCESS IN THE WORLD IN HIS CAREER...TROOP I WILL ONE BE ALWAYS GREATFUL AND WILL MISS THE ENTHUSIASM THAT YOU BROUGHT ME AND A LOT OF VOL FAITHFUL

Posted by pupvol on March 8, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Get the message.Don"t kill the messager

Posted by marinevol on March 8, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Troop, you were kind of amusing on the vol-walk and on the sidelines. It was funny having a clown on the sidelines with your hat on backwards and giving chest bumps to the players coming off the field. You made it clear that you wanted to stay at "Pluto" as OC, but Fulmer made it clear he wanted a grownup in the position. So now you trash the program. What a classless jerk.

Posted by budd on March 8, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On Pluto they won National Championships and such. There in OK they simply yell "I'm a man" and scream at women newspaper hacks.

And he wasn't paid badly on Pluto either

Posted by rpoll1095 on March 8, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Troop! I once a heard a line from a movie, "Only two thiiiings come from Oklahoma....." well, one of those two things is NOT nationally ranked or championship football teams. So before you link Knoxville to Pluto and the outer planets, maybe you better accomplish something there. I liked what you did here, but frankly, you had a LOT of talent with which to work. I doubt that you will find that the case in Oklahoma. As was said above......we can certainly make room on the schedule for OSU to come calling with this dynamo offense you plan to have. In the meantime, this part of the planet is still TENNESSEE ORANGE.

Posted by Rok_Etop on March 8, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper......Trooper........Trooper! Why burn the bridge brother?? Just because PF went a different direction, that P's you off and now your running your mouth at the 3rd best school in the state of OK. Be middle ground in interviews, no matter what you feel inside. You gain nothing by refering to us as Pluto. PF hired Clawson who had HC and OC experience. Damn Good HC experience who bettered himself by stepping down a rung on the latter. Now he will get a longer ladder. His progression at Richmond may have gotten him a job someday at Marshall or OK State. But is he get this machine going like his Spider Machine, he will get his choice of larger programs and maybe even The Big Orange when PF is done. I love the choice. Give him 2 years and watch us fly!! In two years TT will still be at OK state and hoping to get another chance at Howard's HC job that he turned down last year to stay at UT. And wasn't there an article earlier that said TT wouldn't have play calling duties?? Its a Co-OC position in title only. We could have given you some stupid title like that but we wanted you to develope and earn it. Baylor even offerd you the OC spot and you turned it down. Maybe inside you feel as though you aren't ready??!! Good Luck TT, and I mean that. But please keep your stupid comments to yourself about our beloved UT! Go Vols!

Posted by pdhuff on March 8, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well, I believe he was our only coach that could get off the ground. Doesn't that count for anything? LOL

Posted by 99gator on March 8, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stan drayton (who no one knew) trashes urban meyer = good coach

trooper taylor (who after reading this site was beloved) trashes the tenn offense (which a lot of people here did not like) = classless jerk.

things that make you go hmmmmm

Posted by GerryOP on March 8, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolPowers and 99gator make valid points.

Posted by G8er_H8er on March 8, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It was a stupid comment...He’s a good recruiter but obviously a idiot. Everyone knows there is no dust on Pluto.

Don't bite the hand that fed you, Troop. If OSU doesn't start winning more they will soon be looking for a new staff and you might want to come back to Pluto. Where we do win.

Posted by tnvols12 on March 8, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad he is happy and glad he is gone. I never undestood why he never wore same color shirt as the other coaches. Vols have won alot of games with 3 yards and a cloud of dust. GO VOLS.

Posted by marinevol on March 8, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, aren't you the one that said florida fired Drayton? Of course, you are also the one that said that Tennessee winning the SEC East didn't mean anything (at least not when your team came in 3rd, or was it 4th?). People like you, who support another school but come on the UT site seeking attention, remind me of a bratty little child who will do or say anything to get attention. Normally, I don't reinforce such behavior by responding, but you are one annoying little jerk.

Posted by marinevol on March 8, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One more thing 99gator, unlike Stan Drayton, who was glad to leave even with Myers begging him to stay, Trooper Taylor was doing everything he could to stay here as OC, but Coach Fulmer knew he wasn't up to the job, so Taylor leaves and then trashes the program. Sour grapes, just like your saying the division championship didn't mean anything.

Posted by volster on March 8, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marinevol, I couldn't agree with you more, about Trooper and the annoying gator fan.

Posted by TommyJack on March 8, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolPowers 1:38 So, let me see if I have this. If one did not support Trooper, he is a racist?
A dixiecrat? If you're a white man, you must be consumed with white guilt. A really poorly thought out post, Powers. Totally unfair. You must be one of those "open minded" progressives.
Give me a freakin break...

Posted by volster on March 8, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack, you are absolutely right. In fact I think one of the worst acts of racism is to flippantly throw out a charge of racism.

Posted by Realist on March 8, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The truth is one of Troopers jobs at Tennessee was to keep the players out of jail. The first thing the players did was call himn when they were in trouble. He was not very good at his job. I happened to be on the strip when a player was getting arrested. He showed up and begged KPD to let him go. He threw a tantrum and whined like a baby.

Posted by bernard053 on March 8, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2 things to count on trooper will NOT be missed at UT and the cowboys offense will go down hill. but they will probabaly lead the big 12 with chest bumpin' and towell wavin' fulmer did the right thing in letting him go, still paying the price for some of the thugs he recruited but hopefully the new staff will turn that around !

Posted by volroadwarrior on March 8, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So called "progressives" are not open minded and try to squelch free speech through yelling racism or through political correctness. They know the stupid ones are intimidated by their slurs. Trooper Taylor is an excellent recruiter, an enthusiastic coach and has earned it the hard way. He doesn't need excuses from the likes of VolPowers.

Posted by TommyJack on March 8, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

roadwarrior: agree, all points

Posted by thesavageorange on March 8, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do most people ,when talking about Troop,always only refer to his recruiting?Trooper Taylor was a hell of a good position coach as well.Every position he took ever immediately improved.

Another funny thing is ,some of you people that say CPF can't motivate and shows no enthusiasm, are the same people who say a backwards hat and chest bumping is childish or goofy.Glad he stated why he actually wore his hat that way.Let it go!

Just an observation.

Posted by stroker on March 8, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

----to Pluto and I had to learn 3 yards and a cloud of dust again.” I read and was going to post but can not improve on previous comments, I agree classless burning bridges and disappointing. Guess Chief is not surprised.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 8, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - I have you know that Fulmer has a 0.000025 inch vertical jump and Chavis can beat that. Think before you slam our coaches.

Posted by marinevol on March 8, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

General, those jump measurements are misleading due to the low gravitational pull on Pluto. Otherwise, they wouldn't be anywhere near that high.

Posted by GerryOP on March 8, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ahh, gee savage, interesting observation. But do not attempt to sway those who feel they have a need to rant. They have to have some outlet! Then again, some folks are not happy unless they are complaining. Good post! Just my opinion.

Posted by IPOrange on March 8, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think TT slammed us with that comment about Pluto, but it's kind of hard to tell. Shame, shame. You were so well respected before that one Trooper. It's never a good idea to make disparaging remarks about a former employer, and it's really unwise to make them to a newsperson. You lost a few fans in Big Orange Country. Never burn bridges, brother.....

Posted by thesavageorange on March 8, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP ,Fair enough!lol.

IPOrange ,I am a little confused about what exactly he meant and in what context it was said.If he was taking a pot shot, why now?CPF gave TT his big break, and quickly moved him up and made him the highest paid position coach.Why would he be mad about not getting the OC job ,when he isn't even being entrusted w/ that position at OK State.He said a-lot of very good things about CPF and UT before he left.Just struck me as odd.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on March 8, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't let the damn racism thing slide.

I call BS, complete and total. No doubt, a certain percentage of fans at any school are going to be racist. No doubt, a few posters on this site who don't like TT are racist. Racism is not dead and will never be completely gone.

But to insinuate that UT, Tennessee, or the South is more racist than another area of the country, and to grab that and pull it out of your A$$ shows more racism than you even know. I've spent a great deal of my life observing the bleeding heart philosophy and have found that guilt is what drives it. And to be guilty of something means well hmmmmm...you know what it means.

Walks luck a duck....I call racist.

If TT were a white coach wearing his hat backwards and chest bumping the players, I GAURANTEE he'd get an even more brutal assessment than he recieved as a black coach. Now, how is that racist?

Posted by TommyJack on March 8, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage: The backward hat and bumps meant zilch with respect to coaching. Those that didn't care for it had as much right to not like it as those that thought it made him a good coach. Neither side was right or wrong.
As far as position coach is concerned...not sure that his last year here with WR's was all that stellar.JMO

Posted by JohnAdamsIsTrash on March 8, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolPowers

You better watch who you are calling a racist!! That just shows that you have no class and no argument so you must fall back on the race card. The truth is probably 70% of our team is Black and we cheer for them and care for them very much. That's why we get mad when our newspaper bashes them and their coaches. Race is not the issue here, stupidity is. You are stupid for making your racism comment and Trooper was stupid for making his Pluto comment!

All I'm saying is that if Troop wants to be the head man somewhere, he better quit acting like he's 21 years old!

I'm just trying to support the vols!! I love the vols!!

!!! Fire John Adams !!!

Posted by thesavageorange on March 8, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack ,I was speaking only about the enthusiasm part, not coaching ability.You kinda made my point.The hat has much to do about nothing, yet people keep bringing it up.

I think last yr's group was simply a product of Cut's offense.But he really was the one that got Meachem,Swain ,and Smith to finally start playing up to their potential.Like you,JMO.

Posted by GerryOP on March 8, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JohnAdamsMustGo, your screen name tells me all I need to know about YOUR maturity. It is probably past your bedtime. Now git goin'.

Posted by JohnAdamsIsTrash on March 8, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry, is John Adams your boy or something? Were you proud of him when he bashed our program on the radio in Alabama and Georgia?

By the way, it's spelled GET, not GIT! Shows alot about your intelligence huh!

!!! Fire John Adams !!!

Posted by gator4life on March 8, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just wondering guys...a lot of you say that TT should never say anything bad about his ex-employer, but I noticed a lot of you praised Drayton for doing the same thing about evil Urban Meyer. A double standard maybe? Just asking...

Posted by marinevol on March 9, 2008 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Where do these gator jerks keep coming from? Don't you guys have your own site you can post on? Try 4thintheeast.com or 1in6vsBrucePearl.com.

Posted by tngeoff on March 9, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pluto, three yards and a cloud of dust:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xS3YDBR81uw

Posted by pdhuff on March 9, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TT is not an employee of the UTAD. He works out West. The man is entitled to his opinion. Just as some are entitled not to like it. That's like pointing to other SEC team's ills with players. That doesn't make ours right.

If the shoe fits, wear it. If not, forget about it. Shelve it.

We have enuf to worry about coming up this fall rather than obsess over a departed recruiter. He's gone!

Posted by Rok_Etop on March 9, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Troop,
Turn the hat around or take it off or there will not be a HC job in the future. Honor you dad in another way.......ie......did you dad have teeth? If so think of him when you brush yours, or did you dad have feet? If so think of him when you put your shoes on......or think of him when you go to the bathroom..........lots of ways to honor your dad. Most of all you should honor him with your actions on a daily basis. No true judge of how you were raised than how you act. Would dad be proud about the Pluto comment? Turn around the hat! Good Luck at OKIE State. Go Vols

Posted by grvol on March 9, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why more articles about Trooper Taylor than Vols' new staff? Don't care about OK State.

Posted by tngeoff on March 9, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

grvol.

I agree with that which I didn't really post any real comments on this. This is a non story. I like the KNS, but I also didn't see the title fitting the story. Who cares what Trooper says now? I still like the guy and his comment is just that...a comment. People dissect the thing like it has some hidden secret message. Like grvol says...let's hear some info about what is happening in TENNESSEE football!

Posted by slovog on March 9, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is apparent that the years that TT spent at UT have hindered his development as a coach. If it hadn't been for the 4 years he spent in Knoxville, he most certainly would be a head coach by now. In fact, he would probably have a couple of national championships under his belt. Maybe a Super Bowl, too.

So, without a doubt, Phillip Fulmer has caused a disruption in Taylor's career and, therefore, must be removed from his position as UT's head coach. I join John Adams in his quest to remove the evil Phillip Fulmer from his post.

Posted by sjt18 on March 9, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I liked Trooper. I wish he could have stayed... but it was wise for them not to try to throw him a bone. He might have stayed for a "co-OC" position but that wouldn't have been fair to him or the new OC who hadn't yet been hired. It would have handicapped the search for a new OC who would have known they'd be sharing the job.

There are several indications that TT didn't like not being more considered for the OC job. There are indications that he didn't exactly have the best of attitudes at all times through the process.

In the end, he should just be a litte more careful what he says so no bridges are burned. We shouldn't read too much into whatever he says... and we should get on with the future.

BTW... shouldn't we disregard what he says since he isn't a man yet? He's only 38.

Posted by tngeoff on March 9, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18.

Good post. I like Trooper as well and his comment shouldn't be looked at through such a microscope. One could almost imagine that some of the posts are from people who just plain don't like him and probably never did. One comment in how many thousands of sentences has Trooper Taylor spoken and this one line is his swan song? Good grief.

Posted by pdhuff on March 10, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dangerous statement "maintain level of production". Methinks you're either going up or down, never maintaining anything anywhere in life.

Well, maybe "stay the course" is the same.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 10, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with SJT18's post.

Posted by Grim1 on March 10, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yeah

Posted by GoVol on March 10, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Under Fulmer it has been "3 yards and a cloud of dust" except on 3rd & 1. Then it's pound it for a 1/2 yard gain.

There have been so many critical 3rd & 1 situations with the game on the line and we couldn't get it....I can't count them all.

TT may be right, but he shouldn't be saying these things to the media...shows no class and lack of maturity.

Posted by Colliervol on March 10, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't particularly care if he made a comment about UT play-calling. We've all made comments about that. But, I repeat, he was hired for his prowess as a recruiter which is fine. Not racist to point that out. It is what it is. If he had been brought in for his outstanding offensive mind, Gundy would have made him the sole coordinator and would turn over the play-calling to him. But he didn't and three of them will "share" it. What does that tell you? It will mean Trooper still gets to do a lot of chest bumping because I don't think he'll be re-writing the playbook.

Posted by sjt18 on March 10, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Collier, that is probably true.

It sounds like Gundy just wanted his recruiting and did what was needed to get him. His better opportunity was probably Baylor... but that was his choice.

Posted by Colliervol on March 10, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No question sjt. But he did get a big raise and I never can blame a fellow for that. Got to make the money while you can.

Posted by pdhuff on March 10, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wish ol' Trooper well. More than one exiting person has fired one last shot afore disappearing over the horizon.

Who's our head recruiter now?

Posted by tngeoff on March 10, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

I'm not touching those words with a ten foot pole. But just to help me...are you referring to a "head recruiter" as the one who is in charge of recruiting?

Posted by pdhuff on March 10, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff - I will answer your inquiry thusly- There is no substitute anywhere for a genuine lack of preparation.

Posted by slovog on March 11, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You're correct, colliervol.

If TT had been ready for the job, someone would have nabbed him as an "OC" with no "co-" in front of it.

Everyone might just relax a minute. Trooper, in my estimation, didn't intend to take a dig at UT's program or coach. He has said many, many times how appreciative he is to the UT staff for the opportunity to be a big cog in a big program. It had it's desired result in that he was able to, in his opinion, move up the chain of command at a big program. It was never a mystery to anyone that Trooper would move away if he didn't find what he wanted at UT. He stated, over and over, that he wants to be a head coach and that he'd do what he needed to do to achieve that goal.

If you listened to "The Animal" during yesterday's Hyams show, TT was quoted as saying that he didn't at all intend to slight anyone or anything pertaining to UT.

Unless you're one of those folks who needs to be mad at someone, just let it ride.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff, Coach Scott seems to be the buzz if you are talking about who people think will fill TT's void.

I don't think they've named a recruiting coordinator.

Posted by matrosscbc on March 11, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Taylor is a used car salesman...no big loss for UT...Hell, I can swing a towel and raise the roof with the best of them...Im not sure Taylor even knows enough offense to add a wrinkle.......maybe he was talking about the towel?!?!

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Taylor is a good coach whose players excelled no matter where they put him. I have no idea how good of an OC he might make...

I think Gundy slicked him but we'll see how it works out.

Posted by pdhuff on March 11, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We'll see if Trooper will be missed or not.

You know what's kind of curious! The free pass Chavis has had thru all this. I guess many, me too, think that he has had little or nothing SEC-wise to work with for a while on the d-line. I've read where he's abhorent of recruiting. Phil is loyal, could sink him in the long run, we'll see.

I'm with sjt18, guys, this d-line thing is so crucial it could make us or sink us this season. Just remember, no pressure at KY got 50 laid on us!

Let's don't stay that course.

Posted by richvol on March 13, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It was more like less than a yard and a puff of dust to be accurate.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on March 13, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You all have the last name Taylor, The Taylor Bill of Rights??

Egocentric as hell isn't he? ANd a whole lot scary, glad you left Trooper. Hope you are happy there in Oklahoma, where every play starts and ends in a cloud of dust.

Hell everything there is done in a cloud of dust!

Posted by capstone4117 on March 24, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think what mr. taylor was trying to say is that he is glad to be with a team that runs the spread instead of a team that says they run the spread. you guys would eat your young.