Kiffin: 'Rolling up my sleeves and going to work' {at Tennessee }

Knoxville News Sentinel ^ | 12/1/8 | Drew Edwards

[SmithL]

Kiffin introduced as UT coach; will make $2 million in 2009

- Former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin was introduced today as the Vols’ 21st head football coach at a 2 p.m. press conference.

Kiffin will earn $2 million in 2009 and the contract will escalate to $2.75 million by its end in 2014, according to a release from UT distributed to the press just before today's press conference.

The deal averages $2.375 million over its six-year term and includes performance bonuses if certain goals are achieved.

"I'm rolling my sleeves up and going to work," said Kiffin, after being introduced. "I can promise you that no one is going to outwork me and no one is going to outwork my staff. It starts today."

Kiffin said he met with UT players for 41 minutes on Sunday night.

He thanks numerous people, including the outgoing UT staff saying "I don't think the University of Tennessee program would have been anywhere near where it is today without coach (Phillip) Fulmer."

He also thanked Raiders owner Al Davis, who has criticized Kiffin numerous times since dismissing him earlier this year.

Almost immediately in his speech, he addressed recruiting, a big concern considering the change in staff. He vowed to recruit nationally and look for "the best players in the United States."

He also said he would "put a fence around Tennessee," meaning he would not let top players escape to other colleges. He mentioned he would head to Memphis immediately to chase a top prospect.

Kiffin asked for patience in the announcement of his staff. "It's important that we do it right, not that we do it fast," he said. He added, however, that he is keeping four members of the present staff "right now."

[SmithL]

They thought Coach Kiffin would be impressed that they could play like the Raiders.

[deoetdoctrinae]

catchem, in December of ‘08 you wrote...

“Dear Mr. Kiffin; if the Tennessee Alumni will rip the soul out of a true son of UT like Phil Fullmer, what do you think they will do to you? Keep a clean spot under the bus; it won’t be long....”

You were right on the mark about it not being long, but it looks like Lane has thrown HIMSELF under the bus. Good luck in Kommyfornia, Coach Kiffin. You’ll need it.