Jimmy’s blog: Schiano MOU invalid, according to UT bylaws

Jimmy’s blog: Schiano MOU invalid, according to UT bylaws

Posted on December 8, 2017

By Jimmy Hyams

The memorandum of understanding Greg Schiano signed to be Tennessee’s next football coach is invalid, based on UT’s contract policy bylaws.

Schiano and then-UT athletic director John Currie are the only ones who signed the MOU Nov. 26, according to sources.

The agreement was for six years and would have paid Schiano an average of about $4.5 million per year.

UT Chancellor Beverly Davenport, through spokesman Ryan Robinson, did not sign the MOU. But whether she signed it or not is immaterial, according to UT’s policy.

The policy said the Chancellor only has the authority to sign “delegated contracts’’ – contracts for $100,000 or less. Any contract over $100,000 is considered a non-delegated contract.

To make a non-delegated contract official, it must be signed by UT’s Chief Financial Officer, who is David L. Miller.

The Schiano MOU was not signed by UT president Dr. Joe DiPietro, sources said. His signature would have made the contract valid.

Miller signed the Dec. 7 MOU of UT’s new football coach, Jeremy Pruitt. Davenport, athletic director Phillip Fulmer and Pruitt also signed the document.

Item 28 under UT’s Contracting Authority section Delegated Contracts states:

“All non-delegated contracts must be signed by an officer of the University (as defined in the University Bylaws, Article IV, Section I). Chancellors are only authorized to sign non-delegated contracts related to their campus/institute, and the Chief Financial Officer must also be a signatory on any non-delegated contract signed by a Chancellor.’’

However, Section 23 states that while all contracts must be signed by a university officer, it does add “unless authority to sign the specific type of contract is delegated to specific campus/institute officials.’’

Currie is not named on the list of officials authorized to sign contracts on behalf of UT to make it approved.

This does not preclude Schiano from pursing legal action if he desires.

It does make you wonder if UT is on stronger legal ground based on its bylaws.

By the way, Sports Radio WNML’s Freedom of Information request Nov. 27 to see the MOU signed by Schiano and Currie has not been provided yet.

In a response from UT dated Dec. 5, the document was not provided within the allotted seven days because “the office is still in the process of retrieving, reviewing and/or redacting the requested records.’’

Considering it doesn’t take seven days to review or redact any names, the only plausible explanation is that UT doesn’t have a copy of the MOU.

The time “reasonably necessary to produce the record(s)’’ requested is Dec. 11, according to the response WNML received from UT.

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Watch Blake Shelton Dance in His Undies Thanks to Some Digital Deception by Ellen DeGeneres

Watch Blake Shelton Dance in His Undies Thanks to Some Digital Deception by Ellen DeGeneres

Posted on December 8, 2017

Gwen Stefani sat down with Ellen DeGeneres for an interview today (Dec. 8), and it didn’t long for the hostess to start poking a little fun at Gwen’s boyfriend, Blake Shelton, People’s Sexiest Man Alive.

Ellen utilized some digital deception to depict Blake in his skivvies during a recent duet with Gwen on The Voice.

“He’s just full of himself now,” Ellen said jokingly. “His name’s on his underwear. Wonder where he go that idea?”

Check out Ellen’s whitey-tighty trickery below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bye513KciIk

photo by Jason Simanek

First Round of Performers Announced for Charlie Daniels’ 2018 “Volunteer Jam” Concert

First Round of Performers Announced for Charlie Daniels’ 2018 “Volunteer Jam” Concert

Posted on December 8, 2017

The first round of performers have been announced for Charlie Daniels’ 2018 all-star concert on March 7 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute to Charlie will feature performances by Charlie Daniels and The Charlie Daniels Band, Alison Krauss, Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Bobby Bare, Chris Janson, Chuck Leavell, Eddie Montgomery, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs and more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Since its inception in 1974, Charlie’s Volunteer Jam has brought together some of music’s biggest stars. Now, 43 years later, an all-star lineup of musicians will come together to honor Charlie. A portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit The Journey Home Project, an organization that supports U.S. military veterans.

Tickets go on sale December 8 at 10 a.m. CT.

photo by Jason Simanek

Inspired by the “Honesty in Waylon Jennings’ Music,” Chris Stapleton Is All About Making a “Connection” With Fans

Inspired by the “Honesty in Waylon Jennings’ Music,” Chris Stapleton Is All About Making a “Connection” With Fans

Posted on December 8, 2017

It’s no secret Chris Stapleton holds Waylon Jennings in high esteem. Chris is quick to cite Waylon as one of his seminal influences, and critics are fond of drawing comparisons between the two artists famous for their powerful voices and gritty lyrics.

“[Waylon is] in a lot of what I do, whether I am trying or not, just like a lot of other guys and heroes,” says Chris to Nash Country Daily. “If you listen to someone enough, you don’t necessarily have to try to emulate them, they will wind up in what you do. Hopefully it will make people feel like there’s a connection there.”

If you’ve seen Chris perform live, there’s a good chance you’ve felt the aforementioned “connection” as he covered one of Waylon’s songs, perhaps “Ain’t Living Long Like This,” “Amanda” or “Outlaw Bit.”

“There’s a lot of, a lot of honesty in Waylon Jennings’ music . . . he had his own sound, and I think that’s something that everybody that plays music is always looking to try to get to—whatever that may be—and sometimes you wind up having your own sound and you don’t know that you’re doing that, but I think they were just playing music and having fun and you can hear that. What you got on a recording was pretty much what you were gonna hear when you went to watch ’em play and that informs things that I do, you know? You try to keep it as straight ahead as you can and don’t go doing too many things that you can’t show up and play live for the people.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFTedYeP-vQ

photo by Jason Simanek

Big Day: Luke Bryan Releases New Album, Makes the Media Rounds & Celebrates 11th Wedding Anniversary

Big Day: Luke Bryan Releases New Album, Makes the Media Rounds & Celebrates 11th Wedding Anniversary

Posted on December 8, 2017

Luke Bryan got his wife, Caroline, a big ol’ diamond ring for their 10th wedding anniversary on Dec. 8, 2016.

This year, Luke may have to get Caroline the matching necklace.

Today (Dec. 8), Luke released his sixth studio album, What Makes You Country—yup, his 11th wedding anniversary.

Luke is in New York City making the media rounds, including appearances on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallen and Ellen, which means he won’t be spending a romantic evening at home with the wifey.

“So I am very good about anniversaries and stuff like that, but when we were planning the album and putting it out, we were throwing all these dates around,” said Luke to Nash morning show Ty, Kelly & Chuck. “I’m at the house, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, Baby, I’ll be up in New York and the album comes out the eighth.’ She looked at me and goes, ‘Hmm, interesting day for an album release.’ And I said, ‘I’m sorry, Baby.’ And then you try to spin it. ‘Well, Baby, just come to New York and we’ll eat great food and we’ll walk and go look at people at Rockefeller Plaza.’ She’s like, ‘You work 20 hours a days during album release [week] . . . but I’ll be there.’”

Produced by Jeff Stevens and Jody Stevens, What Makes You Country features 15 songs, seven of which were co-written by Luke, including the title track. The album’s lead single, “Light It Up,” is currently No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 15 weeks.

“My favorite part of making a new album is getting to collaborate with the songwriting community in this town,” said Luke. “It is important to me to continue to push myself to grow on all levels and I feel like we did that on this project. Making and performing music never gets old and I can honestly say I am having the time of my life. I will be forever grateful to every fan who sings along each night.”

What Makes You Country Track List & Songwriters

  1. “What Makes You Country” – Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley
  2. “Out of Nowhere” – Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley
  3. “Light It Up” – Luke Bryan, Brad Tursi
  4. “Most People Are Good” – David Frasier, Ed Hill, Josh Kear
  5. “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” – Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd, Chase McGill
  6. “Bad Lovers” – Justin Wilson, Dallas Davidson, Kyle Fishman
  7. “Drinking Again” – David Lee Murphy, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
  8. “Land of a Million Songs” – Luke Bryan, Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
  9. “Like You Say You Do” – Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Ashley Gorley
  10. “Hooked On It” – Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, David Lee Murphy
  11. “She’s A Hot One” – Michael Carter, Chase McGill
  12. “Hungover In a Hotel Room” – Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear
  13. “Pick It Up” – Luke Bryan, Rodney Clawson, Matthew Dragstrem
  14. “Driving This Thing” – Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Jody Stevens
  15. “Win Life” – Rodney Clawson, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon

photo by Jason Simanek

Smith Named To SEC All-Freshman Team

Smith Named To SEC All-Freshman Team

Posted on December 7, 2017
Vols OT Trey Smith / Credit: UT Athletics

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Tennessee freshman offensive lineman Trey Smith has been named to the 2017 Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Football Team, as announced by the conference office on Thursday.

The team was voted on by the league’s head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own players.

Smith was named to the Coaches All-SEC Second Team on Tuesday and earned AP All-SEC Second Team honors on Monday.

Smith is Tennessee’s first offensive player to earn SEC All-Freshman honors since Chance Hall in 2015.

The Jackson, Tennessee, native was the only Tennessee offensive lineman to start all 12 games for the Vols in 2017. He had eight starts at right guard, three at left tackle and one at left guard. Smith led the Vols in pancakes and was UT’s second-highest rated offensive lineman behind only senior Jashon Robertson. Smith became the first Tennessee true freshman to start at left tackle in at least 30 years.

Smith made several highlight reels with his physical blocking style and showed the poise of a veteran player despite 2017 being his first year of college football. Smith’s blocking helped pave the way for career-best seasons by running backs John Kelly(778 rushing yards), Ty Chandler (305 yards) and Carlin Fils-aime (215 yards).

Smith, who is also a candidate for Freshman All-America honors, was the No. 1 overall rated player in the nation in 2017 recruiting according to ESPN.com.

-UT Athletics

 

Jimmy’s blog: Media that covered Pruitt have high praise

Posted on December 7, 2017

 

By Jimmy Hyams

The Nick Saban tree has found its way to Knoxville again.

The last two times, it didn’t end well. Derek Dooley was fired after three years as Tennessee’s coach and his demise was defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri, who spearheaded the worst defense in Tennessee history.

This time around, Tennessee has landed Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, news we broke last night. Pruitt, 43, was offered the job Wednesday, accepted it, then had his agent, Jimmy Sexton, finalize the details Friday morning.

After talking to other coaches and media that have covered Pruitt, there’s no doubt in my mind he is a much better hire than Dooley or Sunseri.

OK, call me Captain Obvious. But I talked to some of the same coaches who thought the Dooley and Sunseri hires would be a disaster and they don’t feel the same way about Pruitt.

In fact, many in the coaching fraternity highly endorse him.

One coach told me Pruitt has an excellent defensive mind, relates well to players, recruits at a top-notch level and sees the big picture.

Another coach said that Pruitt was able to get defensive players to play fast because they understand what he asked of them. His defenses are not so simple that they are easy to attack, but not so complicated that players didn’t know what to do.

It’s important that coaches know what their players know, and Pruitt has that ability.

Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, who covered Pruitt for two years, said Pruitt’s imprint on recruiting was all over the state of Georgia as he helped land linebacker Roquan Smith and receiver Micole Hardman.

Towers said it appears Pruitt was a “desperate hire’’ but could turn out to be a “great hire’’ for Tennessee.

Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News praised Pruitt’s ability to relate to players. He also said Pruitt is more of a gambler and blitzer on defense compared to former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, now Georgia’s head coach.

Scarbinsky is also convinced Pruitt will bring a toughness to the Tennessee program that has lacked for several years.

Scarbinsky said Pruitt is a “`man of few words’’ who has an “edge’’ to him.

Scarbinsky said Pruitt is very demanding of players but still relates well to them.

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Wade Bowen Talks About His Texas Roots, Early Influences, Touring, Upcoming 2018 Album & More + Performs 2 New Songs

Wade Bowen Talks About His Texas Roots, Early Influences, Touring, Upcoming 2018 Album & More + Performs 2 New Songs

Posted on December 7, 2017

Jim Casey talks with Wade Bowen about:

  • his 2002 debut album, Try Not to Listen
  • his musical upbringing as a kid in Waco, Texas
  • getting serious about music as an 18-year-old
  • discovering his soulful voice
  • starting his first band, West 84, while at Texas Tech
  • earning a Public Relations degree from Texas Tech
  • working at the family company, Bowen Electric, for two years
  • focusing on songwriting over the last 15 years
  • music his parents listened to when he was young
  • being influenced by artists like Guy Clark and Bruce Springsteen
  • making his new album, Solid Ground, which will drop on Feb. 9
  • the “Texas feel” of his new album
  • working with songwriters Andrew Combs, Keith Gattis, Charlie Worsham, Angaleena Presley and more on the new album
  • working with producer Keith Gattis on the new album
  • choosing to hone his craft in Texas instead of moving to Nashville
  • his single, “Acuna,” reaching the Top 5 on the Texas Radio chart
  • getting Jack Ingram and Miranda Lambert to contribute vocals on new song “So Long 6th Street”
  • writing “Couldn’t Make You Love Me” with Audley Freed and Keith Gattis
  • the melting pot of talent on the new album
  • teaming with Randy Rogers and Kip Moore for the Tall Tales and the Truth Tour
  • playing MusicFest at Steamboat, Colorado, for the 16th year in 2018
  • spending time with his two sons and wife over Christmas

Participants:

  • Wade Bowen
  • Jim Casey, NCD editor in chief

Performance:

  • “Acuna” and “Day of the Dead” from upcoming album, Solid Ground
  • Wade: vocals, guitar, harmonica
  • Will Knaak: lead guitar, background vocals

Jeremy Pruitt to be Introduced Thursday as Tennessee’s Next Head Football Coach, PC at 6:05

Jeremy Pruitt to be Introduced Thursday as Tennessee’s Next Head Football Coach, PC at 6:05

Posted on December 7, 2017
Jeremy Pruitt – UT HC / Credit: UT Athletics

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Beverly Davenport and Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer will hold a press conference Thursday at 6:05 p.m. ET in the Peyton Manning Locker Room to introduce Jeremy Pruitt as Tennessee’s next head football coach.

“Six days ago, I mentioned several attributes that I sought to find in the next leader of our football program, and Coach Pruitt meets all criteria” Fulmer said. “I’m certain he appreciates the unique opportunity to lead a program of Tennessee’s caliber. He’s driven to win at the highest level. He will honor our university’s values, operate with integrity and be a role model for our student-athletes.

“I know Coach Pruitt will hit the ground running and go to work restoring our program to a championship level.”

Pruitt becomes the 26th head coach in Tennessee football history. He takes the helm of the Volunteers program after cementing himself as the nation’s top defensive coordinator during stints at Alabama (2016-17), Georgia (2014-15) and Florida State (2013).

The Rainsville, Alabama, native was part of three national championships (2009, 2011, 2012) on the staff of the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2012 and was the defensive coordinator during the Seminoles’ undefeated national championship season in 2013. He was a standout high school coach before joining the Alabama staff as the Director of Player Development in 2007. Pruitt played college football at Middle Tennessee and for the Crimson Tide.

The two-time Broyles Award finalist owns a 128-31 record as a collegiate assistant coach and was named the National Recruiter of the Year by 247Sports in 2012.

He has coached 34 NFL Draft picks and 11 first-team All-Americans. The list of players coached by Pruitt reads like a who’s who of college football’s top defensive standouts this decade and includes Butkus Award (nation’s top LB) winner Reuben Foster, National Defensive Player of the Year Jonathan Allen, top 10 NFL draft picks Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, Mark Barron and Dee Milliner, and current NFL stars Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Dre Kirkpatrick, Lamarcus Joyner and Telvin Smith.

Pruitt served as the defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach during his second stint with the Crimson Tide in 2016 and 2017, leading an Alabama team that topped the nation in scoring defense and advanced to the College Football Playoff both seasons.

Prior to his return to Alabama, Pruitt was the defensive coordinator/secondary coach for two seasons at Georgia, guiding the nation’s No. 1 pass defense in 2015 and leading a squad that finished in the top 20 nationally in scoring defense, pass defense and total defense in 2014.

Pruitt’s first defensive coordinator job came at Florida State in 2013 where he also coached the defensive backs. The Seminoles led the nation in scoring defense (12.1 ppg), pass defense (156.6) and interceptions (26) en route to a 14-0 record and the BCS National Championship in his lone season with the Garnet and Gold.

Pruitt served as the defensive backs coach at Alabama from 2010 to 2012, helping the Crimson Tide win back-to-back BCS National Championships in 2011 and 2012.

-UT Athletics

 

Cheers, Dierks Bentley Is a Good Human . . . and We’ve Got Proof

Cheers, Dierks Bentley Is a Good Human . . . and We’ve Got Proof

Posted on December 7, 2017

Dierks Bentley is a good human, as evidenced by the many humanitarian efforts he has been a part of, including Miles & Music for Kids, a motorcycle ride/concert that has raised more than $4 million for charities over the years.

In recognition of his philanthropic endeavors, Dierks is being honored by the Country Radio Broadcasters as the recipient of the CRS 2018 Artist Humanitarian Award, which was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career. Past recipients of the annual award have included Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others.

In addition to spearheading Miles and Music for Kids for 10 years, Dierks has helped raise more than $500,000 for the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, and he has helped shine a spotlight on local Nashville nonprofit organizations such as Safe Haven Family Shelter.

Dierks will receive the Artist Humanitarian Award at the opening ceremonies of Country Radio Seminar 2018 in Nashville on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018.

photo by Jason Simanek

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