Jimmy’s blog: UT president, chancellor didn’t sign Schiano MOU

Jimmy’s blog: UT president, chancellor didn’t sign Schiano MOU

By Jimmy Hyams

Tennessee’s Memorandum of Understanding with candidate Greg Schiano was signed Sunday by Schiano and UT athletic director John Currie, sources confirmed.

It was not signed by Chancellor Beverly Davenport and UT president Dr. Joe DiPietro, sources said.

Whether that makes the MOU invalid remains to be seen.

And whether UT will have to pay Schiano some sum of money is undetermined.

According to a source, the offer to Schiano: 6 years, about $4.5 million per year.

Schiano has been defensive coordinator at Ohio State for the past two years. He was head coach at Rutgers for 11 years and head coach of Tampa Bay Bucs for two seasons.

Schiano was hired by Currie Sunday, but a huge backlash from fans, media, UT legislators and businessmen led UT officials to part ways with Schiano over concerns that he witnessed former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky molest a young boy and failed to report it to the proper authorities.

There has never been any proof Schiano witnessed any such incident. Schiano denied it. So did former Penn State coach Tom Bradley, who was on the staff with Schiano and Sandusky.


Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all

Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell & More React to Their Grammy Nominations

Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell & More React to Their Grammy Nominations

After the nominations for the 60th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning, many country stars—including Reba McEntire, Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and more—posted their reactions to the great news via social media. Check out some of the responses below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcCyzVShqb5/

photo by Jason Simanek

Jimmy’s blog: UT coaching search focuses on Gundy

Jimmy’s blog: UT coaching search focuses on Gundy

 

By Jimmy Hyams

With Duke coach David Cutcliffe and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell out of the picture, Tennessee has turned its coaching search focus to Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.

Three sources told me UT has interviewed Gundy, perhaps in Dallas. UT offered Gundy in 2012 but he declined.

Many felt Gundy used the 2012 offer to leverage Oklahoma State – where he played quarterback – and to gain more power in a struggle with key booster T. Boone Pickens.

Is Gundy doing that again this time? Or is he seriously interested in coming to Knoxville?

Other potential candidates: SMU coach Chad Morris, Auburn DC Kevin Steele, Alabama DC Jeremy Pruitt, Clemson DC Brent Venables, Memphis coach Mike Norvell, Purdue coach Jeff Brohm. Pruitt and Venables have interviewed at Mississippi State.

If Gundy says no, I think the top three candidates are Morris, Steele and Pruitt.

I like Norvell, but for whatever reason, he has fallen down the UT list by the decision makers, I’m told

Another name that has cropped up: Kevin Sumlin, who was fired by Texas A&M.

Former Texas and North Carolina coach Mack Brown had his name floated by CBS analyst Rick Neuheisel, but it doesn’t appear as though Brown is in the picture.

Meanwhile, sources have told me former UT coach Phillip Fulmer wasn’t very involved in the coaching search initially that reached an agreement with Greg Schiano before it was nixed.

I’m told Fulmer will be more involved in the second search.


Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all

Lanco Announces Jan. 19 Release of Debut Album, “Hallelujah Nights”

Lanco Announces Jan. 19 Release of Debut Album, “Hallelujah Nights”

Riding high from the momentum of their current No. 1 single, “Greatest Love Story,” Lanco announced the Jan. 19 release of their debut album, Hallelujah Nights.

The Southern five-piece band—which consists of Brandon Lancaster, Chandler Baldwin, Jared Hampton, Tripp Howell and Eric Steedly—shared a four-song video trailer for the album via YouTube.

Every tune on the 11-song offering was penned or co-penned by Lanco frontman Brandon Lancaster.

“We all go through more of the same experiences than we realize and songwriting is a process of observing those moments,” said Brandon. “Our stories have different people, different names, different places, but they all have the same emotions attached to them. It’s not fantasy related. To me, this album is about glorifying the reality of life.”

Hallelujah Nights Track List & Songwriters

  1. “Born to Love You” (Brandon Lancaster/Ross Copperman/Ashley Gorley/Josh Osborne)
  2. “Long Live Tonight” (Brandon Lancaster/Jason Reeves)
  3. “Pick You Up” (Brandon Lancaster/Jeremy Spillman/Ben West)
  4. “Greatest Love Story” (Brandon Lancaster)
  5. “We Do” (Brandon Lancaster)
  6. “Trouble Maker” (Brandon Lancaster/Jay Joyce/Jeremy Spillman)
  7. “Singin’ at the Stars” (Brandon Lancaster/Jeremy Spillman)
  8. “Win You Over” (Brandon Lancaster)
  9. “So Long (I Do)” (Brandon Lancaster/Melissa Fuller/Jay Joyce)
  10. “Middle of the Night” (Brandon Lancaster)
  11. “Hallelujah Nights” (Brandon Lancaster/Jay Joyce/Jeremy Spillman)

photo courtesy of The GreenRoom

Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Midland, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, Jason Isbell & More Earn Multiple Grammy Nominations

Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Midland, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, Jason Isbell & More Earn Multiple Grammy Nominations

Nominations for the 2018 Grammy Awards were announced this morning (Nov. 28).

While country artists were absent in the four all-genre categories (Record, Album, Song and Best New Artist of the Year), a handful of country artists secured multiple nominations.

Chris Stapleton picked up three nominations for Best Country Solo Performance (“Either Way”), Best Country Song (“Broken Halos”) and Best Country Album (From A Room: Vol. 1).

Miranda Lambert earned two nods for Best Country Solo Performance (“Tin Man”) and Best Country Song (“Tin Man”), while Sam Hunt scored two nominations for Best Country Solo Performance (“Body Like A Back Road”) and Best Country Song (“Body Like A Back Road”).

Midland’s “Drinkin’ Problem” picked up two nominations for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Country Song. Little Big Town copped two nominations for Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Better Man”) and Best Country Album (The Breaker), while Lady Antebellum netted two nominations for Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“You Look Good”) and Best Country Album (Heart Break).

Reba McEntire’s Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope earned a nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album. Glen Campbell’s “Arkansas Farmboy” was nominated for Best American Roots Performance.

Jason Isbell was nominated for Best American Roots Song (“If We Were Vampires”) and Best American Roots Album (The Nashville Sound), while Alison Krauss was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance (“Losing You”) and Best American Roots Performance (“I Never Cared For You”).

The winners will be announced on Jan. 28, 2018, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Check out the full list of nominees in the country, Americana, bluegrass and roots music below.

Best Country Solo Performance 

  • “Body Like A Back Road”—Sam Hunt
  • “Losing You”—Alison Krauss
  • “Tin Man”—Miranda Lambert
  • “I Could Use A Love Song”—Maren Morris
  • “Either Way”—Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance 

  • “It Ain’t My Fault”—Brothers Osborne
  • “My Old Man”—Zac Brown Band
  • “You Look Good”—Lady Antebellum
  • “Better Man”—Little Big Town
  • “Drinkin’ Problem”—Midland

Best Country Song (awarded to songwriters)

  • “Better Man”—Taylor Swift (Little Big Town)
  • “Body Like A Back Road”—Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally & Josh Osborne (Sam Hunt)
  • “Broken Halos”—Mike Henderson & Chris Stapleton (Chris Stapleton)
  • “Drinkin’ Problem”—Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne & Mark Wystrach (Midland)
  • “Tin Man”—Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert & Jon Randall (Miranda Lambert)

Best Country Album

  • Cosmic Hallelujah—Kenny Chesney
  • Heart Break—Lady Antebellum
  • The Breaker—Little Big Town
  • Life Changes—Thomas Rhett
  • From A Room: Volume 1—Chris Stapleton

Best Roots Gospel Album

  • The Best Of The Collingsworth Family – Volume 1—The Collingsworth Family
  • Give Me Jesus—Larry Cordle
  • Resurrection—Joseph Habedank
  • Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope—Reba McEntire
  • Hope For All Nations—Karen Peck & New River

Best American Roots Performance

  • “Killer Diller Blues”—Alabama Shakes
  • “Let My Mother Live”—Blind Boys Of Alabama
  • “Arkansas Farmboy”—Glen Campbell
  • “Steer Your Way”—Leonard Cohen
  • “I Never Cared For You”—Alison Krauss

Best American Roots Song (awarded to songwriters)

  • “Cumberland Gap”—David Rawlings & Gillian Welch (David Rawlings)
  • “I Wish You Well”—Raul Malo & Alan Miller (The Mavericks)
  • “If We Were Vampires”—Jason Isbell (Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit)
  • “It Ain’t Over Yet”—Rodney Crowell (Rodney Crowell Featuring Rosanne Cash & John Paul White)
  • “My Only True Friend”—Gregg Allman & Scott Sharrard (Gregg Allman)

Best Americana Album

  • Southern Blood—Gregg Allman
  • Shine On Rainy Day—Brent Cobb
  • Beast Epic—Iron & Wine
  • The Nashville Sound—Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit
  • Brand New Day—The Mavericks

Best Bluegrass Album

  • Fiddler’s Dream—Michael Cleveland
  • Laws Of Gravity—The Infamous Stringdusters
  • Original—Bobby Osborne
  • Universal Favorite—Noam Pikelny
  • All The Rage: In Concert Volume One [Live]—Rhonda Vincent And The Rage

photo by Jason Simanek

John Currie: UT Carefully Interviewed, Vetted Greg Schiano

John Currie: UT Carefully Interviewed, Vetted Greg Schiano

Tennessee athletic director John Currie released a statement Monday morning to address what occurred Sunday when the Vols pursued Greg Schiano to be their new football coach.

Here’s the full statement from Currie:

“As we began our search for our next head football coach earlier this month, I promised that I would pour all my energy and effort into this process.

I have followed Coach Schiano’s accomplishments throughout his career and have been fortunate to get to know him and his family over the last several years. As reported by the media, he was a leading candidate for our position. Among the most respected professional and college football coaches, he is widely regarded as an outstanding leader who develops tough, competitive teams and cares deeply about his student-athletes.

We carefully interviewed and vetted him, as we do candidates for all positions. He received the highest recommendations for character, family values and commitment to academic achievement and student-athlete welfare from his current and former athletics directors, players, coaching colleagues and experienced media figures.

Coach Schiano worked at Penn State from 1990-1995. Consequently, we, of course, carefully reviewed the 2012 investigation report by Louis Freeh. Coach Schiano is not mentioned in the Freeh report and was not one of the more than 400 people interviewed in the investigation. We also confirmed that Coach Schiano was never deposed and never asked to testify in any criminal or civil matter. And, we conferred with our colleagues at The Ohio State University, who had conducted a similar inquiry after the 2016 release of testimony. I know that Coach Schiano will continue to have great success in his coaching career and wish him and his family well.

I am grateful for your patience as our search for the next leader for the Tennessee football program continues, and I look forward to making that introduction soon.”

-UT Athletics

 

Jimmy’s blog: Tennessee bungles deal with Schiano

By Jimmy Hyams

After the Greg Schiano fiasco and the fan backlash, Tennessee is back to the drawing board trying to find a coach to replace Butch Jones.

I’ve never seen anything quite like what transpired Sunday afternoon.

When word was leaked that Schiano was going to be hired by Tennessee, fans and social media ripped the decision on twitter and facebook and every where else they could.

Protestors painted The Rock on campus and lined up outside Neyland Stadium and other campus spots to voice their displeasure over hiring a man who might or might not have seen Jerry Sandusky molest a young boy at Penn State.

In documents released in the summer of 2016, Schiano says he didn’t. Whistle blower Mike McQueary said he was told Schiano did. Another assistant, Tom Bradley, said he wasn’t aware of Schiano seeing anything regarding Sandusky.

Schiano has worked at Ohio State as defensive coordinator since December 2015 – hired before the report as published.

I don’t recall any backlash at Ohio State when the story was reported, but there is now – some protestors have lined up to say Schiano should be fired.

Unfortunately in our society, you are now guilty until proven innocent.

If Schiano is innocent, his treatment by fans and media and politicians is abhorrent. His reputation has been ruined. And for people on emotional rants to call him a child molester is absurd and irresponsible.

If Schiano did know about Sandusky and didn’t report it, shame on Schiano. But there is no proof of this.

Problem is, I don’t know the truth. And most people don’t either.

Even not knowing the truth for sure, I wouldn’t have hired Schiano. He wasn’t on my list. Not because he can’t coach. Because you don’t roll the dice on a hire like this. I expected some backlash, but nothing like this.

Some have argued that Currie didn’t vet Schiano and should have hired a search firm.

I disagree. I have no doubt Currie vetted Schiano – and he said so in a statement. He didn’t need a search firm to research Schiano’s past and read the article that appeared about 16 months ago.

What he needed was better judgment.

He’s not the only one. I have no doubt Peyton Manning and Jimmy Haslam signed off on the hiring of Schiano. Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns, wanted to hire Schiano at Cleveland several years ago but was talked out of it by others in the front office, according to one article I read.

Manning was surely on board. He texted a number of former Vols asking for their support of Schiano.

Heath Shuler texted his support for Schiano and got about 500 negative responses.

Shuler said didn’t know about Schiano’s possible knowledge of the Sandusky situation when he sent the text.

I am convinced some of the backlash is not just about Schiano’s background but about UT not hiring Jon Gruden.

So many fans were so invested – like they were in 2012 – that hiring anyone else but Curry would be a disappointment.

Gruden didn’t feel the need to announce he wasn’t a candidate because he never made it known he was a candidate.

Currie probably liked the attention from fans and media diverted to Gruden so he could conduct his search in private.

Currie might regret that decision now – just as he must regret hiring Schiano, then being forced to nullify the deal by the Tennessee administration.

Schiano signed a memorandum of understanding. I’m sure Currie did, too. I don’t know if UT’s chancellor or president did. Did that document need the signatures of UT’s chancellor and president to make it valid? Maybe they did.

If so, what does UT owe Schiano to negate the deal?

I don’t know that answer – yet. But it could millions.

I also don’t know where Currie looks next.

I have no doubt the pool of candidates has been limited based on the Schiano disaster.

I do know that former LSU coach Les Miles called a prominent UT booster Sunday night to inquire about the LSU job.

My top two candidates are David Cutcliffe and Kevin Steele.

I don’t know if Cutcliffe would leave Duke, where going 6-6 and making a bowl game is acceptable. He did a terrific job as offensive coordinator at Tennessee and coached both the Mannings – Peyton and Eli.

And Steele, as defensive coordinator at Auburn, just beat Alabama, whipped Georgia and has the Tigers in contention for the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff.

Steele is a former player and assistant at Tennessee. He also has worked for five coaches who have won a national championship.

UT could do a lot worse.

It already has.


Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all

Check Out How Some of Your Favorite Country Stars Spent Thanksgiving

Check Out How Some of Your Favorite Country Stars Spent Thanksgiving

From Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton to Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert, check out how some of your favorite country artists celebrated Thanksgiving via Instagram.

We all hope you have a great #thanksgivingdinner . We miss you Jordan & Kris.

A post shared by Luke Bryan Official (@lukebryan) on

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

A post shared by Chris Janson (@thechrisjanson) on

Had the best thanksgiving ❤️gx

A post shared by Gwen Stefani (@gwenstefani) on

I’m thankful for you because you put up with me, @ryanhurd . ✨✨✨

A post shared by Maren Morris (@marenmorris) on

my 2 favs every holiday 😍🍷 #happythanksgiving y'all!

A post shared by c a r l y p e a r c e (@carlypearce) on

Them: Are you excited to be a part of the #MacysParade? Me:

A post shared by Lauren Alaina (@laurenalaina) on

Full belly. Full heart. More thankful than ever. Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and family!

A post shared by Morgan Evans (@morganevansmusic) on

Family GO-KART race for the Turkey🦃

A post shared by Brett Eldredge (@bretteldredge) on

Things to be thankful for… a hot husband and baby goats. 🦃🐐#hebthanksgivingdayparade

A post shared by R A E L Y N N (@raelynnofficial) on

Sure have a lot to be thankful for and most of it is because of you guys! #HappyThanksgiving!!

A post shared by Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) on

Dear 🦃… I love you #happythanksgiving

A post shared by Chris Young (@chrisyoungmusic) on

Ghosty’s 1st Thanksgiving in a home! 👻

A post shared by Dan Smyers (@dansmyers) on

Happy Thanksgiving! #macysthanksgivingdayparade

A post shared by Dustin Lynch (@dustinlynchmusic) on

Thankful.

A post shared by Granger Smith (@grangersmith) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb2jmFflf3i/?taken-by=kanebrown_music

photo by Jason Simanek

John Currie: UT Carefully Interviewed, Vetted Greg Schiano

John Currie: UT Carefully Interviewed, Vetted Greg Schiano

Tennessee Athletic Director John Currie released a statement Monday morning to address what occurred Sunday when the Vols pursued Greg Schiano to be their new football coach.

Here’s the full statement from Currie:

“As we began our search for our next head football coach earlier this month, I promised that I would pour all my energy and effort into this process.

I have followed Coach Schiano’s accomplishments throughout his career and have been fortunate to get to know him and his family over the last several years. As reported by the media, he was a leading candidate for our position. Among the most respected professional and college football coaches, he is widely regarded as an outstanding leader who develops tough, competitive teams and cares deeply about his student-athletes.

We carefully interviewed and vetted him, as we do candidates for all positions. He received the highest recommendations for character, family values and commitment to academic achievement and student-athlete welfare from his current and former athletics directors, players, coaching colleagues and experienced media figures.

Coach Schiano worked at Penn State from 1990-1995. Consequently, we, of course, carefully reviewed the 2012 investigation report by Louis Freeh. Coach Schiano is not mentioned in the Freeh report and was not one of the more than 400 people interviewed in the investigation. We also confirmed that Coach Schiano was never deposed and never asked to testify in any criminal or civil matter. And, we conferred with our colleagues at The Ohio State University, who had conducted a similar inquiry after the 2016 release of testimony. I know that Coach Schiano will continue to have great success in his coaching career and wish him and his family well.

I am grateful for your patience as our search for the next leader for the Tennessee football program continues, and I look forward to making that introduction soon.”

Cole Swindell to Launch 1st Major Headlining Tour in 2018 With Lauren Alaina & Chris Janson

Cole Swindell to Launch 1st Major Headlining Tour in 2018 With Lauren Alaina & Chris Janson

Fresh off of the release of his Down Home Sessions IV EP on Nov. 24, Cole Swindell has announced a new Reason to Drink Tour.

The tour, which will be Cole’s first major headlining gig, will kick off on Feb. 15 with openers Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina.

“I am excited to be able to take everything I have learned while on the road the last four years watching all that Luke [Bryan], Jason [Aldean], Kenny [Chesney], Dierks [Bentley] and [Florida Georgia Line] did as headliners,” said Cole. “Everything from how they treat their fans and their high-energy performances, to how they treated everyone on the tour. They were great examples of how much work it takes for a successful tour. I can honestly say I’ve learned from the very best in the business. I’m ready to get out there with two of my friends, Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina. Start to finish, it’s going to be an amazing show and we’re ready to share it with you all.”

Pre-sale tickets go on sale on Nov. 28. Tickets go on sale to the public in most markets on Dec. 1.

Reason to Drink Tour

February 15
Allentown, PA
PPL Center

February 16
Manchester, NH
SNHU Arena

February 17
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Arena

*February 22
Brookings, SD
Swiftel Center

February 23
Madison, WI
The Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center

*February 24
Columbia, MO
Mizzou Arena

March 2
Hershey, PA
Giant Center

March 3
Kingston, RI
Ryan Center

*March 8
Asheville, NC
Asheville Civic Center

*March 9
Fayetteville, NC
Crown Coliseum

*March 10
Columbia, SC
Colonial Life Arena

March 15
Saginaw, MI
Dow Event Center

March 16
Kalamazoo, MI
Wings Event Center

*March 17
Bloomington, IL
Grossinger Motors Arena

March 22
Huntington, WV
The Big Sandy Superstore Arena

March 23
Roanoke, VA
Berglund Center

March 24
Corbin, KY
The Arena

April 6
Temecula, CA
The Summit at Pechango Casino

April 7
Los Angeles, CA
Greek Theater

* tickets on sale Dec. 8

photo by Jason Simanek

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner