A Week Later: The Vols’ Coaching Search Continues

Jimbo Fisher

Quick Bio: Jimbo Fisher was once one of the kings of college football. He’s still one of the top 10 coaches in the NCAA, but his Florida State team this year has taken a massive step back because of an injury to his star quarterback and other issues. There’s speculation that there’s unrest at FSU as well, and some believe Fisher may be looking to get out.

Pros: Despite the down year this year, Fisher has had a stellar track record. He won a national title with the Seminoles and has taken them to the Chick Fil A/Peach Bowl twice, the Orange Bowl twice, and the Rose Bowl. He’s also coached some very good quarterbacks at Florida State.

Cons/Questions: Fisher would be extremely expensive, and there’s no guarantee he actually wants to leave FSU. Getting him would be a huge get, but it’s not very likely. But there aren’t a ton of questions about Fisher given his track record.

John Harbaugh

Quick Bio: It’s unclear if he would want to return to college football or stay in the NFL if he’s looking to make a move, but John Harbaugh’s name has begun to come up with Tennessee a little more lately. Harbaugh’s brother made the move to the college game to coach Michigan, so it’s not far fetched to think he might do the same.

Pros: John Harbaugh has been very successful as an NFL head coach. He got his first job as a head coach with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 and has been there ever since. He’s taken the Ravens to six playoff appearances and led them to a victory in Super Bowl XLVII. Things haven’t gone as smoothly since that Super Bowl win, but Harbaugh has still proven to be a great coach.

Cons: The Ravens have been just 36-38 (counting this season) since winning that Super Bowl. Is Harbaugh on a decline? There’s much more to unpack there as it pertains to the Ravens roster and such, but some people are bound to argue that. He also hasn’t coached in college since the 1990s. He would need some adjustment.

Mike Tomlin

Quick Bio: Mike Tomlin is widely regarded as one of the better coaches in the NFL. He’s coached the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2007 and has taken them to two Super Bowls and won one of them. He’s proven himself at the highest level, and there’s reportedly some interest for the Tennessee job from him or his camp.

Pros: What more is there to say? He’s won a Super Bowl and has been highly successful with one of the best franchises in the NFL. He’s a defensive mind who knows how to hire assistants to help out in other areas.

Cons/Questions: Tomlin has never been a head coach in the college ranks and hasn’t coached in college since 2000. Plus, how much interest does he actually have? This feels like a very long shot of happening, but Tomlin has been around Tennessee’s campus multiple times and would be a home run hire if it happened.