A Week Later: The Vols’ Coaching Search Continues

Jeff Brohm

Quick Bio: Not only did Jeff Brohm play quarterback in the NFL for several seasons, but he’s turned into a fairly successful head football coach at the college ranks as well. He led Western Kentucky to one of their best seasons in program history in 2015 when the Hilltoppers went 12-2. He then led them to a 10-3 record before taking the head coaching position at Purdue.

Pros: Brohm knows offense and knows how to teach quarterbacks. He played at the highest level (even if it was sparingly), and he’s been a college coach since 2003 with Louisville, FAU, Illinois, and UAB before becoming a head coach.

Cons/Questions: Brohm got Purdue off to a hot start, but they’ve fallen by the wayside since and are in danger of losing bowl eligibility. His buyout at Purdue is also expected to be fairly large since he’s still in his first season with the Boilermakers.

Justin Wilcox

Quick Bio: This name should sound familiar to Vol fans. Justin Wilcox was Tennessee’s defensive coordinator from 2010-11 before leaving to take the same position at Washington. He spent two seasons there, became USC’s defensive coordinator for two seasons, took the same job at Wisconsin, then became California’s head coach prior to the start of the 2017 season.

Pros: Wilcox has a strong defensive background and has been a successful defensive coordinator. He’s had his ups and downs at Cal in his first season, but he’s found success as a head coach too.

Cons/Questions: Wilcox may be more of a west coast guy, and his lack of head coaching experience is sure to turn Vol fans off despite his obvious Tennessee connection.