Tennessee is reportedly closing in on a deal with Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano to become its next head coach.
But Schiano has a controversial past concerning Jerry Sandusky and Penn State. And multiple Tennessee state representatives took to Twitter on Sunday afternoon in order to voice their displeasure with the potential hire.
Our Tennessee standards mean something, and a Greg Schiano hire would be anathema to all that our University and our community stand for. I sincerely hope that these rumors are not true, because even serious consideration would be unacceptable.
— Eddie Smith (@RepEddieSmith) November 26, 2017
I have reached out to @John_Currie and others in administration at UT expressing that WE as a TN Community do not approve of Schiano. #higherstandards
— Rep. Jason Zachary (@JasonZacharyTN) November 26, 2017
We expect the highest standards for our public institutions. The special few chosen to lead within those institutions should have a demonstrated history of integrity and character. I hope today’s rumors are not true, because protecting children is more important than anything.
— Bill Lee (@BillLeeTN) November 26, 2017
Representative Jimmy Matlock didn’t publicly condemn the move. But he did send out a tweet regarding the Vols’ search.
Enjoying some time with my family this Sunday afternoon – hoping and trusting that the UT administration will succeed in making a great hire for our football program.
— Jimmy Matlock (@JimmyMatlockTN) November 26, 2017
Matlock would later post this tweet about the coaching search:
As a businessman, I’ve spent a lifetime not reacting to rumors and fake news, waiting to make decisions when I have all the information. However, I would sincerely hope we would not consider compromising our values for winning football games.
— Jimmy Matlock (@JimmyMatlockTN) November 26, 2017
Schiano’s checkered past off the field is a major question mark. And if he ends up not getting the Tennessee job, it may be because fan backlash like this created a loud uproar.
Time will tell whether or not these public pleas make a difference. But at the moment, it’s hard to find anyone with positive thoughts on this move.
