Vols Assistants Prepare For Final Game With Big Orange

With Tennessee facing their third losing season in three years, the Vols assistant coaches aren't surprised that they will likely be seeking new employment after Saturday. Said defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri,"The bottom line is, we did not get it done. Coach (Dave)Hart had to make a decision. He made a decision. Now it's time to move on." Said defensive line coach John Palermo,"They pay us a lot of money. We're professionals. When things like this happen. You don't like it. You've got to live with it. I'm not bitter with anything that transpired here. We did not do a good enough job to keep our jobs this year. That's the reality of it. We could have done better. We didn't."

The Vols defense has been the biggest problem this season. So what happened? Said defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley,"Well, I think some of it was confusion on the kids part. Some of it was coaching. Not putting them in the right position, and some of it was players not making plays. It was a collective effort of why those plays didn't get made." Added Palermo,"I think beating N.C State in the opener was a nice deal for our football team and kids. But other than that, I don't think there's a whole lot to cherish throughout the year."

Tennessee seemingly has nothing to play for against Kentucky, but a victory always means something. Said Sunseri,"They've got to go out and play for the University of Tennessee. They've got to play and have pride in what they are putting out there. " Said Vols receivers coach Darin Henshaw,"Every time you take a snap, it's your resume. It's who you are. And what is your resume going to say for the underclassmen and then seniors. How are you going to leave the field on your last day at Neyland Stadium?" Said safeties coach Josh Conklin,"We've got one game. And finish like a man, so we can hang our hat like a man." Said offensive line coach Sam Pittman,"We just told them man up, and let's go play. Let's get a win for the University."