Well now ... Seems like old times again. Doesn't that usually happen at weddings and funerals?
As I have said, when my opinion was asked ... One thing Rod never did was embrace the Knoxville community or the state of Tennessee ... see Bruce Pearl for an example of doing that right! I thought about all the wonderful in-state players that got away under his tenure. (of course they were all poorly recruited by assistants according to Delmonico)
He never really seemed to like it here. While his won loss record is to be noted I think the recent success at Vanderbilt has to have made the AD (Hamilton) wonder. Especially when losing the recruiting battles.
Now for some other thoughts ... Delmonico was the lowest paid baseball coach in the SEC. Around $190,000 per. The average is now at $375,000. The Vol assistant coaches were also not paid at a level equal to their peers. While remodeled facilities are on the horizon the current "digs" are at best adequate. Attendance at UT games this year was 12th in the SEC (last) ... not all Rod's fault there, except for that anemic non-conference schedule that he continued to trot out lately.
It is time for the UT athletic department to step up and show support for the baseball program! Hamilton needs to personally contact former Vol players and mend those bridges (see Todd Helton, R.A. Dickey, Joe Randa etc.)
My hope? Bring back Dave Serrano (former UT assistant coach) from UC Irvine!
I do feel badly for Larry Simcox, a class man that has shown a true loyalty for 17 years. I wish only good things for "Slim."