New Tennessee coach Butch Jones made no secret in his introductory press conference that he was planning to make a run at former Vols quarterback and USC wide receivers coach Tee Martin. As of Monday night, Martin had met with Jones to discuss a return to Knoxville as an assistant. After a night to think about it, however, Martin has decided to stay put in Los Angeles.
Tennessee Sports Radio first reported Tuesday morning that Martin had declined an offer to become the Vols’ WR coach. Martin later confirmed the report to Volquest.com.
“I just feel like we have a bright future,” Martin said. “I made a commitment to my players at USC. It feels great to be wanted, but I feel like we are doing something special where I am and I do believe we have a bright future.”
Martin just finished his first year with the Trojans under former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. Though a beloved member of Tennessee’s program -- Martin led the Vols to a BCS championship in 1998 -- he has yet to return to Knoxville as a coach in his young career. Perhaps he will some day. It just won’t be in 2013.
Martin’s decision to remain in SoCal is one thing. The fact that it’s with Kiffin is a slow twist of the knife in the hearts of Vols fans everywhere.