Getty ImagesAt the press conference introducing him as Tennessee’s head coach, Butch Jones was not bashful in addressing an interest in bringing Tee Martin back to Rocky Top as an assistant.
Not so unexpectedly, the interest from the former title-winning Vols quarterback is mutual. Whether it will result in a reunion, though, remains to be seen.
Martin was in Knoxville Monday meeting with Jones, confirming to the Knoxville News Sentinel that he has been offered the job as UT’s wide receivers coach. That’s the same position he currently holds at USC.
After heading back to the West Coast following the day-long meeting, Martin will discuss the opportunity with his family before making a decision.
“Things went really good,” Martin told the paper. “I had an opportunity to meet the staff and see everything that’s changed (on campus). I could tell they were headed in the right direction. …
“We’ll see what happens. Today was more about getting to know each other.”
The hiring of Martin would prove wildly popular in Knoxville. As the player who replaced Peyton Manning under center in 1998, Martin helped lead the Vols to their last national championship. While he’s been an assistant at the collegiate level for just the last four years, he’s widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the game.
Jones has already hired eight of his nine assistants, although the school has yet to officially announce the additions. Former Vol Jay Graham will be the only holdover from Derek Dooley‘s staff to return.
C’mon home, Tee.
I am wondering how that’s not some sort of penalty what Butch Jones said? If a coach can’t speak publicly about a possible recruit why can a coach talk about another coach who is employed by another program?
I wouldn’t do it. If he really all that as a coach why didn’t the Vols consider him for the head coaching spot
hey hor, DUHHHHH he’s only been an assistant for 4 years dipdog.
And if this hire causes Lane Kiffin one moment’s pain, then I’m all for it. That would be a great morale boost to have him back in Knoxville.
I understand UT would be a homecoming but it would be surprising to see Tee leave USC for the same position. I thought UT would offer another title (OC, Asst HC, Rec Coord, or something) to get him to leave So Cal with all their talent, specifically Marqise Lee, just to return “home”. Says a lot about how much he loves UT that he’s even thinking about it.
addict2sport
Martin would also be Recruiting Coordinator. And nobody knows how much money UT is throwing at him. I’ve lived in California, it ain’t all that.
Tee would be great at UT
Why has he not already accepted the job?
TN Sports Radio reporting he turned down the offer. I guess returning to Tenn isn’t all that either.
Tee Martin will still be remembered as the QBwho delivered Tennessee its first national title since the early 1950′s, something even Peyton Manning could not do.
but, I guess living in Los Angeles vs liking in Knoxville Tn is better for him and his family. I know it probably pained him to turn down his alma matter, but looking at the big picture, he probably likes what he is doing now at USC.
Well, speaking as someone who went to UT, I hope Tee Martin does not come back.
Many of you guys seem to forget that Tee caused a bit of a problem with about $4500 in “benefits” that were supposedly funneled to him through some bogus insurance company setup when he was playing.
Ever stop to think that maybe that is why he is such as success as a “recruiter”. We already have enough NCAA problems, let him stay with Lane Kiffin.