:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57813155/usa_today_10186895.0.jpg)
UPDATE (10 AM Friday): Leach appeared to be Currie’s pick, but the hire was stopped by other Tennessee brass. Currie has since been fired, so we can assume this deal is off.
Sources: John Currie was prepared to hire Mike Leach but university officials wouldn’t allow him to do so. Phillip Fulmer has been sabotaging search process in hopes to become Tennessee’s AD
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 1, 2017
Where might the Tennessee coaching search take us next? This entire week has been filled with dead ends and rejections. Needless to say, it’s not been a good look for Tennessee AD John Currie.
Rumors turned to Kevin Sumlin today after Dave Doeren turned the Vols’ offer down to stay at N.C. State. However, a tweet from Doug Gottlieb ended that speculation.
Good source - Sumlin not interested in #Tennessee job
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) December 1, 2017
Once again we ask, what now? It appears that answer may be Washington State head coach Mike Leach. John Brice is reporting that Tennessee met with Leach out west today.
Now several folks, including someone at Washington St., tell me Currie interviewed Mike Leach & possibly 1-2 other candidates today in the Los Angeles area.
— John Brice (@JohnDBrice1) December 1, 2017
A west coast trip had some naturally connecting those dots to former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin, but this appears to be all about Leach.
Per @Volquest_Rivals, Tennessee AD John Currie was in California today but did not speak with former Vol quarterback Tee Martin.
— Volquest Staff (@Volquest_Rivals) December 1, 2017
Now we have this from Newy Scruggs out of Dallas, Texas.
Sources tell @NBCDFWSports that former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach is working on a deal to become the next coach at Tennessee. A deal could be announced Friday. I’m working on more details.
— Newy Scruggs (@newyscruggs) December 1, 2017
Stay tuned.