SEC Coaches Anonymously Criticize Butch Jones, Tennessee Football Program

247 Sports looked at Lindy’s preseason magazine’s (On sale now) SEC preview, which included an anonymous section where other SEC coaches could speak freely about their peers. It was eye opening. We obviously don’t know who is speaking below, but it’s clear they aren’t too big of fans of Butch Jones or the Tennessee program.

They don’t have a proven quarterback would be the more accurate statement here. Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano certainly look the part, but we really don’t know what Tennessee is going to get out of either guy right now. However, it’s simple roster turnover. Josh Dobbs couldn’t hang around forever.

I didn’t get the statement about not having a running back. I think John Kelly has proven himself already and should be just fine shouldering the load. There isn’t much depth behind Kelly, but he’s pretty clearly the lead dog.

I think this part is fair. Butch has restored the talent in Knoxville, but suffered a disappointing 2016 — a year that was supposed to announce Tennessee’s return to the national stage. What this coach says about Butch and the media is SPOT ON. He’s comes off a little thin-skinned at times. His cheesy phrases and coach speak don’t help things either.

No doubt. The last ten years have truly been the dark ages of Tennessee football. It all began with the exit of Phillip Fulmer. Lane Kiffin’s tumultuous time here and sudden exit made things worse — the horrible hire of Derek Dooley made things downright unbearable. I don’t think Butch gets enough credit for getting Tennessee football back to where it is now, but at some point you have to clear that next hurdle.

What do you think about these anonymous comments?