As the jet left McGee-Tyson Airport with Monte, Lane, and the Kiffin family headed for the sunny shores of Southern California, many fans in East Tennessee were still trying to figure out what the hell happened. As ashes of burnt mattresses swirled in the wind and the "rock" remained painted with about everything in the book to describe Kiffin, many football fans in the area remain emotional in the fallout.

However, there is one rational solution to "save the ship" and build back the Tennessee Vols into national prominence.

Here's a reasonable solution in my eyes....

Hire Kippy Brown as head coach. Even though he has relatively no head coaching experience (the XFL doesn't count), he is a class act and a Tennessee boy. This will not be a stepping stone for him...this will be his last stop.

He has extensive coaching experience in Knoxville, knows what it takes to win an SEC title, and knows you have to RECRUIT to succeed in Knoxville. He has college, and extensive NFL experience as a position coach and offensive coordinator. He has a calming personality to oversee the program, and I'm sure can recruit with Lane and Ed.

However, the main reason to hire Kippy is to keep the current staff. Re-structure the current assistant contracts, and make sure Lance Thompson, David Reaves, James Cregg, Jim Cheney, and Willie Mack Garza can't turn down the opportunity of a sizeable raise. Remember Thompson and Reaves were ace recruiters at Alabama and South Carolina respectfully.

Thompson is the lead recruiter for five-star player Markeith Ambles, and three other prominent prospects according to Rivals.com. Reaves brought in a pair of four-star players. Garza has Ahmad Dixon committed. Cheney and Cregg are responsible for quarterback Tyler Bray and Kembrell Thompkins, a four-star receiver. I'm sure if this course of action was taken, Tennessee could still piece together a top 10 class.

Cheney, Cregg, Reaves, and Brown can run the offense, and keep things consistent there. Cheney served as the offensive coordinator this past season and has tutored the likes of Drew Brees and Kyle Orton at Purdue. And all these guys can recruit.

Brown can use his wealth of experience to bring in a prominent defensive coordinator to make a splash. Again, with Kippy's modest salary, the funds will be there to bring in a big-time coordinator who can also recruit.

This course of action could potentially turn the tide; keep Bryce Brown, David Oku, and the good class from last year set on proving Lane wrong. This pride, togetherness and motivation could rebuild Tennessee into that elite power from the late 90's.

DRang

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