Former UT Coach Smith Rants About His Departure From Knoxville

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Well, former Tennessee defensive line coach Chuck Smith just had his day in the sun… but it’s hard to imagine much positive light falling on him after his morning press conference.

According to radio host Jimmy Hyams of WNML-FM/AM in Knoxville, Smith covered a number of topics during his presser and afterwards… which we’ll summarize for you:


* Smith wanted Tennessee fans and media to know that he remains a “Vol for life” and did not quit on the UT program.

* He said that “family” isn’t important at UT and that he was driven away because he was “too big for the program.” 

* In an odd twist, he then compared himself to Lane Kiffin saying that once a person puts on the “T” logo, he’s a “Vol for life.”  Not sure that making a pro-Kiffin comment is the best way to go in the Volunteer State these days.

* He denied rumors that he and defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox ever came to blows…

* But when it came to praising his co-workers, he did have good things to say about UT’s offensive assistants and Derek Dooley.  His defensive mates were noticeably omitted.

* He also said that his defensive line was the “MVP” of the team over the Vols’ last four games.

* At one point, Smith said he would like to be a season-ticket holder at Tennessee… and then said he’d like to coach elsewhere in the SEC East.  Maybe it’s a love/hate thing. 


Smith might find it hard landing another job in the SEC East — or elsewhere — after the press conference that he called without UT’s knowledge.

His exit for Tennessee isn’t likely to serve as an entrance to anyplace else.

Bizarre.

UPDATE — Want to watch the odd press conference?  Click here.