The Name Game: Vols Close in on Kelly

“The Name Game” at Football Rumor Mill focuses on active coaching searches around the country. The latest edition centers on the Tennessee Volunteers…

Talk out of Tennessee is that Brian Kelly is one of the top candidates to succeed Phil Fulmer as Head Coach of the Volunteers. That wouldn’t be of concern to UC football fans, if there were any coinciding reports about school administrators moving forward on their part of Kelly’s recently renegotiated contract. Particularly the clause that calls for construction of a cold weather practice dome. Granted, it isn’t technically due to be completed until next winter. But why would they want to flirt with the potential disaster of losing one of the hottest young coaches in college football by waiting until they have to do it? They might well be in discussions about the facility already. – WCPO-TV

It’s getting quiet at Cincinnati. Too quiet. This is what usually happens when something major is about to pop. Everyone is told to keep their mouths shut. Assistants are making discreet calls trying to find new jobs. Such is the case around the Cincinnati where Tennessee seemingly has settled on coach Brian Kelly as its top candidate to replace to Phil Fulmer. This is not to say Kelly is definitely the guy but I got a couple of calls today saying his name had risen to the top at Rocky Top. Kelly would be a great hire. He’s got the attitude and ability to walk into the cauldron that is SEC recruiting. He’s a quarterback specialist. Cincinnati has had to use something like four quarterbacks this season. A couple of issues here: Cincinnati’s season doesn’t end until Dec. 6, so if word is out this early it could get really uncomfortable at Cincinnati which is chasing a Big East title. Can you say interim coach for the bowl game? – CBS Sports

The fit: Brian Kelly, Cincinnati. The Vols need a dynamic, my-way-or-else coach who can heal a fractured base and instill fear/respect into UT players who have lost the message the past few years. – Sporting News