re: Multiple Reports: Kirby Smart UT's latest #1 target ...

Is Smart ready to be a HC at a big-time program competing in the best conference in football?

I know it's the NFL, but in NO Sean Payton has been the "real" offensive coordinator, even though Pete Carmichael has the title.

Nick Saban is the "real" defensive coordinator at Alabama. How much input does Smart really have? Perhaps some, but Smart needs to get some head coaching experience at a smaller school and prove he's capable of being a head coach. Maybe the Vols are hoping that Smart would turn out to be another Muschamp. That's the only reason I could think of them wanting to hire this guy.

There are proven head coaches still out there. When Butch Jones is the best option, you know you're in trouble.