UPDATED: “Speculation” != Denial

I try not to toot my own horn too much here. Not because I’m so humble or noble, but my guesses about shit aren’t usually any more valid than anyone else’s, so the fact that I’m right once in a while isn’t such a big deal.

But when I beat every other media outlet that I’m aware of by two days to the Lane Kiffin scoop and his preference for Monte Kiffin as his defensive coordinator, god dammit, that deserves a fucking toot. TOOOOOOOOOOOT!

Of course now it’s all pretty much common knowledge. Lane was announced as the new Volunteer head coach today and he’ll start assembling his staff shortly. For his part, Monte offered the only thing he could offer if he was even considering taking the job: a weak-ass characterization of the reports as speculation:

“I’m just telling you, I can honestly tell you it’s just speculation, just like it came up with the Raiders,” he said. “It came up two years ago. It came up last year. I’m still here. All I’ll talk about and focus on is Monday Night Football, Carolina Panthers, and how about the game we just played?”

Remember when Monte was talking to the 49ers a few years back? He was coy this this then, too. Then he got his contract extension and was very definitive on where he was going to be. From everything I’m hearing, Lane wants him there and Monte wants the job but no talks have taken place between the University of Tennessee and Monte. We’ll know more if Lane starts assembling his staff and he is mysteriously missing anyone from the defensive side of the ball. So far, there has been no official announcement of Lane cleaning house, but current Vol defensive coordinator John Chavis certainly expects that he is done there.

When the final horn sounds at Neyland Stadium, the man known as Chief will walk to the Tennessee locker room one last time, get dressed and reach for his car keys.

“I don’t want to be in that scene,’’ he said. “I’ve already talked to my players.

“I’m going home.’’

Word is that Lane may not stop with Monte when he’s hiring family. David Reaves (his brother-in-law) is being considered for quarterback coach and Chris Kiffin (little brother) may coach the tight ends. Yes, you remember Chris from this. Bill Callahan is also being considered for a position, although I can’t imagine why Callahan would want to leave the Jets when he’s having the kind of success he’s currently enjoying.

(Upon further scouring, GoVolsXtra has already reported all this. They also say that none of the Phil Fulmer defensive staff will be retained.)

Keep a close eye on the Lane Kiffin staff assembly for the next few weeks. It’s entirely possible that Monte could phone in who he wants in his staff and that they get hired before Monte does. Sure-fire indications that Monte is gone is if Lane doesn’t hire a defensive coordinator or if Bruce Allen decides to give Raheem Morris a contract extension before the end of the season. Hang on, folks. It’s gonna be a hell of a ride.

UPDATE: Lane Kiffin asks for “patience” while he finds his staff.

“It’s important that we do it right, not that we do it fast,” he said.

I’m often told the same thing in bed. Hopefully Tennessee fans will listen better than I do.