Amidst job rumors, Jones “absolutely” expects Currie’s support
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Tennessee football coach Butch Jones’ job security in recent weeks has been tenuous at best, and things got murkier Saturday.
The Vols lost to Kentucky 29-26 despite forcing four turnovers, settling for field goal attempts on all for of those drives, and gaining over 400 yards of offense. It’s just the second loss to the Wildcats in 33 years.
The loss drops Tennessee to 0-for-October and sends the Vols to 0-5 in Southeastern Conference play. The loss casts further doubt on Jones’ future with the program, which has unquestionably taken a step back in year five under the embattled head coach.
Tennessee suffered blowout losses to Georgia and Alabama by a combined score of 86-7. UT has lost by a combined 15 points to SEC East rivals Florida, South Carolina and Kentucky. All three games were decided in the final minute with Florida and South Carolina coming down to the final play.
Despite the struggles, Jones said he “absolutely” expects to have the support of athletic director John Currie.
“It’s one of those years,” Jones said.
“I’ve never been through this in 30-plus years — with how many games have come down to the wire. We’ve just got to keep grinding. There’s still a lot of football left to be played. I know that’s kind of become redundant, but that’s the truth.”
Tennessee went 9-4 the past two season, but those finishes are generally viewed as underachieving given the inability to reach an SEC championship game and the Vols’ roster compared to the rest of the SEC East. Sitting at 3-5 after the loss to Kentucky, and qualifying for bowl game is now in question.
Tennessee now must win its final four games of the season in November against Southern Miss, Missouri, LSU and Vanderbilt to get to 7-5. Jones is 33-26 overall and 14-22 in SEC games during his tenure as Tennessee’s coach.
“I believe in our kids,” Jones said. “I believe in our program. I believe in what we’re recruiting, and it’s one of those years. And the only way I know is to keep working and driving. And I will tell you this: There is nobody who takes more ownership in this football program than Butch Jones. I can assure you of that.
“And I take it personal, because I want to win for our fans. I want to win for our players. I want to win for everyone. But you’ve just to got to keep battling and (learn) lessons and move forward.”
Tennessee’s players say they still believe in Jones. Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano said the team hears the “outside noise” but that they still back the coach that brought them to Knoxville.
“I definitely think that all the guys came here believing in Coach Jones, and I think that we all still believe in Coach Jones,” Guarantano said. “And we hear the outside noise, and I think that, even with that outside (noise), we even play harder for him. And I think that he’s doing a great job.
“He’s keeping a positive attitude. And it’s definitely rough for him. I mean, he’s the head coach and we’re losing football games, partially on our performance. It’s nothing on him. I think that we’re doing a lot of things that hurts ourselves — nothing to do with the coaches. … Of course, he’s frustrated, but he doesn’t show it, and I think that’s what he’s doing a great job of, and he’s keeping everybody upbeat.”