Tennessee Students Respond To Lane Kiffin’s Firing

Sep 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lane Kiffin reacts after losing to the Arizona State Sun Devils 62-41 at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The rock.

It’s a staple of many college campuses.

It’s typically used to give on-campus recruits shout-outs, give the football team well wishes, and in some instances it’s used to vent.

In 2010 the rock on Tennessee’s campus had some harsh harsh words for Lane Kiffin when he abruptly resigned as the Vols’ head coach to take the job at USC. We won’t put the photo here, but a quick google search can refresh your memory. (Warning: rough language ahead if you do decide to google search)

Today, Lane Kiffin’s name has returned to the rock, to salute him on his recent dismissal from USC.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is football in the south, where fans are passionate and memories do not fade quickly.

The animosity that Vol fans have toward Lane Kiffin is beyond understandable. Kiffin’s sudden departure and the way he handled himself (detailed here fantastically by John Cave Osborne) was a slap in the face to Vol fans everywhere. Tennessee’s football program is still feeling the ill effects of Kiffin’s one season on Rocky Top.

Beyond the jab at Kiffin, I think it’s important to recognize the students’ support of Butch Jones with the inclusion of the phrase “Butch Please”.

Now, I believe it’s time for Vol nation to move on from hating Kiffin.

I mean, is he really worth it anymore?