Tennessee Football head coach Butch Jones showed his willingness to address anything as the Vols took the stage at SEC Media Days Tuesday.
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Upon taking the stage, he gave your typical coach speak. Butch Jones mentioned Pat Summitt, wished his mom a happy birthday at the end, and then said all the boring cliches coaches say.
But although he won’t open up about his feelings on personal matters the way Nick Saban often will, Jones has shown that he will not run from anything.
It’s been barely a week since Tennessee settled its Title IX sexual assault lawsuit, one where serious accusations were made against Jones.
Settling was obviously the right move, and it’s one that would have allowed Jones to sweep it under the rug on Tuesday. Heck, the settlement alone was a sweep under the rug.
So when asked about whether or not it was a relief to be over, he could have bungled the answer by saying yes or said, very simply, it is not something he can discuss.
But Jones, using more cliches, no doubt, faced it head on.
"“We don’t look at it as something of the past or something that’s been settled. Everything is a teaching unit. These are very, very serious issues that surround every college campus, they surround society today, and we’ll continue to educate our players on the importance of it. We’ve brought in 70-plus speakers. We’ve been very proactive with that.”"
He then brought up his law enforcement background. Whatever you may believe about how Jones handled certain situations, and however guilty you may believe him to be, he is clearly showing his willingness to address the issue.
But that’s not the only thing he faced head on.
Jones was asked about his players taking public stances on social issues. Once again, he was careful and used cliches. But he made very clear that he supports his players expressing their individualities, something many coaches wouldn’t.
"“It’s all about freedom of speech, and, you know, they are very emotional young men and they have strong beliefs in what they believe in. And I think as long as it’s done for the betterment, it’s done to better society, it’s betterment, you know, to help everyone.”"
In an ironic twist, Jones is showing himself to be the most open coach who gives you nothing in a press conference. He’s mastered it better than the great Peyton Manning himself did.
Talk a lot. Say nothing. But don’t be afraid to address issues head-on.
And when it came to addressing expectations, he was very clear that he relies on himself for advice about how to handle him and openly said he’s not feeling any pressure.
Based on how he handled the day, we should believe him.