Tennessee football head coach Butch Jones addressed the media Monday following the Volunteers’ loss to Kentucky. Here are our takeaways from the presser.
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Despite his job security being all but determined and the 3-5 record, Tennessee football head coach Butch Jones still had to take the podium Monday to address the media for his weekly press conference following the Vols’ loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. Ahead of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles this Saturday, it was awkward to see.
But while the dumpster fire continues to burn, the football week goes on for Rocky Top. The Vols have homecoming and probably want to do everything they can to at least reach a bowl game.
As a result, while this press conference was anything but normal, it was still the usual routine for Butch Jones. You can see the full media session by clicking on the video above.
Here are our three takeaways from Jones’s Monday press conference.
1. Optimism continues.
It’s just a Butch Jones thing. His time as head coach of the Tennessee football program may be running out, but Jones can’t help himself. The guy first talked about the positives from the loss in the Kentucky game, including the play of the running backs and the development of Jarrett Guarantano.
Then, when it came to the macro issues of him personally and Tennessee football, he still spoke proudly. Jones noted they’re three close games away from being 6-2. He added that while he’s disappointed by taking a step back this year, he is not discouraged. Finally, he added that he personally and his family have a ton of support from the community. That’s hard to see right now, but Jones clearly can’t stop focusing on positives. That’s one thing you can say in his favor.
2. There wasn’t much to say on his job status.
Butch Jones was asked multiple times about his job status after saying Saturday night he expects to have John Currie’s full support. On Monday, he said nothing has changed. He added that it is a normal work week and gave regular coach speak.
Jones also said he talks with Currie everyday. But when asked to elaborate what they talk about, he didn’t give details. In typical cliche fashion for Jones, he just said, “anything to everything” and “day by day and week by week.” The shortness indicates not great news, though.
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3. Not many personnel updates.
Butch Jones did say that John Kelly and Will Ignont would be back at practice, but whether or not they play for Tennessee football on Saturday remains a question. He added that Brent Cimaglia and Aaron Medley are competing.
When it comes to injuries, Marcus Tatum is day to day but doubtful for Saturday’s game. And Josh Smith, who suffered an ankle injury against Kentucky, is going to be out on Saturday against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.