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Bruce Feldman of Sports Illustrated/Fox Sports reported Tuesday morning that the Tennessee Volunteers have a new target for their head coaching vacancy. It’s Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy who’s now on their radar.
SOURCES: #Tennessee coaching search update: The #Vols are targeting #okstate's Mike Gundy, but keep an eye on two other candidates they've reached out to #NCState's Dave Doeren & #Purdue's Jeff Brohm. READ: https://t.co/Vu8AgKMLvR
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 28, 2017
Gundy, of course, has been the head coach for some time in Stillwater. In 13 seasons, Gundy has racked up a record of 113-53 and 69-42 against Big 12 opponents. He’s achieved only one losing season — his first year in Stillwater back in 2005. The Pokes have had at least nine wins eight times, this year included, and at least eight wins nine times, this year included. If they were to win their bowl game this year, Gundy would obtain his sixth season of 10+ wins, and third straight.
There is, of course, the question of why UT didn’t just go after Gundy in the first place. He is certifiably better than Greg Schiano in just about every single facet. It would probably take a lot to pry him away from his alma mater out in Stillwater. But, if Tennessee were to make this happen, it would certainly be a coup for them.
The Vols appear to be going with a full-court press.
Sources: Among the conversations b/w Tennessee & Mike Gundy before today included a call from Peyton Manning making a pitch for Gundy to come to UT
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 28, 2017