6. Emotional Investment
Through that continued stability, several things are evident about this staff. They have discipline, vision, patience, perseverance and, perhaps most notably, a commitment to the program. But it transcends commitment. This staff and its head coach are emotionally invested in the program.
The only thing Lane Kiffin was emotionally invested in was himself. Dooley? Incompetence and bamboo references concealed whatever emotional investment he may have made in the program.
Which means that for the first time since the Fulmer era, the Vols are actually being led by a staff — by a man — who genuinely loves Tennessee Football.
Sure, that may have been the case last year as well. But emotional investment is something that grows deeper with time, and Team 118 will be the beneficiary of it.
