Mike Sanford
Current Role: OC/QBs coach, Boise State
Quick background: The son of a coach, Sanford played QB at Boise State from 2000-04 before making coaching stops at UNLV, Yale and Western Kentucky. He then moved on to Stanford, where he filled multiple roles, including recruiting coordinator, QBs coach, WRs coach and RBs. He returned to Boise State as the OC/QBs coach in 2014 and helped lead the Broncos to the 14th best offense in the nation last year.
Why he might work: Sanford is viewed as an up-and-comer in the coaching community with experience in the spread and a more traditional pro-style offense as well. He makes just a little over $300,000 at Boise State, giving Tennessee plenty of room to give him a raise that might entice him to come to Knoxville without breaking the bank in the process.
Why he might not: He only has one year of play-calling experience and a vast majority of his experience and connections are out West. He’s also a BSU alum who might have his eyes on sticking around there for a few years and taking over as head coach.
