6. Jon Gilbert
Quick bio: Gilbert joined Tennessee’s administration as the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director in 2011 under Hart. He came to UT from Alabama where he helped manage external operations, athletics development, facilities and event management, the ticket office, and the oversight of numerous sport programs.
Pros: Gilbert is a former college football player and coach who understands that sport, UT and life in the SEC in general. If the Vols are looking for some continuity, Gilbert, who was Hart’s right-hand man in many respects, could get a look.
Cons: There are a handful of internal candidates such as Gilbert who may get an interview or a look, but expect Tennessee to make a hire from outside the department at this point. If local connections and continuity is a huge priority, expect Blackburn to be the call.
