Tennessee junior running back John Kelly has had consistency throughout his Vol career when it comes to coaching. He’s had the same head coach for his first three years, and he’s had the same position coach in Robert Gillespie as well. The only coaching position that’s seen a change that affects him during his time at Tennessee has been the offensive coordinator. When Kelly got to Tennessee, Mike DeBord was the offensive coordinator. That changed this offseason when Larry Scott was promoted to that position.
Otherwise, Kelly has had a reasonable amount of stability from his coaches. But that changed on Sunday when it was announced head coach Butch Jones had been let go. And now he and the rest of Tennessee’s roster are experiencing the biggest change they’ve ever had in their Vol careers.
Kelly spoke to the media on Wednesday afternoon after interim head coach Brady Hoke held his mid-week press conference, and Kelly was asked what he values most in whomever Tennessee hires as their next head coach.
“Just somebody who’s going to be honest,” Kelly told reporters on Wednesday. “Just honesty, that’s the most important thing to me.”
Kelly’s comments didn’t seem pointed at former head coach Butch Jones, but it’s inevitable that they may be viewed as such. Even still, Kelly also stated that athletic director John Currie has been very open to the team and very forthcoming in regards to the search for a new head coach.
“One thing Currie was stressing is he’s open to suggestions from anybody on the team,” Kelly stated. “He gave us his contact information. He said if we have any suggestions or input that we should just let him know.”
Often times, a coaching change can lead players who are draft eligible to go ahead and leave their university and head to the NFL. It happened in 2012 for Tennessee when juniors Tyler Bray, Justin Hunter, and Cordarrelle Patterson all declared early and went into the NFL after Derek Dooley was fired. Kelly is a junior, which means he could leave after this season with Tennessee and head to the NFL. And Kelly’s draft stock has certainly risen after the season he’s had.
But according to Kelly, the NFL isn’t in his thoughts at the moment.
“That’s not even on my mind right now,” Kelly said. “I’m just trying to help our seniors get to their last bowl game.”
Kelly has totaled 711 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 154 carries in nine games this season. He also has 33 catches for 263 yards.
