Tennessee’s head coaching search is still underway. And while it looks like the pressure is ramping up on Jon Gruden, other coaches are being asked about the position too. And that includes a former Vol quarterback and assistant.
Jim Bob Cooter was a backup quarterback for the Vols and served as a graduate assistant to the team from 2007-08. He then jumped straight into the NFL as an offensive assistant to the Indianapolis Colts, and he’s been in the pros since.
Right now, Cooter is the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and has been since midway through the 2015 season. Most believe his future is in the NFL, but he was asked about the Tennessee head coaching position during his weekly press conference.
And according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Cooter completely evaded the questions about the Vols.
“I’m locked and loaded on the Chicago Bears,” Cooter replied when asked about the Vols. And when asked if he would consider any college coaching positions after the season was over, he echoed his previous response. “I’m focused on the Chicago Bears,” he repeated.
Cooter’s offenses at Detroit have been up and down, but they’ve mostly been good, especially when it comes to passing the ball. Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford has looked more efficient and improved since Cooter took over. In the six full seasons Stafford played before Cooter took over as the offensive coordinator, he averaged just over 16 interceptions a season. He’s thrown just 15 in the 25 games since the beginning of the 2016 season.
