UT Board of Trustees have recommended to remove the interim title and make him President of the university. This might be the smartest thing they have done in 20 years.
Not really sure from an academic standpoint, but he’s not some ivory tower dork that will turn his nose up at athletics. I think he’d legitimately like to see UT do well on the field and in the lecture halls. Don’t think he will be subservient to Haslam and probably wants real leaders in positions like athletic director, not just the biggest ass kisser available. I hope he’s the guy that hires Phil’s replacement. I trust him a lot more than I would DiPietro, Bev Davenport, Jimmy Cheek, or any of the other guys our revolving door of losers has spit out lately.
It's a great hire on just about every level IMO. Got a guy who knows how to lead an organization, is pretty dang driven who will want academics to succeed, but at the same time realizes you can have great academics AND be great at other stuff too.
When donors' kids are getting turned away then going to Alabama, Auburn or Clemson, you know a change is coming