UPDATE: Tennessee will not hire Greg Schiano
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Sever Tennessee state politicians have voiced their disapproval of the reported hiring of Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano for the Vols' head coaching position.
I have reached out to @John_Currie and others in administration at UT expressing that WE as a TN Community do not approve of Schiano. #higherstandards
— Rep. Jason Zachary (@JasonZacharyTN) November 26, 2017
Thank you to all those who have emailed regarding UT’s football hire. I can’t reply to so many emails but please know I’m working on your behalf. #HigherStandards
— Rep. Jason Zachary (@JasonZacharyTN) November 26, 2017
Our Tennessee standards mean something, and a Greg Schiano hire would be anathema to all that our University and our community stand for. I sincerely hope that these rumors are not true, because even serious consideration would be unacceptable.
— Eddie Smith (@RepEddieSmith) November 26, 2017
Too many well-founded concerns about Schiano from our community. Hiring would be very unpopular and hurt UT.... https://t.co/MryvM8Qrfc
— Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) November 26, 2017
Schiano had previously worked as a defensive assistant at Penn State under former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, who was convicted of child molestation stemming from his tenure with the Nittany Lions in 2012.
According to a report, Schiano allegedly knew of Sandusky's sexual abuse and turned a blind eye, according to testimony from former Penn State assistant Mike McQueary that was unsealed in 2016 by a Philadelphia court.
Schiano has denied the allegations in the past, having told ESPN's Adam Schefter: "I never saw any abuse nor had reason to suspect any abuse during my time at Penn State."
Tennessee is expected to hire Schiano as its next head coach and make an official announcement on Sunday, according to USA Today's Dan Wolken.
Tennessee is finalizing the deal with Schiano. Hopes to name him later today, per person with direct knowledge.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 26, 2017
Schiano spent the past two seasons with the Buckeyes and had previously coached at Rutgers from 2001-11, which included six bowl game appearances during his final seven seasons, as well as a a 68-67 (28-48) overall record.
After being linked to several notable college coaching positions, Schiano took over as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head coach in 2012 and went 11-21 before being fired after his second season.
The Vols reportedly turned their focus to Schiano after focusing on Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen, who is expected to accept the head coaching position at Florida.
Zachary is not alone in his criticism of the potential Schiano hiring.
