247Rumors

It's time for a change. Even at the cost of a $5 million buyout, UT simply can't afford to keep Dooley around for a fourth season. His body of work just doesn't merit it.

This was UT's sixth loss of the season and its fifth in the past six games, a skid broken only by the 55-48 survival act against Troy a week ago. As the defeats have piled up, so has the distinct feeling that Dooley's days as coach are numbered.

In his post-game press conference, Dooley looked like a beaten man. Asked about his job security, he said:

"I don't know. I'm hurtin' because of the game and the kids and they played their tails off. There's a lot of negativity. That comes with the territory."

With the loss, Dooley one-upped himself in SEC ineptitude. After opening conference play 0-5 in his previous two seasons at UT, his current Vols are 0-6 in the SEC with games remaining against Vanderbilt and Kentucky.