Are You Smarter Than Lane Kiffin?

True or False: Coaches may provide transportation for a recruit to attend a home athletics contest during an unofficial visit?

True or False: When observing a recruit’s high school practice session, the college coach may direct a high school coach to conduct specific physical activities to test the player’s strength, speed and agility?

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is trying to figure out if you are smarter than Lane Kiffin. The Star-Telegram posted an online quiz of 20 questions relating to college recruiting. Take the quiz and see if you know more about college recruiting than Lane Kiffin.

Lane Kiffin Must Be The Luckiest Person in The World

After I finally figured out all of my computer problems yesterday, I logged onto Twitter and found out that USC hired Lane Kiffin to be their next football coach.

I thought this had to be a joke. Why would USC hire Kiffin? What has he proven? What type of advantage does he bring to USC? King of sounds like the same questions we were asking last year when Tennessee hired Kiffin, right?

That's why I thought this had to be a cruel joke. Why would USC hire a coach who shows zero loyalty? Why would USC hire a coach who scoffs a secondary violations he's committed, right before the NCAA makes their final ruling about the school? And how the hell can Lane Kiffin keep getting better jobs?

Well come to find out, none of this was a joke. Lane Kiffin left Tennessee after only one year and a 7-6 record to take the USC job. Yes Lane Kiffin keeps getting better jobs. Forget Lou Gehrig being the luckiest man on the face of the Earth, Lane Kiffin is the luckiest man on the face of the Earth. He's been so lucky if I was him, I would go immediately to Vegas and start playing craps. Let's take a look at the Lane Kiffin timeline.

Kiffin began his coaching career as a low level assistant to Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville back in 2001. He then moved on to USC where he was the tight ends coach, i.e. recruiter. Then after Norm Chow moved on he was promoted to offensive coordinator. In reality though he called no plays and never designed the gameplans because Steve Sarkisian was the real offensive coordinator. Then Kiffin was given the Raiders job at the beginning of the 2007 year, but that was after everybody including Sarkisian said no to Al Davis. After a season and a half, Kiffin was fired by the Raiders. We all remember the Al Davis press conference. Then last year Tennessee took a gamble on Kiffin, leading us to where we are now.

So I will ask again, is their anybody luckier than Kiffin? Goes to the Raiders after doing nothing at USC as an assistant. Given the Tennessee job after doing nothing in Oakland. Now he's given the keys to the Cadillac at USC after doing nothing at Tennessee. Lane Kiffin, the luckiest person in the entire World.

Now go buy that lotto ticket, Lane.

The Links

Sophie Turner to start off the mourning.... Flozell Adams fined for his cheap shot on Justin Tuck..... I will be going to this Kings game..... Chone Figgins officially signs with the Mariners..... Jake Locker seeking NFL info, while Ryan Mallet avoids draft questions..... I guess the Nuggets don't like playing back-to-back nights?..... Who passed gas around Joakim Noah?...... Charlie Strong is the new Louisville football coach...... Homeowner's insurance doesn't cover cow damages..... 'As the World Turns' has been canceled

The Tigers traded their heart and soul to the Yankees (Detroit Free Press)

A parting shot for Charlie Weis (Fox Sports)

Peter Gammons leaves ESPN for MLB Network (Awful Announcing)

Could Elin take her and Tigers kids to Sweden (Sports by Brooks)

Tiger Woods Gatorade has been discontinued (CNBC)

New York Islanders Brendan Witt was hit by a truck and played hockey on the same night (Bob's Blitz)

Phil Jackson on women in NBA: No way (Slam)

A Tennessee hostesses may have caused recruiting violations for the football program (The Big Lead)

Ray Rice apologizes to Green Bay, but he still doesn't realize he plays in Baltimore (PFT)

Rasheed Wallace predicts the NBA ref scandal will grow (Boston Herald)

Had to know someone would parody this commercial with Tiger (With Leather)

Let The War Continue

There is definitely no love loss between Florida coach Urban Meyer and Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin. Even after Florida beat Tennessee 23-13 on Saturday, Florida played a very lethargic game. Saint Timmy Tebow didn't throw one long pass and the Gators were shutdown for the most part by a very good Tennessee defense. Just don't tell Urban Meyer the Tennessee defense is the reason why Florida only beat the Vols by ten.

"I didn't feel like they were going after the win," Meyer said.They wanted to shorten the game. I think that was the plan. There are 10 minutes to go and they're not in a no-huddle. It's 23-6 and no urgency (on Tennessee's part).

"The way we lose a game there is throw an interception. Why put yourself in that position? Let's find a way to win the game. We're not trying to impress the pollsters. We're trying to win the game. A lot of it had to do with the way they were playing. It made our life a little easier."

Not trying to impress pollsters? Come on Urban. Your the guy who let's his team score over 70 points on a Division-1AA school. You wanted to destroy Tennessee in that game, but you couldn't because the Vols defense actually showed up to play.

Meyer even went as far to blame Swine Flu as to the reason why Florida struggled on Saturday. "It is a panic level of proportions I've never seen before," Meyer said. Ah yes, that old excuse. My mother still doesn't believe me when I say I have a cold.

Lane Kiffin didn't use the flu as an excuse for his team's play. When asked about whether or not Kiffin is worried about his team having the flu Kiffin had this to say, "I don't know. I guess we'll wait and after we're not excited about a performance, we'll tell you everybody was sick." Checkmate.

Kiffin and Tennessee might not have won the battle, but they are still in this war. And for whatever reason, Kiffin is in Meyer's head. More so than Nick Saban, Les Miles, Steve Spurrier, and Houston Nutt combined. Now I can't wait for next year's game at Rocky Top.

Kiffin defends game plan, takes shot at Meyer (St. Petersburg Times)

The Links

Lindsay Marie to start the mourning.... Rudy Guilani, the next New York Governor?.... Shocker! Michael Jackson was not the biological father to his kids.... 'Medical evidence' was taken from Michael Jackson's house.... With Yao injured, the Rockets are now targeting Chris Bosh.... Tim Lincecum was really good last night

John Feinstein had bypass surgery yesterday (Deadspin)

Giants are interested in Jermaine Dye and Victor Martinez (MLB Daily Dish)

A 13-year-old kid committed to Lane Kiffin and Tennessee (Go Vols)

Anna Kournikova has a drink thrown in her face in Las Vegas (The Big Lead)

Happy 43rd Birthday, Atlanta Falcons (The Falcoholic)

Rickey Rubio & Jonny Flynn meet face-to-face (Troy Nunes is an absolute Magician)

Jason Kidd to meet with the New York Knicks (Posting & Toasting)

Billy Mays was about as good a guy, as their gets (CNBC)

Top 10 Moments of when animals attack sports (Real Clear Sports)

The San Francisco Giants are in great shape, compared to the rest of the National League (SF Chronicle)

Botchamania! I suggest if you have time and you are a wrestling fan, to watch the Botchamania series

The Links

Sophie Monk to start the mourning.... Is Apple products too expensive?.... The English Prime Minister survives a mutiny.... Businesses terrified of Obama's health care bill.... Bret Michaels needed stitches and has a broken nose, from this incident at the Tony Awards.... Ticketmaster trying to out think ticket scalpers, please people will always find a way to scalp tickets

Can you believe either Reddick or Morrison will have a ring after the Finals? It's o.k. to start crying now Charles and Karl (Rumors & Rants)

Favorite Summer sports (Pyle of List)

A fastball isn't good enough for the Majors (Washington Times)

Jimmy Johnson almost went on Survivor (Awful Announcing)

Top Ten can't-miss prospects Who missed (Real Clear Sports)

Michael Vick could go to the UFL (CBS Sports)

Kiffin may have committed another violation, while the Raiders take another shot at him (Go Vols Extra)

NBA players play the Matching Game.

The Links

Hello Lucy Pinder....Should Washington change their name?.... I feel sorry for Blake Griffin.... Red Wings beat the Blackhawks in Ot to go 2-0 in the series.... Mel Gibson's golddigger is already pregnant.... RNC chairman takes on Obama-it's about time.... The Super Bowl is headed back to New Orleans.... Now Hog Flu is in Japan!.... 'Terminator Salvation' is already getting bad reviews

Of course Theismann has to sound off on the departure of Kornheiser (The Big Lead)

Najeh Davenport chases down his stolen car (Sports by Brooks)

Translating the George Brett tirade (KC Star)

Lane Kiffin commits another recruiting violation (Fanhouse)

Which league is harder to manage in (Major League Jerk)

Worst of the night between the Lakers and Nuggets (Basketbawful)

Ouch (With Leather)

More on the Eric Chavez story (27 Pitches)

Kurt Rambis interviews for the Sixers job (LA Times)

Lingerie Football League Tryouts

Lane Kiffin Vs. Al Davis Pt. 3

Tennessee received an letter from the Oakland Raiders on January 22 to reiterate their case against Lane Kiffin.

This fight has been raging between Lane Kiffin and Raiders owner Al Davis since last offseason. During last offseason Kiffin wanted to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan for he could bring in his daddy for that position. And of course Davis wouldn't allow it, so Kiffin acted like a child from then on.

Then after four games into the season Davis had the much-talked about press conference where he fired Kiffin. The two have fired back at each other multiple times since. Kiffin is looking to go to arbitration to receive the two months pay that he did not receive while he was unemployed. Davis filed a counterclaim against Kiffin seeking damages.

The three-page letter explained how they believe Kiffin breached his contract, violated the NFL's constitution and collective bargaining agreement and remained insubordinate despite repeated warnings from Raiders owner Al Davis.

"Kiffin's deposition will focus on his repeated lies to the media, team and fans," Raiders public relations director Mike Taylor said in an e-mail.

There is one key accusation that Davis will hammer home. And if you remember that press conference, this is the part when he pulled out the over head projector.

They referred to an amendment added to the NFL constitution at the owner's meeting in March 2008. It requires coaches to, among other things, communicate openly with the owner, respect the authority of ownership to make club decisions and to "to avoid actions that undermine or damage the club's reputation or operating success."

The Raiders said these provisions were incorporated into Kiffin's contract, per league rules, and that he repeatedly violated those terms.

In the letter, the Raiders complained about Kiffin's behavior since he was fired, from hiring away assistant offensive line coach James Cregg during the season to several public attacks on the Raiders organization.

The Raiders also criticized Kiffin and Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton for their actions at Kiffin's introductory news conference, how the two "went out of their way to laugh at the Raiders, referred to the team as 'dysfunctional' and as always in a state of crisis."

It's not like Kiffin hasn't stayed out of trouble since arriving at Tennessee. He has called out numerous SEC coaches, been reprimanded, and reported a self rules violations.

Surprisingly though, I am on Davis' side. Kiffin is a punk, who is living off his daddy's reputation. When he hired Cregg, that situation really put me over the top. The Raiders had only two games remaining in the season. Kiffin, who was making hires for his new staff, hired Cregg and he quit on the team with two games remaining. Then Kiffin attacked the Raiders organization again.

I get the fact you did not like working there, but keep your mouth shut after they fire you. And keep your mouth shut when talking about other coaches in the SEC.

All I have to say is good luck Lane, because you will never see anymore money from Al Davis. He fired Mike Shanahan 21 years ago and still has not payed him one dime.

Must List: The College Football Edition

Well I thought now more than ever would be a good time to do an early preview of the college football season. The Super Bowl has been lacking buzz, but the college ranks have been explosive since the season ended.

A War in the SEC: The usually competitive SEC just got a lot more edgier. When Tennessee hired Lane Kiffin they were looking for someone who is young and energetic. They got just that and more. First Kiffin mocks Steve Spurrier about recruiting. Then he goes out and makes his staff the highest paid in college, and even money whipped Lance Thompson out of Alabama starting a war between himself and Nick Saban.

Kiffin is perfect for the SEC. He is so arrogant, he makes Spurrier look humble. He thinks very highly of himself. Also he can defend himself against anyone. A year and a half with Al Davis will make you stronger. I can't wait till the start of the SEC season.

What will happen to Weis: Norte Dame coach Charlie Weis had an interesting year. The Fighting Irish have another bad year, then he blows out his knee during a game. Then there was speculation about him getting fired only to have the A.D. say he is coming back for another year. Then there were rumors that Norte Dame was going to fire him after the recruiting season and replace him with Jon Gruden.

Chuck has had an interesting year, and that is why Norte Dame has to have a great year. Another mediocre year and they will be replacing him with Jon Gruden or Urban Meyer. His seat will continually be warm until the end of next season.

Will he ever retire? We all know Joe Paterno is going to coach until someone places him six feet under. But Bobby Bowden is different. Florida State has already named his successor in offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. And in Fisher's contract if he is not the Florida St. coach by 2010, Florida St. will have to buy out his contract. Here's the deal though, Bobby Bowden has signed a one year contract to coach for the 2009 season. What happens if Bowden wants to coach another year? Do they buy out Fisher and sign Bowden to another contract? This will be an interesting situation as it plays out.

Will they repeat? I am of course talking about the defending national champions Florida. Tim Tebow and the entire starting defense has come back for another year. The loss of Percy Harvin will effect the offense, but the entire team remains in tack.

They will be the unanimous number one team in the nation and the start of the year. They will though have everyone coming after them. Plus they play Alabama during the regular season. While they will be the logical choice to make a return trip, but remember what happened to USC in 2005.

Early Poll:

1. Florida

2. Texas

3. Ole Miss

4. USC

5. Oklahoma

The Links

- Gary Danielson is still a complete D-bag. (Sportsday)

- Former Indiana coach Mike Davis is losing players to academics (The March to Madness)

- Jay Cutler & Brandon Marshall are some good people (Vent about Sports)

- Evander Holyfield is fighting again, and they wonder why boxing is dying (NY Times)

- Starbury bought a ticket to the Knicks-Lakers game last night and sat courtside (NY Post)

- Sean Penn not to popular in the gay community right now (Page Six)

- Couldn't have seen Fox using "scare tactics" (Variety)

- Kiffin is still running his mouth about the Raiders (SF Chronicle)

This could get interesting

Well Lane Kiffin hasn't even been the Tennessee coach since Monday, and he has taken and received a jab by Steve Spurrier.

Spurrier who used to needle former coach Phil Fulmer, was at it Monday before the ink dried on Kiffin's contract. He questioned if Kiffin broke NCAA rules by contacting a recruit before he was allowed to.

Jarvis Giles, a high school running back from Florida was contacted by Kiffin on Sunday mourning.

Kiffin struck back by hiring one of Spurrier's assistants, David Reaves, as his new recruiting coordinator. Then had this little gem.

"As far as recruiting, we've hit the ground running. I took the test a few days before I got hired here so that we could do that," he said Monday at his introductory news conference.

I have to say even though I questioned the hiring of Kiffin at Tennessee yesterday, I am starting to like the move. Kiffin, which we found out in the Bay Area, doesn't hold back when running his mouth. He could be the perfect foil to Spurrier. I can't wait till next year, to see the first South Carolina Vs. Tennessee game.

It's official: Lane Kiffin introduced as the new Tennessee coach

(SEC fans are not as forgiving as Al Davis)

It became official today, Tennessee introduced Lane Kiffin as the 21St coach in Volunteer country.


This hire is peculiar to me because Kiffin hasn't really done anything in his coaching career. He spent five years at USC, two of those years as the offensive coordinator. He more famously the head coach of the Oakland Raiders the past 1.25 years. He only won five games in his time spent in Oakland.

I don't now what qualified Kiffin to be in the same coaching ranks as: Mark Richt, Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Houston Nutt. But Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton obviously saw something in Kiffin. Lane is supposedly going to bring in his father Monte to run the defense and Ed Orgeron as the lead recruiter.

This hire could go both ways: complete disaster or complete genius by Tennessee, but their is no middle ground. And he doesn't have complacent Raider fans sitting behind him, he will have fanatic SEC fans. Good Luck.