Derek Dooley Will Coach from the Press Box at Mississippi State

After undergoing hip surgery earlier this afternoon, Tennessee Volunteers head coach Derek Dooley will coach from the press box in Davis Wade Stadium when his team travels to undefeated Mississippi State on Saturday.

According to ESPN, Yahoo, SI and others, Dooley had been experiencing pain in his right hip for "several months." Apparently, the pain had become distracting, so after Tuesday's morning practice, Dooley headed to UT Medical Center for surgery.

(Side note: Is it just me, or can they create another great commercial for UT Medical with this?)

While this news comes nowhere near putting a nail in the coffin of the Vols' upset hopes against No. 19 Mississippi State, not having Dooley on the sideline in a key moment at the end of the game could have an effect, a la the Urban Meyer-less Florida Gators at the 2004 Peach Bowl or this year's New Orleans Saints.

The Vols kick off at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2 and are looking for their first signature win within the conference under Dooley.

No word yet on who will be wearing the orange pants.