Derek Dooley: Evaluating His First Year, And Future, With Tennessee Football

Derek Dooley has Tennessee entering the Music City Bowl tonight in his first year under the helm in Knoxville. Regardless of the outcome against North Carolina, Dooley did a solid job this season.

After losing two of its first three games and going 2-6 through the first eight, Tennessee smartened up and won its last four. Evening their record to 6-6, the Volunteers became bowl eligible, and Dooley should be the one getting the credit.

Last January, Dooley took over at Tennessee amidst controversy after the abrupt departure of Lane Kiffin. Scrutiny and expectations followed Dooley throughout the year and he persevered. When things seemingly couldn’t get worse for the former Louisiana State head coach, he turned the ship around.

Dooley’s decision to put more faith in freshman quarterback Tyler Bray sure helped the Volunteers. On the year, Bray has 1,537 yards in eight games, including at least 320 in three of the last four, all wins.

The Vols’ defense also took a step in the right direction through the second part of the season. During their four-game winning streak, they haven’t allowed more than 14 points.

All told, though, Dooley’s ability to keep the train moving, so to speak, was his best accomplishment this year. In what could have been a downright terrible season amidst turmoil and facing an extremely tough SEC schedule, Dooley helped keep things moving forward at Tennessee.

And whether they win or lose tonight, there is much to build upon next year for the Volunteers.