It seems the situation with Coach Lane Kiffin leaving the University of Tennessee after one year to become the new head coach for USC after Pete Carroll said that he will be heading to Seattle to coach the Seattle Seahawks is causing a lot of discussion. My first week back in classes at Tennessee were filled with inquiries on how I felt regarding this case. When I introduced myself to my students in my PR Cases class this week, I said that I got my bachelors degree in PR from Florida (a huge rival for Tennessee), and then I said – well, I got my Master’s degree from USC in Strategic PR, which has been in the news a lot the last couple of days. One of my students said “wow, that is like a double whammy for you!” Yep – little did I know that I would be in more trouble wearing USC gear at Tennessee now instead of my Florida gear. 🙂
Here is where I stand: I wish Lane Kiffin the best at USC and his new coaching position – I am a proud alum of USC (M.A. in Strategic Public Relations, 2007 & USC Shot put Record holder) and I am sure that they will continue to do great and wonderful things in football. Many sports analysts are weighing in on the situation – some say that the way that everything was handled was done not as well at it could have been, while others say it was a good decision. I am also supportive of the University of Tennessee – we now have a new football coach, Derek Dooley, and hopefully all of the discussion and commotion regarding this situation will settle down. We have to remember that the most affected group in this situation are the football players at both schools. These young men at both USC and Tennessee want to have a strong, productive, and positive atmosphere to play football in – and I think that people in the media, community, and boosters are forgetting this in my opinion. The football players at Tennessee are now on their third coach in three years, and that is tough. I wish both teams all the best – and here is to a great football season in 2010!
In terms of PR, I think that this case shows in many ways that public relations was not the route cause of this situation, however, it does have an active role for both USC and Tennessee. Both teams have to be actively communicating with their recruits for the upcoming year, meeting with the boosters of the football programs, and being transparent to the media and community. These are just some of the issues that I see from this particular situation. However, while both teams are handling these challenges, there are many opportunities that are present. For USC, it is a chance to continue to have a strong football program and to show people – yes, this is how we do things at USC and to rebound from this past football season. For Tennessee, it is about starting a new era and football culture with a new leader into the new decade. Only time will tell to see how both teams will fare – but all I have to say is Go Vols and Fight on Trojans!!! 🙂
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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