... coach the University of Tennessee right in the middle of recruiting season in January, the emotions felt by Volunteer Nation ranged from jilted to enraged.

Although Tennessee fans, players and alumni view their beloved university as a top-tier institution of higher education and athletics, Kiffin saw nothing more in this job than a mere stepping stone towards a more prestigious head coaching position. As soon as Pete Carroll left USC to coach the NFL Seattle Seahawks, Kiffin pounced through his window of opportunity.

What resulted was brief pandemonium in Knoxville. A Bleacher Report - College Football