Lane Kiffin introduced at Tennessee

Dec 1, 2008 - 8:10 PM KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Lane Kiffin knows he has a difficult act to follow at Tennessee, so he promised no quick fixes.

The torch officially was passed Monday, when the 33-year-old Kiffin was introduced as Phillip Fulmer's successor, signaling the beginning of a new era on Rocky Top.

Kiffin called Fulmer, who was forced out after 17 seasons as Tennessee's football coach, "a coaching legend in the profession."

The dean of Southeastern Conference coaches, Fulmer posted a 152-52 with the Volunteers, who won the 1998 national title and reached 15 bowl games during his tenure.

"I'm extremely honored to follow him," Kiffin said. "I'm not trying to be him. All I'm trying to do is carry on some of the things he's done."

Fulmer came under fire after guiding the Volunteers to their second losing season in four years. Tennessee finished 5-7 this season after Fulmer won his finale with a 28-10 victory over Kentucky on Saturday.

In recent seasons, Tennessee's recruiting has lagged behind SEC powers Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana State, and Kiffin acknowledged it is something that has to improve.

"We have to put a fence around the state of Tennessee," he said. "There is no reason for a player in this state not to want to come to Tennessee."

Kiffin becomes the youngest coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision, a distinction he also held in the NFL before being fired by the Oakland Raiders earlier this season.

"He's charismatic," Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton said. "He has a plan for everything he does and he's a tireless worker. He's made a significant impression on me in the short time I've known him and I know he will have the same impact on the Tennessee family in short order."

There has been considerable speculation that Kiffin's father, Monte, a long-time NFL assistant and currently the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will accompany his son to Tennessee.

However, the younger Kiffin declined to discuss his potential staff.

"When it's all said and done, you will be extremely happy with the staff that comes here," he said. "But give it time. It's important to do it right, not fast."

Despite his youth, Kiffin has significant coaching experience, serving as an assistant under Pete Carroll for six seasons at Southern California. Kiffin was the Trojans' offensive coordinator in 2005-2006.

Hamilton said Kiffin's experience at USC will "prepare him for the expectations we have at Tennessee."

Kiffin, was fired by the Raiders this past September 30 after posting a 5-15 record in his one-plus seasons in Oakland.

"I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work," he said. "I'm not promising any number of wins or championships. It's too unpredictable. But I'll promise you that no one is going to outwork us. No one is going to outwork me and my staff."

Considered an offensive guru, Kiffin will be charged with improving a Tennessee team that averaged 268.8 yards per game and scored just 17.3 points per game this season.

The Volunteers ranked 11th in the SEC in total offense and 10th in scoring offense.