KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said the perception that his program is in bad shape right now is far from the truth.
Dooley addressed reporters on Tuesday for the first time since the Vols' 2011 season ended with a 10-7 loss at Kentucky, expressing his excitement about the team's future. He said the roster is in better shape and the program has a much stronger foundation than it has had in two years.
Since the November 26 season-ending loss, Tennessee has lost four assistant coaches and a few commitments from recruits. Dooley was also criticized for initially not agreeing to grant wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett an unrestricted release from the program to be near his ailing father in Saginaw, Michigan, though Dooley has since changed his mind.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
