Tennessee Vols: Nigel Warrior explains what makes Jeremy Pruitt a great coach
After going 8-5 in 2019, there's been plenty of talk that Jeremy Pruitt is "the right coach" for the Tennessee Vols. But what makes Pruitt a good coach? What makes him right for Tennessee? Former Vols defensive back Nigel Warrior, who played two seasons under Butch Jones and two seasons under Pruitt, recently toldThe Athletic […]
After going 8-5 in 2019, there's been plenty of talk that Jeremy Pruitt is "the right coach" for the Tennessee Vols.
But what makes Pruitt a good coach? What makes him right for Tennessee?
Former Vols defensive back Nigel Warrior, who played two seasons under Butch Jones and two seasons under Pruitt, recently toldThe Athletic what he believes sets Pruitt apart from other coaches.
Warrior described Pruitt as an "intense" coach who "knows what he's talking about".
But what really sets Pruitt apart, according to Warrior, is his ability to relate to everyone on the team in a special way.
Warrior told The Athletic that Pruitt teaches every player on the team in a different way, saying "The way he does it, he actually listens to his players. He actually understands his players before he starts trying to teach them."
Pruitt has a reputation as a tenacious recruiter and a defensive mastermind. But I think his ability as a teacher is what could truly make him a special head coach.
This probably goes back to Pruitt's time as a PE teacher at an elementary school in Alabama. You have to posses a special mindset to teach kindergarten age kids. And it's clear that Pruitt does.
Coaches can have all the football knowledge in the world. But if they aren't able to teach/coach in a relatable way, then it's all for naught.
Pruitt is obviously relatable. And he's not stubborn. He's willing to change his methods to fit different players.
I don't know where the program will end up under Pruitt, but the Vols are at least taking a path that looks like it's heading toward success.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports/
