Butch Jones blasted by Tennessean columnist over handling of media

Butch Jones, the former UC Bearcats head coach fired over the weekend by Tennessee, was blasted by tennesseean.com columnist Joe Rexrode in an open letter.

An excerpt of the letter:

What I do know, as a sportswriter, is that your entire handling of the media aspect of your job was a disaster. And I believe it distracted you from doing this job to the best of your ability. It must have. I can’t tell you to grow thicker skin for your next job. That’s you. I can tell you about strategy. Don’t waste time worrying about every little tweet you don’t like. Don’t waste time worrying about every little joke at your expense on the radio. Don’t threaten to pull the credentials of specific reporters because it won’t work unless you have a reason much stronger than not liking the commentary. Don’t threaten the access of young reporters for comments that qualify as mild criticism at most. It’s embarrassing. Protecting your players, I get. Always thinking about recruiting and how media coverage affects it, I get. Most of all, Butch, don’t waste time at your next stop trying to find a stooge. You know what I mean. Special access in exchange for favorable coverage — which, when things go this poorly on the field, turns into comical excuse-making that anyone with wireless can spot from a coffee shop a mile away. It just makes you look worse. People aren’t that dumb. And though I realize some coaches think they need “allies” in the media, that doesn’t work as well in this age of instant connection and two-way accountability. As you wondered why some in the Knoxville media seemed so down on you, did you consider it was because you so blatantly played favorites for favors?

Jones addressed allegations earlier this month that one of his offensive linemen played part of the Vols' loss to Kentucky with a concussion.

Jones coached UC from 2010 to 2012 before leaving for the Volunteers.

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