One quote from Danny White about hiring Josh Elander to replace Tony Vitello should restore all faith in Tennessee's athletic director

One quote from Danny White about hiring Josh Elander should restore all faith in Tennessee's athletic director

Vols athletic director Danny White faced some pushback from fans this week due to the belief that he didn't do all he could to keep Vitello from leaving Rocky Top.

“I think as people sort of think back through (the Vitello era), it now, and what it was like, there’s a lot of sadness,” said On3's Chris Low this week. “I know, Danny White said it was a proud day. I disagree. It was a sad day, because I don’t think this had to happen. I think there was a way for this not to happen, and it happened. I think that’s what people are most upset, sad, and angry [about] — all the different emotions. That you had a real gem, you had a treasure.

"And Tony wasn’t perfect. Maybe the way he did things and handled things in the last few years wasn’t perfect. None of us are. But he clearly was something that, when you look at Tennessee athletics, and yeah, [baseball] didn’t make money, and yeah, they lost money, but he was something, again, that Tennessee people had to hold on to and say, ‘He’s ours. He makes us proud.’ And guess what, there’s not a lot of people walking around over there with a natty ring.”

Fair or not, White had to navigate some rough waters this week, but he nailed the process by making the obvious (and easy) choice to hire Elander.

White's statement about hiring Elander was telling. This wasn't a move that was made to appease the fan base. White made the hire because he saw for himself in Elander what numerous former and current players saw.

"From the outset of this national search, Josh emerged as theundeniable top choice," said White in a statement announcing Elander as the Vols' new baseball coach. "His relentless commitment has helped transform Tennessee baseball into a powerhouse, and we are proud to have him as our next head coach on Rocky Top. His influence inspires excellence in every aspect of our program and we look forward to continuing our quest for championships on the diamond under Josh's guidance!"

Elander was clearly the "undeniable top choice" -- Vols fans are just happy that White came to that same conclusion on his own.

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