While Lane Kiffin Is Often Blamed for Tennessee’s Decade of Struggles, the True Blame Lies with the Tennessee Titans for Their Role…

While Lane Kiffin Is Often Blamed for Tennessee’s Decade of Struggles, the True Blame Lies with the Tennessee Titans for Their Role…

Lane Kiffin’s name is practically synonymous with betrayal in Knoxville. His sudden exit from Tennessee after just one season in 2009 is seen by many as the spark that ignited over a decade of chaos for the Vols’ football program. But what if Kiffin was just the scapegoat? What if the real, overlooked contributor to Tennessee’s struggles wasn’t a coach—but the state’s NFL franchise: the Tennessee Titans?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth. As the Titans rose in profile—making playoff runs, drafting stars, and dominating headlines—they began siphoning attention, media coverage, and crucially, fan engagement away from Tennessee football. Once the heart and soul of football in the Volunteer State, UT started playing second fiddle in its own backyard.

The Titans’ success also reshaped how young talent in Tennessee viewed their futures. Instead of dreaming of playing in orange at Neyland Stadium, prospects increasingly set their sights on the pro-style allure of the NFL—and the Titans became the new image of “making it.” That shift led many elite in-state recruits to look elsewhere for college, especially as UT went through coach after coach and instability became the norm.

But perhaps most damaging was the lack of synergy. While other states have seen college programs and pro franchises co-exist and even support one another, Tennessee’s two top football entities have operated like distant strangers—no collaboration, no alignment, and definitely no unified football vision for the state.

So yes, Kiffin’s departure stung. But the Titans’ growing shadow and disconnected relationship with college football in Tennessee quietly did far more damage over the years.

It’s time to stop blaming just the exit of one man—and start acknowledging the systemic issues that dimmed the once-mighty flame on Rocky Top.