Kiffin facing rocky reception in return to Neyland
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin isn’t talking as the former Tennessee coach prepares to make his much-anticipated return to Knoxville.
He has no choice.
Alabama coach Nick Saban’s policy of keeping his assistants off limits to the media during the regular season means Kiffin doesn’t have to discuss his emotions as he heads back to a town that still hasn’t forgiven him nearly five years after his messy departure. Kiffin coached Tennessee in the 2009 season before leaving for Southern California.
As No. 4 Alabama (6-1, 3-1 SEC) gets ready to visit Tennessee (3-4, 0-3) on Saturday, both teams are downplaying Kiffin’s return. None of the current Volunteers played for Kiffin.
Saban says, “I think it’s only a distraction if you allow it to be a distraction.”
