Report: Peyton Manning to have ‘big role’ in Tennessee coach decision

The former Vols QB has been in Knoxville recently and would like to be more involved in the upcoming search.

Peyton Manning’s time in Knoxville was a success when he was a quarterback, and his restaurant near campus, Saloon 16, seems to be doing well, too.

Now, Manning will serve as an advisor for the administration in the Vols’ next search for a head football coach.

Fox Sports college football reporter Bruce Feldman was the first to report that the Tennessee legend would serve a role in the process.

#Tennessee has fired Jeremy Pruitt. Once again, the Vols have a coaching search on their hands. Peyton Manning will have a big role in this decision, sources tell me. Here are the candidates we think they’ll consider: https://t.co/wyRhpYLrSq

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 18, 2021

Over the final weeks of the investigation, VR2 on SI was also informed that Manning had been involved behind the scenes in Knoxville and would like to have a heavier presence.

This could include more NFL possibilities, as Jim Caldwell and Doug Marrone are both names to watch for the job.