David Cutcliffe to stay at Duke

Things change quickly in the world of college football. Just last night David Cutcliffe was rumored to be close to a deal with the University of Tennessee to become the new head football coach in Knoxville but this morning that speculation has been put to rest with published reports that Cutcliffe has taken his name out of consideration for the vacancy at Tennessee. This was likely a smart move for Cutcliffe in the long run. His current position at Duke will never come with astronomical expectations and if he is able to keep that program competitive on a regular basis in the Atlantic Coast Conference, he will likely be able to remain the head coach there until he either decides to retire or move on to another university. One also has to admire Cutcliffe for his loyalty to his staff, players and Duke itself. Many in the world of college football today would jump at the chance to take over the reins of a Southeastern Conference program steeped in tradition like the one at Tennessee without regard for those around them that would be affected by the move. Cutcliffe took a step back and was able to see the big picture and how this decision would affect not only his life but the lives of those around him. That alone says a great deal about the man and the values that he holds close. Cutcliffe's decision to stay at Duke can also only help the Atlantic Coast Conference to continue to strengthen itself from the bottom up. The search in Knoxville however goes on.