NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Every year Tennessee lawmakers pass a resolution honoring the University of Tennessee's football coach. Not this year.
Lane Kiffin's sudden departure for Southern California left a bitter taste across the Volunteer State and the state legislature.
Republican House Speaker Kent Williams asked members of the chamber Wednesday to hold a voice vote on whether to congratulate Kiffin for his single 7-6 season.
The response was unanimous: "No!"
The 34-year-old Kiffin was credited by some for his competitive recruiting and brash attitude toward rivals, but he also brought an unwelcome spotlight on the Vols with several minor NCAA violations and discipline problems.
