It's too bad politics isn't more like football.
University of Tennessee football fans, and all college football fans for that matter, are anxiously awaiting the upcoming season. Articles and newscasts are already speculating that Volunteers' coach, Derek Dooley -- with his underwhelming 11-14 record -- is on the proverbial "hot seat" leading into his third season.
Dooley, addressing the media at the Southeastern Conference's press gathering in Alabama didn't offer excuses, or complain about bad luck or the circumstances he inherited.
Refreshingly, Dooley summed up the importance of the upcoming season: "What have I proven? I don't think that's my place to say because all really we're judged on is what the record is, so until we change that, it's pointless for me to tell you all the things I feel like we've accomplished."
The scrutiny on sports coaches, especially in the highly competitive SEC, is constant and, at times, ruthless, with a singular demand - results.
While results mean everything in sports, with elections upon us, it's hard not to notice how little result matter in politics. As we've seen here locally in recent years, what matters instead, are things like:
• Big name endorsements from other incumbents;
• Wads of cash from special interests;
• Personnel files anonymously showing up in garages;
• Unrealistic promises to accomplish the impossible;
• Whisper campaigns and personal insults; and
• Embellished resumes that make false claims.
You know, the main difference between the demands on an football coach and a politician is really simple ... a coach has to deliver on the promises made. A politician, however, can guarantee the moon and, when those pledges aren't kept, offer a few lame excuses and keep his job.
An underperforming football coach can get the old heave-ho at any moment. It's too bad we have to wait until election time to get rid of underperforming politicians.