Bandit Ref Applies to be the Next Tennessee Athletic Director UPDATE!

I was fairly certain when I applied to be the next athletic director of the University of Tennessee that a response would be quick.  After all, it's not often that a candidate of my caliber not only applies, but also offers you a Dollywood coupon as a bribe.  Still, I was a bit caught off guard that a few short hours after submitting my extensive application a response from Parker Executive Search was in my mail box.  The response follows:

Mr. Ref:

Thank you for your interest in the Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics search at the University of Tennessee.  We will present your information to the search committee for their review & consideration.

We will be in touch soon with an update.

All the best,

Amanda Barfield 

I feel like this is a good sign.  Not only did I get a personal email instead of the automated response I am sure Phillip Fulmer got, but the note had quite the positive tone to it.  Mrs. Barfield not only thanks me for my interest, but also wishes me "all the best!" If you go back and read my original cover letter I signed off with "all the best" too.  Coincidence?  I think not.  The promise of a timely update and that my information is being presented to the search committee point to Mrs. Barfield recognizing me as a candidate worthy of deep consideration.  But who can blame the uber professional Mrs. Barfield?  I mean look at some of my references:

It would be stupid to not hire Bandit Ref as the new Tennessee AD. - Albert Einstein 

Dude... - King Crimson

Would you want to argue with the likes of Einstein and King Crimson? No you wouldn't, because they are smarter than you.  You had better do as they say if you know whats good for you.  Mrs. Barfield understands that lesson.   

This letter has inspired me to go ahead and get started on my new job even before I hear back from the search committee.  I think my first task will be to plan out what changes I will make immediately upon my appointment, and what my long term goals as AD of UT will be.  

More updates on my continuing quest to save the University of Tennessee from Phillip Fulmer are coming soon.  In the mean time if you haven't read my original application for the job, check it out:

I Apply to be the Next Athletic Director at the University of Tennessee

If you would like to help in my cause use the twitter hash-tag  #BanditRefForVolsAD and give me a shout out of support! 

I will be a benevolent king of Tennessee.

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