Monday SEC Tackle Football Update

Not much, but important...

Stop One: Atlanta through Red Stick

Looks like John Chavis ((pictured, thanks Knoxville News-Sentinel/Amy Smotherman Burgess)) will be the new LSU Defensive Coordinator after serving with Phillip Fulmer in Knoxville...

From WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge...

"Asked if he could confirm whether he had interviewed for the job, Chavis said “I’d rather not at this time, if that’s OK. I don’t know what all is out there.”

When asked if there was a comfort level with staying in the SEC, where he’s been the Tennessee defensive coordinator for 14 seasons, Chavis said “There’s no question. But I don’t want to comment on anything until Coach Miles has.”

From Atlanta, LSU coach Les Miles issued the following statement on his coaching staff:

“There will not be any announcement regarding our coaching staff until we return to Baton Rouge. Right now the only thing we are focused on is getting ready to play Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl and I don’t want to do anything to take away from the opportunity our team has here in Atlanta. We have a chance to win our eighth game and finish the season on a positive note ,and that's our focus.

“I will not make any additional comments regarding my staff until we return to Baton Rouge.”

The Knoxville News-Sentinel version is in black...
Have a great day, sir... you have a damn fine football team...

Stop Two: Tuscaloosa
From Ian Rapoport of the Birmingham News, the reason the Tide's Andre Smith will not be participating in the Sugar Bowl...? Looks like there was the possibility of "improper contact with an agent."

There will be no Outland Trophy winner or All-American pushing the Utes around in New Orleans. Yes we know... "What is a Ute...?"

Mike Johnson and David Ross were working the left side of the offensive line at practice in New Orleans in Smith's absence.

Saban's statement:
"Andre Smith has been suspended from participating in the Sugar Bowl due to a violation of team rules and policies. The University of Alabama, the team and the football program are more important than any individual player. Everyone on our team depends on each other to be responsible, to make good choices and decisions relative to their actions.

Andre Smith has done an outstanding job in our program as a person, student and a player and we will do all we can as an institution to support him in all future endeavors.

Our priority and focus as a team is to play the best football game of the season in this Sugar Bowl, and to support our players to overcome any adversity this unfortunate situation has created."

John Parker Wilson's reaction is below...
((HT: al.com))

John Parker Wilson on suspension of Andre Smith