Holiday shoppers react to Kiffin buzz

The news of Lane Kiffin apparently becoming UT's next head football coach spread quickly Friday, and Vol fans had immediate reactions, even while taking advantage of Black Friday deals.

You expect to see Vol fans gathered around big-screen TVs at a sports bar, but not so much at West Town Mall. However that was exactly the case on Friday as shoppers at Alumni Hall took a break to watch a bit of the UT Mens' Basketball game.

While the game itself was exciting enough to stop some of them in their tracks, the news of Lane Kiffin's apparent hire as the new head football coach had everyone talking. Some were a little wary of the coach-to-be.

"He's not been a college head coach in the ranks at all," said shopper Ernie Petroff. "But I know they wanted to get somebody named and save this recruiting class, so hopefully it will work out," he added.

For some, admiration for departing Coach Phillip Fulmer still holds sway.

"I'm not really impressed with Kiffin's record so far," said shopper Dave Robinson. "I hear he's a great recruiter, but I'm just really sad right now that we have to get a new coach," he added.

But one young shopper seemed excited for the change.

"I think he'll be a good coach here at Tennessee," said Lance Lockridge. "He's been coaching in the NFL now, and he's got plenty of experience," he said.

"I'll always be a Vol fan, so I'll support whoever the coach is," Robinson added.

Again, the University of Tennessee maintains the search for a new head coach is still ongoing.

Stay tuned to 10News and wbir.com for the latest updates.