This year can take CBJ from a good coach to a great coach... if he improves his win total again finally gets past florida, and wins the east.
Or it could take him from a good coach to a below average coach with that talent he has this year... If they lay an egg in a big game like the battle at Bristol. Then get beat by florida at home again, I don't care if it's by half a point in the 3ed OT. Then choke at A&M on the road only to come home, and get spanked by bama fans will be pissed... 8-4 is not gonna cut it this year. The 4 biggest games the vols have this year with the best odds of getting beat are Florida, Georgia, A&M, and bama.
If he goes 1-3 during those games to finish year 9-3 but that 1 is florida or bama I think fans would be alright with that especially if they get a 10th win at a bowl. He would still just be a good solid coach.
1-3 in those games and that one win is Georgia again fans will be upset. A lot would lose confidence in him.same if that 1 win is A&M.
0-4 in those games to finish 8-4 fans will be pissed calling for his job......