Tennessee Volunteers

Pinkel may get into 'fundraising, projects, facilities' once retired

Published Nov. 17, 2015 10:39 p.m. ET

foxsports

Plan on seeing Gary Pinkel stick around in Columbia for the foreseeable future.

The head coach -- who recently announced his resignation effective at the end of this season -- appears primed to help out the football program in some capacity.

Athletic director Mack Rhoades praised Pinkel considerably during a Monday press conference. Rhoades spoke about Pinkel being "a great asset" to the program, and how his connections and relationships could be utilized in the future. The head coach would also be willing to give his opinions as to whom the next leader of the team should be.

Pinkel spoke on Tuesday, and mentioned "fundraising, projects, facilities, stuff like that" as things he could be involved with going forward. There's no question Pinkel possesses the experience, likability, and respect needed to impact the program going forward -- even if he isn't the head coach.