So I posted last night that Kennedy was officially gone at TAM and gave my opinion that it is more likely Buzz will be leaving then staying (regardless of the words one poster put it my mouth I clearly stated I don't know what will happen, just an opinion, so no inside information). In addition to TAM , Zona and Texas are high profile jobs that could open also.

Again in my opinion only, (you need to say that a lot around here I've learned) we are missing what might be the most significant reason Buzz might leave VT (and probably because it stings a bit).

And yes money is important. And yes the lure of possible coaching in his home state could be big.

But frankly I think the biggest reason has been on vivid display this year- the ACC. Buzz's goal is likely to contend for national championships more years then not and that simply IMO can not happen at VT, at least in the foreseeable future. And the reason is in comparison to ANY other conference in America the mountain needed to climb to be a consistently best program in this conference is big time harder. And you need to do that before you can elevate to the next level.

Let's think this through. SEC- one true blueblood UK, and one sort of in FL- definitely more room at the table . Big 12- Kansas a true blueblood- arguably OK has the pedigree to elevate . Big Ten- has always been some parity at the top- although today MSU and Mich seem there- Wis,Purdue, IU, OSU, MD all can compete at its highest levels.

And the we have the ACC- ten years ago and ten years from now Duke and UNC will still be standing tall, period. They will not be surmounted. Add to that two to three semi-bluebloods in Louisville , Syracuse and arguably now Virginia. There is just no way VT is ever in Buzz's time going to become one of the dominant brands in the ACC. Is it possible to catch lightning in a bottle and once in a while make a splash? Sure, but that is a long way from what Buzz probably wants - which is to MOST YEARS HAVE A CHANCE TO COMPETE FOR A NATIONAL TITLE.

So ask yourself a basic question. If your goal is to win at the highest level would you stay at VT, if options that gave you an easier path were presented. And yes Zona and Texas are easier paths. And yes I think TAM is an easier path. Many P6 schools are- and that isnt a slam on VT, it is just the neighborhood we reside in.

Slam away folks.