Breaking Down the 'Dores: Vandy podcast

Vanderbilt granted The Tennessean exclusive access to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and athletics director Candice Lee on a Zoom call to talk about the football coach search and other plans for athletics.

After the firing of Derek Mason, the Commodores are trying to find a coach who can pump excitement into the program, be competitive in the SEC, bring an exciting style to West End and fit the culture of the most unique university in the conference.

On this week's episode of "Breaking Down the 'Dores," Vanderbilt beat reporter Adam Sparks and former beat reporter Mike Organ discuss the attendance policy and point out some misconceptions about it.

Second-year coach Jerry Stackhouse is preparing Vanderbilt for the upcoming season with some promising sophomores, returning role players and a few transfers.

As Vanderbilt football fans' apathy and losses mount during a difficult season, has Derek Mason's tenure passed the point of no return?

Should the COVID-19 pandemic impact how those challenges are handled? And should Lee feel any heat from the hiring of deputy athletics directors Kristene Kelly and Tommy McClelland, who was a rising star as Louisiana Tech's AD? Or could their hires be a sign of progress? Host Mike Organ and Vanderbilt beat reporter Adam Sparks discuss those topics and more on this week's podcast.

Vanderbilt's football season, Derek Mason's future and struggles this season are viewed through the lens of COVID-19's impact. This week's podcast focuses on the impact.

Vanderbilt students were admitted to the first home football game, but not other fans or even players' families. Should Vanderbilt adjust that approach?

Adam Sparks and Mike Organ break down Vanderbilt's first game against Texas A&M, and wonder if it's possible to build on that when they face the defending champs in LSU this week.

The Commodores head into Saturday's opener at No. 11 Texas A&M without at least 15 players, including six COVID-19 opt-outs, five transfers since spring practice, three injuries and one quarantine. And that's only what we know.

Woody Widenhofer, who died Sunday, was a defensive guru who never quite got the winning season he pursued as Vanderbilt football coach. But he left quite a legacy and some looming questions about what kind of coach and philosophy best fits the Commodores.

The SEC played two games in its men's conference basketball tournament, but on Thursday morning, before any more games could be played, the league called it quits.

How will Vanderbilt basketball improve next season under Jerry Stackhouse? And will it be with Aaron Nesmith or Clevon Brown on the roster?

Vanderbilt released its Athletics Strategic Plan recently, but what exactly is it? We dive into all the flowery verbs, general language and obvious goals.

Vanderbilt started spring football practice this week with lots of new faces. Freshman Ken Seals is getting the most reps at quarterback by default as new coordinator Todd Fitch installs his offense. Defense has all its contributors back from last season but also has a new coordinator in Ted Roof.

Vanderbilt hasn't announced a search for a new athletics director, but it hasn't taken the interim tag off Candice Storey Lee, either. Where should Vanderbilt turn for its next AD?

Special guest Max Herz stops by to talk Vanderbilt baseball. Herz has served as an SEC Network sideline reporter for Commodores baseball games, and he's currently filling the role of play-by-play announcer for the Vanderbilt Radio Network.

Malcolm Turner stepped down on Tuesday after one year on the job at Vanderbilt, and deputy athletics director Candice Storey Lee was named interim athletics director.

Vanderbilt basketball coach Jerry Stackhouse took time Tuesday to talk about his interactions with Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash Sunday.

Vanderbilt fans are frustrated with Jerry Stackhouse over the historic 3-point streak ending, and they're losing confidence in Derek Mason over the mass exodus of quarterbacks.