An advisory committee to hire a new head football coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin has met and agreed on characteristics a new coach should possess. The committee has also set a goal to name the new coach by Dec. 1.

The committee is chaired by Phil Dane, the director of intercollegiate athletics at UT Martin. Other committee members include Dr. Nell Gullett, professor of finance and faculty athletics representative; Mike Jinkins, president of the Skyhawk Club and former UT Martin football player; William Campbell, UT Martin admissions counselor and former UT Martin football player; and current UT Martin football players John Gray, a junior defensive end from Danville, Ky.; and Lee Lawrence, a junior offensive lineman from Gleason, Tenn.

In addition to agreeing on the list of characteristics, the committee reviewed a substantial preliminary list of candidates.

“I am very encouraged by the caliber of people who have expressed a preliminary interest in the position already,” Dane said.