Posted by: Josh Kendall on January 14, 2013

Zach Azzanni's first days on the job have included some coaching of the coaches.

Azzanni was named wide receivers coach / recruiting coordinator by new Volunteers coach Butch Jones, and Azzanni has tried to impress on his new colleagues the importance of social media in recruiting. It's been a tough sell at times.

"Some of them are a little uncomfortable with it," he said. "I am pressing it as we go. 'Hey, you need to learn this. You've gotta do it.' That's just part of the deal these days. That's how kids respond. Some of them are a little intimidated by it, some of our older coaches, but they are doing a great job of jumping on board."

Azzanni understands recruiting in the SEC after spending one season at Florida, he said.

"It's a street fight every day. If you take a day off, you're going to get beat," he said. "It's ultra-competitive, every day, every hour. Recruiting at this level is different, it really, really is."

In terms of his on-field duties, Azzanni is thrilled to be at Wide Receiver U.

"Have you walked around here? There's nothing like this in the country," he said. "This place is special. For me to have an opportunity to coach at a place that's nicknamed after my position. I'm a receiver guy at heart. I've had other opportunities to coach other positions. I'm a wideout coach, that's my passion."

Azzanni already has encouraged former Vol Joey Kent to return to the team and sit in on meetings, he said. He also talked about an interesting trait he looks for in players he recruits.

"I want personality," he said. "I want guys that bring a little bit different edge to the field. Personality is big these days. It can change your program if you bring in the right or wrong one."

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Josh Kendall is a staff writer for CoachingSearch.com and has covered the SEC for more than 15 years for papers such as the Athens Banner-Herald, Macon Telegraph, and The State. He’s the father of two boys who he’s hoping don’t inherit his wide receiver frame and offensive guard feet. Follow @EyeOnCoaches on twitter and send your feedback to josh@coachingsearch.com