Jimmy Ray Stephens said he grew emotional during Tennessee's 27-8 victory at Kentucky on Saturday: He had a gnawing feeling he might be coaching his last game for the Vols.

The 51-year-old veteran offensive line coach learned his instincts were correct a few hours later.

"Coach (Phillip) Fulmer called me after the game on the bus and said 'when you get back, stop by and give me a holler,' " Stephens, UT's line coach the past four seasons, said Sunday. "I knew what it was about.''

Stephens met with Fulmer for five minutes around 8 p.m. in Fulmer's office. Stephens said Fulmer told him the reason he had to make the change was because the new offensive coordinator was bringing in his own line coach.

"I asked him if he'd hired an offensive coordinator yet, and he said, 'no,' " Stephens said. "I'd really like to know if this was David's (Cutcliffe's) decision.''

Cutcliffe is expected to be named UT's offensive coordinator today.

Stephens wasn't the only UT assistant to lose his job. Wide receivers coach Pat Washington also was dismissed.

On the way out of Fulmer's office, in the hallway, Stephens passed Washington.

"He was going in; he knew what was happening,'' Stephens said. "It's embarrassing to me as a person, with my pride, to be let go, because in my heart, I know I did a good job. I think in his heart, coach Fulmer knows I did a good job, too.

"I've got to believe he's got pressure from the outside to make this decision.''

Stephens grew somewhat concerned about his job security just over a month ago, when after then-offensive coordinator Randy Sanders' resignation, WVLT-TV speculated about Stephens' and Washington's future with the Vols.

"Apparently, some big-time donor had written in his opinion of some changes that needed to be made, and mine and Pat's name were in that,'' Stephens said. "But I thought that wouldn't happen, because coach Fulmer had nothing but positive praise for me in the past.''

Fulmer didn't return calls to the News Sentinel about this story.

Stephens, who joined the UT staff in 2002, was an offensive line coach at Florida when the Gators won the national championship in 1996. He coached eight All-Americans and 10 first-team All-SEC selections during his nine-year tenure under former Gators coach Steve Spurrier. The Florida offensive line allowed 13 sacks in Stephens' final year in Gainesville.

UT's offense gave up 19 sacks this year. Of those sacks, Stephens indicated nine were charged to the offensive line.

The Vols finished second behind Auburn (17) in the SEC for fewest sacks allowed despite starting four different centers and six different line combinations due to injuries and the suspension of right tackle Albert Toeaina.

Last season, UT gave up 17 sacks in 13 games and produced two 1,000-yard rushers.

The Vols entered Saturday's game at Kentucky ranked 83rd in the nation in rushing, but tailback Arian Foster has topped more than 100 yards in each of the past five games.

"Early in the year, we didn't give the run a chance; we threw it all over the place until we saw we weren't making plays,'' Stephens said. "Then, around the Alabama game, coach Fulmer put his foot down and said we're going to get a personality, and we decided we could run the ball. Since then, we have been able to run the ball.

"The thing that's so shocking was I felt the offensive line was the most consistent part of the offense the whole season.''

Stephens placed two offensive linemen, Toeaina and Cody Douglas, in this year's Senior Bowl, an event that showcases the highest-rated collegiate seniors.

"I'm shocked he got the ax,'' Douglas said. "We had a pretty good year assignment-wise. We had a reputation for playing soft, but you break down film, and we had as many intimidation blocks as any year I've been here. That started when Arian (Foster) started playing and running the ball well.

"Bottom line, coach Stephens got us ready to play week-in and week-out and had us prepared for everything we were going to see. I hate it for him and his family.''

Even so, Stephens said he found it tough to get a job interview leaving Florida.

"Out of about 150 calls, I got two interviews,'' said Stephens, who in addition to interviewing at UT was called in by North Carolina, where he had a son playing quarterback. "It's tough to get a legitimate interview. Most jobs, when they come open, are really already filled with someone the head coach is already comfortable with.

"I'm back on the market, now. We have to sell our house, I've got to figure out where I'll be next and where my family will move.''

Stephens said Sunday that he received phone calls "from everyone on the (UT) staff, except Trooper (Taylor), and they all said they were shocked by this.''

Stephens said he didn't know if his recruiting was a factor in the firing.

"I didn't beg for an explanation,'' Stephens said. "I don't think it was my recruiting. Pennsylvania and Florida aren't the two easiest places to recruit for Tennessee.

"When it comes down to the rubber meeting the road, some coaches will work to sign guys, even though they know it's not the best guy for the program,'' Stephens said. "I've never been one of those selfish guys in recruiting, I've been a team guy and said 'let's get the best guy regardless of whose territory he's in.' "

Stephens recalled a question he was asked after his first year serving as an offensive line coach at UT.

"I was asked, 'What's the hardest job, coaching the offensive line, coaching for coach Fulmer, a former offensive line coach, or coaching for coach Spurrier, whose quarterbacks my position had to protect?' '' Stephens said. "I said then it was too early to tell.

"I think I can answer that question now.''