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In Tennessee’s search to find a new offensive coordinator and at least one other assistant coach, don’t expect money to be a stumbling block.
Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton said Wednesday that he would work to make sure the Vols don’t lose a potential candidate because of dollars and cents.
“I don’t think that will be an issue,” Hamilton said.
The escalation of salaries for both head coaches and assistants on a national level means Tennessee will likely need to increase its salary pool for assistant coaches and coordinators.
Tennessee took a step in that direction in July, when Hamilton announced two-year contracts for position coaches and a $161,000 increase in assistant coaches’ pay.
That brought the total payroll for assistants and coordinators to $1.721 million, which Hamilton said at the time Hamilton ranked in the top third of the SEC.
But if the Vols need to increase that amount again to bring in top assistants, UT coach Phillip Fulmer is confident the resources will be there.
“I have no question whatsoever that Mike will allow us to be competitive,” Fulmer said. “We’re not going to get ridiculous with anything, I don’t believe. He’s been very, very supportive of that since he’s been the athletic director — to do what we needed to do to be competitive.”
Terms of Trooper Taylor’s deal Wednesday to become co-offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State were not immediately available, however Fulmer said the Cowboys offered UT’s wide receivers coach a “significant amount of money” to become their offensive coordinator.
Taylor’s predecessor with the Cowboys, former Florida offensive coordinator Larry Fedora, the neew head coach at Southern Miss, earned $393,000 last year and had a five-year, guaranteed contract, according to The Oklahoman.
Fedora’s deal at Oklahoma State was thought put him among the highest paid coordinators in the country.
Taylor was scheduled to receive $175,000 this season and is UT’s highest paid position coach.
Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe was scheduled to earn $340,000 this season and would have made $375,000 in the final year of a three-year contract. Cutcliffe will leave Tennessee after the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1 to become head coach at Duke.
Even with Taylor set to leave after the bowl game, finding Cutcliffe’s successor remains Fulmer’s top priority.
“I’m going to research this and find the best offensive coordinator available in the country for the University of Tennessee,” Fulmer said. “From the professional ranks, from the college ranks, I’ve had a lot of interest. We’re replacing a guy that was very, very good.”
And Hamilton feels like Tennessee will be able to offer a financial package that will be appealing to a top-level candidate.
The two-year contracts in place for assistants and three-year deals for coordinators help show UT’s commitment to its staff.
“It gives Phillip some leverage as he looks to hire the right people to replace any positions that may become available on our staff,” Hamilton said. “We can offer something that a lot of schools are not offering, in addition to our great tradition and facilities and all those other things that are positive about Tennessee. That’s another tool he has as it relates to the recruiting of coaches.”
As that process continues, Hamilton said he will consider compensation for potential hires on a case-by-case basis.
The goal for both Fulmer and Hamilton remains the same, find — and hire — the best, even if it costs more to do so.
“I told coach, go out and hire the best possible coaches and we’ll work within reason to pay whatever’s necessary to do that,” Hamilton said. “That’s the charge he’s been given and the responsibility he’s been given. So we’ll see where all that lands.”
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 65
THE_VOL writes:
These two clowns couldn't hire a good $40 hooker if you gave em each a million bucks!
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Who's doing the hiring here? I thought Coach Fulmer was the Head Football Coach.
Why is time even spent writing this article? I'm even more stupid for taking time to look at it.
revjulian writes:
If UT went 13-0, won the National Championship, had a Heisman trophy QB, a Heisman runner-up RB, Nagurski award winner, AP coach of the year winner, AND #1 recruiting class, we would still have these idiots on here complaining about something.
"I wish UT had Texas orange instead of the orange we use now."
"I can't believe Neyland Stadium holds ONLY 108,000. We shouldn't be the third largest stadium in the nation.. we should be first."
"Why does the Tenn. river run BY THE STADIUM? Any architect worth a darn would have allowed the river to run THROUGH THE STADIUM.
Come on guys... you call yourselves "fans" why not start acting like some?
Pullingguard writes:
The_Vol don't know where u reside or where u have been, but 40 bucks, would hate to see what you brought forward with that.. Now to football; Fulmer will come up with a team to make everyone proud... Just give him some rope and money as Hamilton has done... Believe!!!! and put those two 20's in the cookie jar..
invisiblekid writes:
That's the spirit, through enough money at a problem and it goes away.
andy112382#209793 writes:
revjulian - very true and those specific posters on here know it. It must really be a bummer to go through life looking for the dark cloud to ever silver lining, woulnd't you think???
Anywho, now that Taylor is gone and that isn't a aspect of the hiring process, lets take our time and get the perfect fit for OC to use the talented youngsters we have to their fullest potential. Make the right hire and the future is a very bright orange!
GO VOLS!!!
a10acfan1 writes:
Revjulian AMEN Brother
orangesox writes:
revjulian- I agree 100%.
FWBVol writes:
THE_not)VOL
One of those clowns, as you called them, hired a basketball coach named Bruce Pearl, and from all the early reports, hit another home run with the hiring of baseball coach Todd Ralieigh.
The other one is the guy that named David Cutcliffe offensive coordinator, hired Trooper Taylor, and every other coach that has led the Vols to multiple division, a pair of SEC and one national title.
I'm glad Mike Hamilton went on record as saying UT will be top dollar for top coaches. That gives Phillip Fulmer the luxury of going out, finding and hiring those guys.
I really believe Phillip Fulmer wants to win another National Championship. Maybe he does speak in "Coach Talk" a lot, but how many of us would be want every sentence we speak in public scrutinized by thousands of fans, many of which have never played football, much less coached it, and still think they can do a better job.
I just hope Phillip Fulmer recalls the old question of,"How come there never seems enough time to do a job right, but always enough time to do it over?" when he makes this hire. Let him take his time and do it right. I have to wonder if he makes a wrong choice if he'll have a chance to do it over.
I think he'll do it right.
chrisw2967 writes:
I hope he doesnt wait until next Aug to hire. We all know Fulmer is a very patient person , it only took him 7 years to figure out Sanders wasnt the guy , theres no telling how long it will take him to figure out who the new guy will be.
cwisenhower#637741 writes:
Man, it would be awesome if the Tennessee River ran through Neyland Stadium. The kids would love an aquarium view of water life while hanging with their parents at an amazing football game. I'm sure we could get alot of donor money for something like that. Even if it were a tiny tributary of the river, that would be an awesome idea.
Texas orange is down right ugly.
And maybe one day, we will have the largest stadium in the country. It's never a bad thing to continue forward.
And if you tell a $40 hooker that you have millions to spend, she'll up her price.
wyomingvol writes:
Hey Coach,
Hire someone that isn't going to put our Defense on the spot game in and game out....
Thanks Cut, nice knowing Ya...
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
“I’m going to research this and find the best offensive coordinator available in the country for the University of Tennessee,” Fulmer said. “From the professional ranks, from the college ranks, I’ve had a lot of interest. We’re replacing a guy that was very, very good.”
Fulmer will find the best available in the country?
I'll believe it when I see it.
vol52 writes:
tngeoff, I agree with your two post.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
Sheesh guys lighten up. This is great news, Hamilton is signaling that we will be serious players for NFL talent. The thing that concerned me about getting Kippy or Marrone was the money. That may now not be an issue.
Relax and let this play out. The worse thing Fulmer could do is a quick, knee jerk higher. Yes we might, might, be set back in recruiting a bit this year but with the right staff more than make up for it.
You all need to go out, get some fresh air, get some Christmas cheer. It appears to me that Fulmer and the 'powers that be' want this process to produce a great staff that will take this team back to the top.
Also consider regarding Trooper that if he wasn't at the top of the OC list and depending on who Fulmer/Hamilton/'powers that be' are considering, that candidate might just want a couple of open positions to fill with his guys.
I think that would be a good thing, no?
VOLinDAWGland writes:
Oh and another signal that they may indeed be considering/negotiating with NFL guys is the timing and quietness of this. They will not be able to announce anything until after the NFL season ends. Luckily I don't think the Lions or the Saints will make the playoffs this year so word can come down anytime after Sunday.
Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Clause, right down Neyland Way...
pdhuff#552644 writes:
This is truly a "waiting with bated breath"time for the Vols. We're enamored with the slight possibility of not having a "comfortable" choice but the best choice. This good-ole-friends from the past has gotten us moments of joy and outings of despair. Don't blame Hamilton, his own keister is riding on this one , too.
That said, a minor point, the WISCONSIN BADGERS probably deserve a thimble-full of our attention. I hope we're truly "working like heck" to ready the lads. Phil knows all-too-well what a 5th loss will do. Getting our heads handed to us at the Outback will truly get us back to getting the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday morning! Be ready, Vols, this is a quality opponent!
rubbervol writes:
We need someone that bleeds orange.
Stumps writes:
these articles are alot like trying to talk to a dog.
I'm going to wait until August and then watch my VOLs, all this nonsense is just too much work for me anymore. IF UT cares what I think, they can call me. Until that happens, I'm going to hop off the speculation wheel and just wait.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Minor point, many of these NFL asst coaches many are pining for are making close to twice what there college counterparts are. Vols will have to dig DEEP to even raise an eyebrow. Also, many will tell you that one great aspect of the pro game is NO RECRUITING! Just a thought afer we dismantle the Badgers. 10 wins, huh, who'd a thunk it.
TDTN - did you go by the store this AM?
imnotwithphil writes:
So tngeoff - you've seen the light... again?
GreerVol22 writes:
Guys, after the hires Hamilton has made I would say that it is a must that these two work together to find the right person. Fulmer's role is tactical and has to have a coach with quality X&O experience and the ability to work it. Hamilton's role on the other hand is strategic in that he's quite possibly hiring Phil's replacement, which would possibly be enough to lure a pro OC into the program. Just let it work itself out.
1974Vol writes:
The real issue is not money - Vol Nation has plenty. The real issue is do we go in a different direction offensively? CPF will not be comfortable with wholesale changes in the O scheme. That limits the potential choices to experienced coaches willing to run the Vol O system. That's why Kippy Brown is at the top of CPF's list. Don't look for anyone coming in who will make dramatic changes in our O system or scheme. We also need a QB position coach as DC held that role as well.
copan07#220906 writes:
The only reason we won the SEC East is that we did not have to play LSU or Auburn during the regular season. I really think our schedule had something to do with it. The word I am hearing is that Marrone is the man we want for the job.
CoverOrange writes:
Maybe PHil should call OJ Simpson for tips on searching for people.
PD, I believe there was reference in previous articles that Kippy Brown, as a position coach for the Lions, makes comparable salary to a college OC. Marrone, of course, makes considerably more as OC for the Saints. There was also an inference that Kippy liked recruiting. Although, why he would go to the NFL if he did? And of course, recruiting is Phil's favorite hobby.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
WD40 - good point -Recruiting is a strong suit for Phil. I wish I was as good at Spider solitare but I seem to be stuck at 23%. What's your prediction for the Outback? Merry Christmas.
TommyJack writes:
why36tiedupinKnots: So YOU have INFORMED opinions?
scvols writes:
If Cut is getting hundreds of calls for jobs at Duke, you know Fulmer is getting thousands of calls to come to UT. Go Big Orange!
waterskier3#226480 writes:
all i know is whoever they hire and that's fulmer's job as a LEADER so if we succeed or fail the results resides with him... no more kissing his butt over the 98 championship... its time to move on vol nation and expect for us to be at the level we were in the 90's... fla is getting back to the coach spur days and ala will be back to winning the west so we better step it up or we will have 5 losses every year..... but i suppose all that matters to everyone on here is that fulmer is winning 8 games.... just think if ohio state fans were satisfied with 8 wins only... cooper would still be there...... CHANGE IS GOOD
TommyJack writes:
WD40: I would offer that recruiting is CPF's SECOND favorite hobby...
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
yes change was good for Ohio State...
Now, how about those changes at Nebraska? Syracuse?Alabama ( 3 times since they fired Stallings)? Washington?
Change can work, but sometimes it fails miserably.
Let's see who Ole' Phil brings in and how we do next season before we back up the moving van...
Oh, and someone remind everyone in the Football offices that we play a game in 12 DAYS!!! We haven't heard them mention Wisconsin YET!
Wisconsin wants to win badly! Do we? Or would we rather talk about transferring, NFL draft grades, whose coaching where next year...GET READY TO WIN A BOWL GAME!!!
GO VOLS!!!
justin35us#209705 writes:
TnGeoff,
I agree, I really feel like UT is doing me a fovr by allowing a guy who makes under $30,000 a year to attend games. Hamilton makes me feel like my opinion doesn't matter, in fact, he has said as much and implied it in my e-mails. I have stopped trying because it has become clear that they don't care what we think unless we are writing big time checks. If you haven't played college football, Fulmer says you know nothing anyway. They are richer, smarter, and better and me so I will just watch and support them. I know I will get blasted but my frustration is real as I really have been offended by that administartion and some of the staff. We lost the only link to the common fan we had.
1974Vol writes:
I'm just glad we don't have a bowl game to play while we sort out all these coaching changes! Oh yeah.. Well don't you think a Vol - you know the Davy Crockett looking dude could whip a Badger in a fair fight?
GoVol writes:
The title of the article says it all...'Hamilton wants Fulmer to THINK....'. There lies the problem right from the beginning. Fulmer does't have the ability to 'think' creatively and he's proven this year after year. At least it will be interesting, but frustrating.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
carolinababe - an odd ogg to go with my odd ogg relatives would just about make me untouchable. I'd be forever in your debt. Look also for one that can snap a glazed K Kreme up. Thanks.
Huntingdonvol writes:
INSIDE SORCES i have talked to have told me former Arkansas assistant Gus Malzahn will be hired in the next few days,Gus worked at the University of Tulsa
this past season and the Hurricanes led the nation in total offensive,averg. 550 yards per game.According to my source his cffense is very innovative!
missrvrvol writes:
We already have a Offensive Coord. His name is Fulmer. You may know him better as run, run, and throw a Wide Receiver Screem Fulmer.
TommyJack writes:
TouchdownTN: I'll scratch your eyes out you old leather helmet wearing loser/hater... lol
1974Vol writes:
sjt18 who do you think the next OC is and do you think CPF will let him overhaul the O? Or do you think he's looking for someone who will just come in and run the scheme we have been playing? I'm not against our O scheme, especially with everyone else going spread O - FL ARK, Auburn, AL - we'll just wind up with all the big NFL style QBs.
justin35us#209705 writes:
where does RevJulian preach? I thought I was the only pastor on these boards.
I am a little unhappy so I guess I am an idiot too. I try to keep my criticisms to myself because of what I do for a living, I want to be pure and not attack people. I don't mind expressing condern about the way lower class fans are treated though.
bernardking writes:
You're right tngeoff.......your opinion will never matter because it is one of ignorance, fueled by hate and jealousy.
Fulmer will make the right hire. He knows it is imperative he shows a willingness to evolve. It won't be Adkins either. A name no one has mentioned but I know Phillip will contact is Watson Brown....yes, Watson Brown. One of the great offensive minds of all time. It could be Marrone or Malzahn as well. You better believe it will be someone who is well versed enough for Phillip to hand him the reigns. CPF doesn't want to micromanage this posiition and WILL allow the new OC the ability to make wholesale changes to the system within reason.
TommyJack writes:
Watson Brown is yesterday's news...Can't coach a lick,either. Nor can his underachieving brother Mack..the CPF of Texas...Texas should be in Top 4 yearly with the talent they get.
bernardking writes:
You obviously are beyond help, tngeoff.
Your thinking Fulmer is worried about someone "uptstaging" him is proof enough of your ignorance. If CPF could have Lovie Smith coaching his defense and Jason Garrett coaching his offense, he would have them here in a second.
bernardking writes:
Since you were ignorantly being critical of the "powers at be", I just thought I would as you a question. Have you ever heard of Bruce Pearl?
bernardking writes:
sjt18, I agree with you on Malzahn. His inexperience may keep him from getting the job. I actually first heard about Watson Brown from Doug Matthews on the radio last Friday night. If you remember, he had one of the most innovative offenses at Vandy during their best seasons in the early eighities.
Great post, sjt18
bernardking writes:
Glad I could help, tngeoff. So, because the prevalent opinion of the board is Fulmer is afraid of being upstaged makes it true????? I hear that comment all the time. I just happen to know for a fact it is wrong. Nothing would please Fulmer more than to hire someone who turns out to be a star and can replace him in a couple of years when he retires.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
I agree with bernard and sjt and have been saying it...Fulmer bleeds orange and I have not seen evidence of the personality traites of hyper control, insecurity that he alleged to have on this board.
I believe from watching and listening to him that he truly wants to do what's best for the interest of the program - obviously he doesn't agree that him stepping down meets that. I'm sure it was very hard on him to loose TT for both professional and personal reasons. But he apparently is not going to let loyalty and affection overly influence his decision this time. He's been given a pretty generous checkbook to work with and he's going to get the guy he thinks best for now and the future.
He knows what Richt finally realized this year and that only a few can do like Spurrier that it is virtually impossible to be the head coach, OC and game day play caller and run a successful program all at the same time. I'm sure he wants a guy that can own the O.
silentfan writes:
I'd like to remind some of you guys that Cut's vaunted offense managed, after subtracting the giveaway TD, to generate a net of 7 points in the SECCG, while Chavis's woeful defense held one of the nation's most talented offenses to 13 points. (Granted LSU played their 2nd string QB, but he sure didn't look too shabby to me.) If you ask me which coordinator did the best job this year, I'd have to say Chavis. IMO, his coaches did the best job of developing young players, he was most willing to adjust his system to accomodate the new kids, and his unit improved the most over the course of the year. If you follow Cutcliffe's history, I think you'll find that he's never really been good at incorporating inexperienced players. Could be that he's too enarmoured of the X's and O's, I don't know, but it hurt him in his last year at Ole Miss and again this year at TN.
I'm not saying Cutcliffe did a bad job, on the contrary, he did a good one. He did the job he was hired to do which was bring some badly needed discipline and confidence to a sagging offense, and his guys scored a lot of points. However, his team's often poor 2nd half performances suggested that his game management skills might be questionable, and he often seemed to press his preference for the passing game even when the ground game appeared to make more sense. Taylor, OTOH, would have been a good guy to keep but not at the expense of making him OC and possibly losing the best OL coach the Vols have had in several years in the process.
GoVol writes:
I bet Chavis is loving all of the attention now being taken away from the defense. Hopefully, Chavis will have the D ready next fall after having a full year of experience with the young ones.
DennisVols writes:
It is good to see the resources are available. Salary costs for coaches are going higher and higher. Bama paid 4 million for a 6-6 season. Makes you wonder what a National Championship season would cost them.
All kidding aside, in order to be competitive you have to be ready to pay. It looks like, for what little we really know, that the plan for picking the replacements is going in the right direction. Looking at all the sources. Going outside the program does not mean the new coach will not respect the traditions here. It is going to be interesting to see how all this plays out.
The opportunity for a major step in the right direction exists here. There will always be the predictions of doom, making the wrong choice from the "woe is me" crowd. And then there is the "hallelujah" group that believes this is still the greatest program to ever play football and nothing Fulmer ever did was wrong, except Sanders.
Keeping a level headed look at this whole thing I chose to let it take its course. Nothing I say will make a difference either way and the KNS is only going to guess themselves.
Think Positive, that to is a choice.
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