TAMPA, Fla. - Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe hosted his future boss at practice for the Outback Bowl on Thursday.
Duke athletic director Joe Alleva, dressed in an orange shirt, spent time talking with Cutcliffe, as well as UT coach Phillip Fulmer and several other UT assistant coaches before practice.
Also attending practice were members of Duke’s strength and conditioning staff, as well as Blue Devils sports information director Art Chase.
Cutcliffe will take over as Duke’s head coach following Tuesday's game against Wisconsin.
Roper, Luke Update: Running backs coach Kurt Roper and tight ends coach Matt Luke both declined interview requests.
Both are considering other options, most likely as possible members of Cutcliffe’s staff at Duke.
“They’re in the process of looking at opportunities as anybody would be at this time of year,” Fulmer said. “We’ll know more after the ballgame. Officially, they’re Tennessee Volunteers.”
Neither has spoken with the media since bowl practice began two weeks ago.
Schedule: Tennessee will practice in the afternoon again Friday, after attending a luncheon for both teams.
Following practice, Tennessee and Wisconsin will have dinner and play video games at GameWorks in Ybor City.
UT's new $45 million football…
Images from Larry Murphy's book on…
Smokey undergoes physical therapy at UT
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Comments » 88
chrisw2967 writes:
Its all a joke even down to Fulmer.
TommyJack writes:
A program in freefall.
TDTN_IS_A_GRUMPY_SOB writes:
In the spirit of Christmas I'll say this (even though it really hurts): I actually agree with the comment from TDTN.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TdTn - tell me how you really feel about the Dook AD in an orange shirt? Do you really want to be there at this love fest?
Phil, you lose this game and you're going to look like Ned in the 1st reader? Reckon Arkie has hosted any of the Falcon assts at their bowl practice? Whew.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
this ain't war boys. It's dang college football, with guys who probably get along well and are a bit of a fraternity.
why does everyone come across as a bunch of grumpy old ladies???
I want to enjoy the game, pull for the Vos, and hope the team and the coaches enjoy the last game. All the other stuff will take care of itself.
olozbal#646632 writes:
WTF???? Why would you host Duke at your practice? What possible purpose could that serve?
Also - consider Luke and Roper as good as gone. Good news is (???) next OC - New Orleans Saints OC Dave Mulrone.
VolMoment writes:
There are a lot of sick people in this world and unfortunately they all posted here except one. Get a life, Duke personell are not our enemy!
You guys are our enemy. Grumpy old ladies is giving to much class to these people, I have a better name, but can't post here.
winbigvols writes:
Cutcliffe and Taylor shoud be dismissed because: they have nothing to coach for because if we loose it doesn't mean anything to them, they are already leaving. If you want to go somewhere else then do it already. Roper and Luke should be dismissed also. If you don't bleed orange then leave already. I believe like Coach Bo Shembeckler did a few years back with Michigan's basketball coach right before tournament time, he said if you want to leave then leave, we don't want you coaching Michigan if you want to go somewhere else. In other words if you don't bleed orange then go. Fulmer is one heck of a pansey. He should tell all the coaches where to go and coach the team himself if need be for one game. Oh, he might have to earn his 2 million for one game, or he might have to call a play hisself, he is a pansey and this program is going down the drain. Recuiting has never looked so bad and if we loose it will even get worse. Let's give him another extension and raise. He will just make another boring hire because he doesn't want to make himself look bad, he will bring someone in from the Tennessee Family, so boring. I can't stand to watch next week, it could get ugly.
inquiry writes:
Posters on this board.. if you're in business, Athletics, Entertainment or anything but blue collar jobs.. this is how this happens.. good people get promoted and move on and isn't it nice that at least Tennessee and Fulmer supports this progress from the staff.. players should get from this, that after college football, this is the way it should work with class.. That should be a calming thought to me at ages 18-22 that who is telling me now what to do, actually knows what he/she is talking about, relative to their development...
Think about that..
vol52 writes:
Why would Marrone want to leave the Saints OC position for a college OC and working for Fulmercito on top of it?
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
Goodness... did you people get coal in your stocking or something? It's like you can't wait to come to a message board to whine about anything. Are you really that upset about Duke officials attending a UT practice? Is it really that important? If so, I think you need a little perspective. If not, why the feigned indignation? Sheesh. Go enjoy the rest of the holidays.
TommyJack writes:
inquiry: What?
TommyJack writes:
vol52: A great question. I'm told that he is really well thought of in the profession. Can't believe TN could even match his salary.
inquiry writes:
Tommyjack ask me your question and I'll try to answer it..
jevolball7 writes:
Buckley,weren't u on King Of The Hill? Had to be u,and Foolmer is Bill. It seems so obvious now!
utwick writes:
I think what us "belly achers" are really saying is that the team doesn't need any more distractions. Most of us have seen enough of UT football (especially Fulmer's teams) to have a certain sense of foreboding. We are up against a good football team that is focused and well-coached. Both the OC and DC for the Badgers are on the list of the top 50 asst. coaches in America and are not having to think about their next staff, finding a home, moving, etc., etc. UT is going to have to do more than show up to win this one.
budrhon writes:
Touchdown this is indeed weird my man. I guess Bush will invite bin Laden to Camp David for tea. Even if we don't play Duke why have another team (representatives) in your backyard?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Would be extremely surprising to see Vols pay kind of bucks Marrone would need? Don't sell Fulmer short on promoting Adkins. Hell, he might hire the old Dook OC. Sorry, we didn't mean to rile the Ites.
Maybe the guy who burns down houses in Wisconsin for Jesus could take Trooper's place as the motivational pre-game speaker. Naw, Phil likes to do that. Stay the course.
jevolball7 writes:
Touchdown TN,I don't know but if he isn't,he missed one helluva good chance!
vol52 writes:
TommyJack, I am just afraid that as soon as the bowl game is over Fulmercito will introduce a real goober! Did Kippy tell him to buzz off?
mbradshaw1#655539 writes:
Is this The "Twilight Zone?" As Hank Hill would say," What the hell is going on here?"
TommyJack writes:
vol52: agree. he's to slick to hire someone as sharp as Marrone. Question is..which goober will it be? Kippy makes $600k+ as a position coach.
How can The Large One hire him?
TDTN_IS_A_GRUMPY_SOB writes:
Don't get me wrong TDTN ... still think my handle says it all ... but for once I do agree with you ... UT does not need to be hosting Duke's AD at practice after Cut bolted to coach them. That aside, may I please ask you in the New Year to drop the name calling business with CPF (and I will happily drop my silly handle)? It doesn't help your cause sir, and like it or not, Phil Fulmer has done a lot of wonderful things for UT and deserves better than that. As much as I might have disliked Johnny Majors' coaching near the end of his tenure, I always respected him (and still do) ... and never would have resulted to calling Johnny names. Just think you can get your point across without lowering yourself to what I consider tactics beneath that of a UT alum and fan. Thank you, and happy New Year ... GO VOLS!
JETnTN writes:
Thanks for the Marrone link TDTN
GerryOP writes:
What a circus! Cut showing off to his future bosses (showin' 'em how we do it in the "big time" programs), the players spending all of their time enjoying Tampa (them boys may never eat at an Outback again!), and Good Ol' Teflon Phil strutting around showing his loyalty to Cut and flaunting his vast football knowledge to the boys from Durham!! Somebody better remind these folks that there is a football game Tuesday morning and some of us fans are interested in seeing the Vols win a bowl game -- for once. Or, at least, not be embarrassed -- as usual.
And, ya', Roper and Luke should hit the road. They are probably too young to have much influence on our coaching staff anyway! If you ain't 50+, in GOTP's eyes you ain't diddly!
Bigger_Al writes:
Are we scared of Duke or something? Coaches host each other all the time. Connections and interactions are not a bad thing.
And I like the fact that "12TIMES" is at least out of the closet. But I think his name should be "12TIMES-BYMYCOUNT,6TIMES-BYEVERYONEELSES"...
invisiblekid writes:
No way to spin this into a positive. I have no issue with Cutcliffe going to Duke and more than likely taking the Ole Miss All-Stars with him. But this shows just how little these guys are focused on the needs of the Vols at this point. If they did this in the Spring, no problem. I'll be the first to admit I don't know the world of "big time" college athletics and "big business" as much as some of our more informed posters, but Bring Your New Boss To Work Day is a new one on me.
Bigger_Al writes:
Good Marrone link. After looking at his job history, I wouldn't expect him to be here more than two years, though.
jevolball7 writes:
12TIMES; Hey Jethro show Mr. Drysdale some of that fancy cypherin'. Hear they're payin' the new Bama employees...er... signees in a new kind of dollar;something called million dollars. Shuffle back in to the camper and brush your tooth.
Pullingguard writes:
For Duke personnell to be at Vols practice is a little much with Cutcliff leaving for Duke. It's like rubbing salt in the wound.. Now, it also tells me that Cutcliff calls the shots at Tennessee, and Fulmer lets it all happen. Sorta lowers my opinion of Fulmer being a coach in charge of everything...If Vols lose this game there should be a lot of questions about both Cutcliff and Taylor staying on with no interest in Vols, for you know their hearts are elsewhere, or the Duke people would not have been at Vols practice.. Just why were they there?
VolMoment writes:
jvolball7 and touchdownTn were last seen walking down Gay Street in Knoxville holding hands with a "I love John Adams sticker on their pants.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Hey tdtn. just to repeat over here, so you get the point both ways:
tdtn, you are a real piece of work. every board involving utsports your on female doging and criticizing every tiny aspect.
you hate the damn program, you hate the posters, you hate everyone. why don't you get the hell off and eat yoirself alive in your own nasty little world....
jevolball7 writes:
Damn,busted!!
VOLS85 writes:
Again, 12TIMES...please take into account grammar when you're making fun of other people. The nature of your comments continues to show us that you lacking in any sort of intelligence, and that Alabama has cheated you by forcing you to pay taxes for a sub-par education.
More grammar miscues:
"WHY DO THEY NOT TEACH DRIVERS ED AND SEX ED AT UT ON THE SAME DAY?
TO HARD ON THE MULE!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL"
Correct spelling from this phrase is "too hard on the mule".
It really botches up a joke you make about hillbillies when your lack of education is glaring.
"I'll let you billhillys in on it"
Not that it made sense in the first place, but the plural usage again involves "ies" as opposed to "ys" at the end of "billhillys".
I'm fully aware that we are playing on New Year's Day and you are suffering through a mediocre 6-6 season where your "GOD" of a coach led you to the promise land against LA-Monroe.
On a lighter note...it's Duke...I agree that it isn't ideal and I probably would not have allowed them to come, but the ramifications are nominal because their program is in such disarray that they could learn next to nothing from this experience.
newtonrail writes:
Touchdown,TN, I too will always appreciate Coach Majors. I also think Fulmer didn't handle himself well when Majors was fired. Euphemism for screwed him. However, I am first and foremost a Tennessee fan. Season Ticket holder for Football and Basketball and been going since '56. That said, it's time to let some things go. In this case your constant harangues of Fulmer. Recruits do read these blogs, and it's not beneficial to see the same people simply being hateful. Some people get on this site with their false screen names to simply "stir the Pot". Then there are others who keep changing their screen names but aren't hard to figure out; that are really Vol fans, but erroneously feel spouting venom helps our team somehow.
VOLS85 writes:
If you listen to TouchdownTN enough I'm sure he will make you think that he is correct in all of his assumptions. My suggestion is to let them play the game first...
I wouldn't doubt that you picked us to lose to Georgia(a fluke, right?), get stomped by Arkansas' running heisman candidate(oops, defense showed up for a game), Vanderbilt (but we should have!), and lose to Kentucky and their gunning quarterback(sheer luck, obviously...it wouldn't be resiliency or the guts of this team).
Why must you be the ultimate pessimist? If you want a pessimistic program, you should cheer for Dook. You have yet to see mediocre until you've watched that team on film or live tv.
I expect a response regarding the history and excellence of this program and how Fulmer has let you down and set you back in life. I do think that 99% of the fan base doesn't feel compelled to get on a blog and complain because our program isn't in emergency mode...we'll leave that up to you and 12TIMES to perpetuate that idea.
VOLS85 writes:
I'm a Vols fan, I'm going to cheer for them to win every game, and I fully expect them to do so. In much the same way I'll be in section 139 at Raymond James Stadium on Tuesday cheering for the Vols and I expect them to win. Hey, but what does that matter, "it's just my opinion", but a positive one at that.
VOLS85 writes:
TDTN, I did however enjoy your joke regarding 12TIMES...very prophetic
FWBVol writes:
TouchdownTN, we all get it that you don't think much of Phillip Fulmer. But until you can come up with a new line other than Foolmer, please, don't talk about what lack of imagination his offenses have shown.
Talk about running the same off tackle play time after time, you could teach Fulmer some lessons on being predictable and repetitive.
That said, it isn't uncommon for coaches and administrators from other football programs to attend a successful team's practice sessions. Contrary to what some of you want the world to believe, people in the know do respect what Phillip Fulmer and the University of Tennessee football team has accomplished, and continues to accomplish.
In 1997 Cutcliffe immediately left the team after taking the Ole Miss job because it was the right thing to do given the situation at that time. I'm confident if he had felt it wasn't right for him to stay after accepting the Duke job, he would have moved on.
I appreciate the fact that Cutcliffe was willing to stay on and work a few more weeks with the quarterbacks that will be coming back next year. The extra time with Cutcliffe will help Crompton, Stephens and Coleman whoever ends up as the new OC.
VOLS85 writes:
Again, touchdowntn, I know you turn a blind eye to positivity and I know it's required of you to be negative (and I think a lot of it is to get a rise out of people on this blog, job well done), but try to let the game play itself out before you coin yourself the Las Vegas betting king.
No intelligent person would play all of the lines you throw out anyways, because they lack common sense and stated facts...
On a final note, the game hasn't been played, and I'm flying to and from the game...could be a lot longer trip for the Wisconsin fan!
GO VOLS!!!!!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TdTn - I figure the Dookies were there to steal our defensive secrets. Hangin' with Cut was a front. They want to elevate their defense to our level. Then in a couple of years elevate on to the NCAA Top 50 defenses. Makes sense!
hippie60 writes:
NO COACHING CONTACTS UNTIL THE SESON IS OVER! That should be a NCAA rule. Please someone make it so!
southernACmavs writes:
SPEND MORE EXPECT LESS, WE ARE eastern division champs. Or 1st loser. WE ARE 3 non coachable playes from the weedeater bowl. WE ARE going to a New Years day bowl, which means NOTHING if BCS is not attached.WE ARE going to the bowl with Dukes Head coach, Dukes asst. coaches,and Oklahoma ST cord.WE ARE Tennessee afraid of change,stay the corse and work like heck........GO THORNTONS ummmm Vols
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Just got it from "inside source" that the Phil and Alleva discussion went like this.
Alleva, "Have you noticed that Hostess saves a lot of money by almost not coating the bottom of Ding-Dongs"?
Phil "No, but my last gross of Moon Pies were the same way"!
Alleva,"Are you ready for this game"?
Phil- "I don't think you can ever be ready for a team with names like Irbick, Melhaff, Whitelightning and Hovsepian".
Alleva - "Those last two don't play. The 1st one steals K Kreme trucks with glazed and the other thinks he's Jesus with a mission to burn houses".
Phil "Man I better read that scouting report again".
Happy New Year.
GreerVol22 writes:
Its just frustrating to see the lack of focus around a bowl game. Fulmer teats it like a party rather than a game and recruiting tool. Be prepared to exit stage left at half time of this Maryland/Clemson...take your pick...repeat.
eduardo writes:
Man this bowl game aint even gonna be close. Wisconsin is gonna walk the dog on us. These guys aint even focused on the task at hand. Not with these coaches going different directions. Wisconsin in a rout. Way to go F$$$lmer!
GerryOP writes:
It says in GOTP's contract that he gets a bonus for taking our Vols to a bowl game. Guess they forgot to add the words, "... but you still have to coach and the objective is to win."
Of course Cut, Troop, and "the Ol' Miss All Stars" (credits to i-kid!) had to hang around for the bowl game. Without them, who would coach and keep an eye on the players? Couldn't trust no new fella's.
Also, GOTP has to maintain his image. "We worked like heck and don't know why we lost. Of course, all them good ol' coaches was leavin' and that was a distraction." There is a bigger distraction in Tampa that GOTP should be worrying about -- the game Tuesday morning!
C'mon Pennington, write a critical article that gets GOTP perturbed. I love to hear his bumblings and ramblings while he is acting indignant!
BOASoldier writes:
Here's a joke for everyone:
What do a maggot and an Alabama fan have in common (besides the obvious)?
They can both live off of a dead bear for years.
Southland writes:
good grief, it doesn't hurt for Duke to come and watch practise. Have you people forgotten how well we prepare for a Bowl game. They obviously did not see anything worth seeing. To the young man that said it would be great for the 18-22 year old group to see a coach moving up and trying to improve. Have you forgotten Cut is going to Duke. Other than pay, it is a disgrace to take the job. It would be better to take a 1-AA job that was a winning program than the Duke job. All Cut is doing is taking a pile of money. The love of the game and winning is obviously not important to him anymore
mattrob44 writes:
Another loss to a team we shouldn't lose too.Lets look at the list, why not. Ark 99' LSU 00' FLA 00' LSU 01' UGA 01' Maryland 02' Clemson 03' Ala 05' UGA 05' Vandy 05' South Carolina 05' Auburn 03' Penn State 06' Ala 07' Calif 07' Memphis 96' Fla 95' K-State 00' I'm sure the list is much greater. It is time for us to realize that we are a average football program. I do not see it getting better for a long time.
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