Former Tennessee football coach Johnny Majors says he is glad to be home in Tennessee but hasn’t gotten over circumstances of his leaving.
Johnny Majors is back in East Tennessee. Fifteen years after his departure from Knoxville, Majors and his wife of 48 years, Mary Lynn, have moved home.
“We love Tennessee,” Majors said. “This is a lovely area of the country. We have wonderful friends here. I had a great career as a player and coach that I wouldn’t trade for the world. We also had the two most traumatic experiences of our lives in East Tennessee.”
The first, and by far most traumatic, of those two happened in 1965 with the loss of Majors’ brother Bill in a car-train accident. The second happened in 1992 when Majors says he was blindsided by the people around him he thought he could trust.
“Let me first say that I have no animosity, whatsoever, when it comes to the people of Tennessee,” Majors said. “The people in this state have been nothing but outstanding towards my family. There are just a half dozen people that I don’t have much use for.”
It all started in May of 1992 when Majors had an angioplasty.
“There are some stories out there that just aren’t true about what happened to me,” Majors said. “I never had a heart attack, like some people say. What happened was that I was jogging, on a Thursday, during two-a-days when I felt something in my chest that just wasn’t right.
“I didn’t say anything to anybody, besides Mary Lynn, about what had happened because I didn’t want to disrupt my team. I waited until the following Tuesday morning to tell a few members of my staff that I was going in for some tests that afternoon. I wanted them to know, so that if I had to miss any practices they would know what I wanted done.
“Well, that afternoon at the start of practice, (Tennessee athletic director) Doug Dickey told me that he had some great news for me. There would be a new seven-year contract on my desk for me to sign by 8 a.m. the next morning. It had been signed by he and president Joe Johnson, all it needed was my signature and it was done. Dickey didn’t know that I was going to the doctor for some tests, or at least I didn’t think he knew.
“Well, as it turned out, I went in for quadruple bypass surgery that afternoon and I never saw the contract. To this day, I wonder how different my life would have been, and how different Tennessee football might have been, if I had put off the surgery for 48 hours and had gotten the deal done.”
Some accounts say that Majors turned down several contract offers, Majors says that was never the case.
“The president’s office said that I turned down several contracts, but that never happened. I don’t lie. I have never lied … ever! And, I don’t exaggerate, unless I’m telling a windy story to friends.”
While Majors was out, Phillip Fulmer took over the program and led the Vols to a 4-0 start. When Majors returned, the Vols lost close games to Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina. But, Majors didn’t see what was coming next.
“Dickey came in the Tuesday before the Memphis State game and told me that I had two choices,” Majors said. “I could become the assistant athletic director or resign my position. I told him that I couldn’t work for someone who had misled me and lied to me. He told me that they would have a ‘John Majors Day’ and make it a big celebration. I didn’t want any part of that. So, that Friday I announced my resignation.
“Two of our three best years were in the last three years I was at Tennessee. In those three years we won two SEC championships. There was no warning, not one warning that my job was in jeopardy.”
Majors gets worked up when he speaks of the circumstances that led to the end of his career at his alma mater. Loyalty is the most important thing to Majors, always has been and will always be. Now, at 72, he’s ready to settle down and enjoy life with Mary Lynn.
“Mary Lynn is the prettiest, most beautiful woman ever,” Majors said. “She’s stuck in there with me through some tough times, but a lot of great times, too. She’s always worked hard, but I haven’t always been much help. I guess you could say that it’s time I helped out on game day. And, I need to get my game face on and help with this move. I guess you could say it’s time for me to attack, attack, attack when it comes to things at home.
“We love to travel. This summer we went on a trip with a number of other football coaches to Scotland on a golf trip. There were a number of coaches who went, like Dick McPherson and Ted Tollner. We’ve had Vince Dooley on our golf trip before and Duffy Daugherty. We played St. Andrews, the Old Course, Turnberry, Troon and several other courses. We’ve taken a trip with other coaches for many years.”
As for his handicap, well, that’s a sore subject.
“I used to be about a 7 or 8 handicap, ironically when my football teams were winning,” Majors said. “A few years ago I dipped to a 9 to 13 handicap. Now, dad-gum-it, I’m about an 18. I don’t recommend moving to anyone who wants to play great golf.”
Majors is trying to slow down the pace of life, just a bit anyway.
“I like action,” he said. “I like excitement. You’ve got to realize that I was a part of a football team ever since I was 8 years old. Every day I knew that I was a part of a team. Whether I was playing, or coaching, I had a group of guys that were my football team. I don’t have that anymore and I miss it greatly.”
Majors still has a sincere love for the Volunteer state and Vol fans. But, the scars of what he terms disloyalty will stay with him until the day he dies.
“Let me reiterate, I have no animosity towards the people of Tennessee,” Majors said. “If I did, Mary Lynn and I wouldn’t have moved back. We love Pittsburgh, but Tennessee is home.”
Johnny Majors and former UT offensive lineman Bruce Wilkerson will be Mark Packer’s guests on the Locker Room, presented by Parkwest Medical Center tonight at 10 on My-VLT-2.
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Comments » 78
volfan73120#211815 writes:
Welcome home Johnny. It is great to have you back. Have a good life with Mary Lynn and your family. You have earned it.
smith7206 writes:
Johnny never tried telling dad that he was putting a cookie back in the jar instead of getting himself one out?
snafu14u#241639 writes:
Major's number deserves to be retired. bonzaivol
andefromtn#212139 writes:
Johnny Major is a son of University of Tennessee and his number deserves to be retired. He isn't perfect nor is UT but it's time to heal both and honor a man who gave much to Volunteer Football.
slambob2#228938 writes:
I don't know the back scene story, but not being able to beat Alabama and losing games by shutting down the offense when we were ahead is what caused the fans to want someone new.
Johnny deserved better than he got, but so did UT and the fans, in my opinion.
For his part, he took our program from a disaster to frequently competitive and brought hope back to Orange Nation. He absolutely should be honored and his number should be retired.
Still, I get a sense of a man dancing on Fulmer's grave here. That doesn't sound like a man at peace.
slambob2
BahamaVol writes:
Up the middle Johnny. Sorry that I don't remember anything good about his return. I only recall an offense that went from electrifying to stupifying.
txsvol#372416 writes:
At that time, rumors circulated about a confrontation with Fulmer, who was dressed down by Majors in front of at least part of the football staff. The entire staff was planning to transfer to a South Carolina school--I don't remember whether the Gamecocks or Clemson--with Fulmer after the confrontation. Majors then demanded that Dickey support him over Fulmer and the rest of the coaches, and Dickey, with the lack of support on the staff for Majors, chose to keep Fulmer and the staff, which had gone 4-0 while Johnny was out, rather than rebuild the coaching staff. (Majors has had some excellent assistant coaches work for him at Iowa State and Pittsburgh.) Dickey had noted the team tightening up with Majors' return, and maybe some personal habits that made Majors quite volatile. None of this takes anything away from either coach. Both have had outstanding careers as UT head coach. We had a 5-6 season in 2005, and if we have another losing season in 2007, we'll probably need to replace phlegmatic Phil with a more hungry, fiery, game day coach. (I note that one on most short lists got blistered by USF last night.) I appreciate Fulmer for his tenure with us, and his charitable work with the Jason Foundation, his donation to Tennessee, etc. I hope that he and the staff turn it around these next two months. Go Vols!
bamaperry#265482 writes:
Poor Johnny. The immorality of Phat and his bloodied, rusty knife are lighting on his fat back like the Prince of Darkness. Poor Johnny.
TommyJack writes:
Rest assured there's another side of this story...
eefor10c writes:
bamaperry, I'll take Phil Fulmer over that long succession of losers that bama has had as coaches. Bet you wish your record had been as good as ours during the time that he was coach.
bamaperry#265482 writes:
stop living in the past. We're glad you have Fillup and we're glad we have Saban. UTk fans know what's about to happen, that's why they're trying so desperately to dump Phatty now.
FLVol writes:
Hey TxsVol. You mentioned a short list of coaches and one who got whipped last night. Well, we might should consider Jim Leavitt (usf coach) as on the short list. His teams usually play sound, fundamental football. They play great defense and are efficient on offense. Special teams and tackling are assets not liabilities. He is an excellent game day coach as evidence of last nights beating of WVU. I was at the game and he had an excellent game plan.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
hey i was at ut during majors best years their and i still get a sick feeling when i think about us being undefeated, rank 2 or 4 in the nation and alabama comes in with a losing record and johnny boy sits on 6-3 lead going into the 4th qtr and then at 6-6 trys a FG, gets it blocked and they get it to win 9-3...... the bama fans were out of control after that one :) so i'm glad he's doing well but the game passed him by just like fulmer..
why is it so hard to for everyone to wish someone well that's been a success but also understand that NO ONE WINS FOREVER and that you have to make changes.... is it only in sports??? becasue if you are a shareholder you scream when the value of your stock in decreasing.... guess what tn stock is sliding fast..........
GreerVol22 writes:
Phil....your next!
CrankE writes:
How many times is KNS going to dredge the bottom for a "poor old Johnny Majors" story?
Majors doesn't have anything new to say. And I agree with TommyJack, there's another side to this story that UT can't/won't divulge.
_________________
Would 48 hours have made up for the previous 16 years? And by the way, he could have sat out the entire season. Was this not what the doctor's recommended?
It was a "rebuilding year" I recall, and no one really expected UT to do much. With Majors absent, the team might be forgiven for muddling through.
Instead, they raced to a 4-0 start and rose into the top 5 in the AP polls.
And then Johnny came marching home. I seem to recall that he shocked everyone by coming back "to work" unannounced. Lay aside the 48 hours thing for a minute; The Vols were in first place in the SEC East when he returned. What did Majors do with that great start?
A win over Arkansas (who lost to lowly Citadel-and fired their head coach immediately) or South Carolina (who started off 0-6)would have gotten the Vols into the SEC Championship game. If you're so damned great Johnny, then tell me how it is that you couldn't lead the team to beat at least one of those two terrible teams in 1992? Whatever else happened OFF the field, the performance of the team under your direction ON the field sealed your exit from UT.
Please give this old bitter man a bucket to cry in.
BigUn writes:
Yes, there was a confrontation and I think it happened at halftime of the LSU game that year, when half the staff was going to walk out right then, but Fulmer and Cutcliff talked them into staying.
If Majors was so easy to work with, why was there a constant carousel of asst coaches coming thru?
I appreciate Majors love for Tennessee, but for him to pretend like this was some witch hunt is ridiculous.
ElizabethtonvolnNC writes:
bamaperry???? You are going to make a comment about living in the past! ah..ah-ha..ah-ha-ha...HA-HA-HA!!! NFW!!
AND - You better be happy you've got Saban...you paid enough for him!
Pullingguard writes:
TXSVol; thanks for a post that was middle of the road and with facts. You are correct, lets hope the best for Fulmer and the Vols and let their play and record determine the future of Vol Football coaching. Personally I hope Fulmer turns it around, for I think if replaced the Vols would lose best recruiter ever at UT.. As you state, probably needs to be change game day coaching and I think he needs to review staff in certain areas. Good luck to the Vols.
ElizabethtonvolnNC writes:
Good post CrankE. People forget how bad Majors was too. He had tons of talent wasted on the football field as well.
Waterskier3: sits on a lead 6-3...Then at 6-6 try's a field goal to tie, get's it blocked and they win 9-3?? Uh...okay?!
You stay out on the lake to long.....
BigVolinCarolina writes:
I'll never forget that season--it was my junior year at UT. I was in Memphis the night before the game and remember Coach his "resignation". Though I believe that it was time for him to go, I did not agree with how he was treated. I felt that way then and still feel that way now.
Coach Major's version of the events leading to his demise has never changed in 15 years. I find it interesting, to say the least, that Doug Dickey, Joe Johnson and Coach Fulmer have virtually said nothing all of these years. I'm still not sure what to think but it does make one go "Hmmmmm."
knoxtenor writes:
Welcome back, Johnny. We love you. I spent some of the best Saturdays in the Pride of the Southland Band when you were on the sidelines. The Sugar Bowl victory was my last game, but what a way to go out! You probably could've counted on one hand the number of people in the U.S. that gave us a chance against Jimmy Johnson and his 'Canes. But you showed 'em! App St. over Michigan: puh-lease! Vols and Johnny over 'Canes and a coach that, if everybody remembers, had a mouth bigger than Steve Spurrier's ever was. Now THAT was an upset!
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
Anyone can come on this site and claim that they knew an insider during this incident. I also could be making up the fact that I do. But, I'm not. Johnny was and is a Tennessee hero. The complete story behind the facts concerning this incident will never come out and Johnny knows this. After all, what good could come from it. Sometimes it's better to let dead dogs lie. Continuing to discuss this matter is only hurting you Johnny. You should have put this to rest a long time ago. It's time.
arkyvol writes:
correct me if i'm wrong, but if memory serves, in major's fifteen year tour, the best the vols did was to attain a higher level of mediocrity. amazing, when you consider the quality of some of the players (reggie white for example). to be sure, he copped a few conference titles, but the sec title was nothing then like it is now. the quality wasn't there nor was the competitiveness. he wasn't a bad coach, but then, neither is he particularly worthy of getting misty eyed over.
wheatbarley writes:
Whether you love or hate Coach Majors, or Fulmer, the way Coach Majors' dismissal was handled was SHAMEFUL. When and if Fulmer is replaced, I hope it is with a little more class than the last regime used.
Coach Majors had a tremendous impact on the Tennessee football tradition as a player, and Coach. Majors was torpedoed by people who wanted him out despite his success. At the very least, his number should be retired by UT. I just hope it happens in his lifetime.
yeavols#228407 writes:
JIM LEAVITT of SOUTH FLORIDA!!! COACH!! COACH!!! COACH!!! JIM LEAVITT BEAT WEST VIR U and AUBURN ranked ...UNKNOWN TEAM and COACH...WOW..That's what we need
fortandrews writes:
Now that we have heard "the story" - lets hear the rest of it. Always two sides. But we may never the "rest of the story".
budd#207344 writes:
What is so funny about all these posts is that Dickey was so terrible for firing Majors after he lost to our big rivals but Fulmer should be fired for the same thing. I agree that Fulmer needs to go. He has let his program slip. But I would also point out to the losers who make the nasty personal comments that you seem more in tune with the inbred bama fan on here. Maybe you can marry his other sister and live happlily ever after. By the way bamaperry if that performance against UGA is an example of sabanism keep it coming
abingdonvolsfan2 writes:
I find it very appropriate timing to write an article about Major's premature exit with a much better record than Fulmer has now! Like someone else mentioned above we all know that Majors didn't and probably never will devulge the whole story about why he was let go but I have no doubt that he will get a great deal of satisfaction watching Fulmer step down at the end of the season!
asleep#212036 writes:
Johnny Majors' teams at Tennessee were nothing short of frustrating. Highly ranked 10-win teams that would lose to Georgia Tech, and 8-win teams that won New Year's Day bowls. Bill Battle was a better coach and had better teams year in and year out. Majors rarely beat Alabama and if you looked at his record against the other SEC powers, the years that Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, and LSU had winning records, we rarely won those games. Almost all of his SEC wins were against either poor programs, or good programs having a down year. That said, whatever happened in 1992 was, and is, a disgrace to UT football. I doubt if any of us will ever know the true story but Good Lord, why is this still such a big deal now? Dickey, Fulmer, Johnson, and whoever else was involved need to come clean and give Johnny the respect and honor he deserves as a loyal, UT die hard. Johnny needs to get over it - it was 15 years ago and he certainly must realize even given the last 3 years, the program was and is better off now than when he was the man. He is a UT football legend and he needs to act like it, even if all the other folks involved don't! Both Johhny Majors and UT would benefit by burying the hatchet. Go Vols
justingh1 writes:
Nobody pulls a rabbit out of the hat like Fulmer: Luring Manning to UT,Winning a NC the year after the best player in the history of the program leaves,Winning in the swamp as an 18 1/2 pt underdog,Ending Miami's 56 gm home win streak,Naming two freshmen co-sterters at qb and making it all the way to the sec champ game even after both were injured.My point is Fulmer has it in him to motivate and win but he just has to show it, if he doesn't then it's time for a change but i'm gonna give him a chance this year.Whatta ya gonna do in the middle of the season?
arkyvol writes:
majors was a step in the right direction, but he never seemed to get us there. fulmer got us there once, but apparently decided to rest on his laurels after that. majors is yesterday's news, and hopefully, after this season, so will be fulmer.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
I heard from an inside source that Majors' was more of George Dickel man, contrary to the popular belief that he was a Evan Williams sipper.
Voldemort writes:
Bottom line:
Majors was, and is, a Tennessee boy who deserved better.
If they wanted him to step aside as HC, nothing less than AD should have been offered.
Dickey probably knew, and feared, and was proactive.
Ironic, his successor may be forced out 15 years later.
vandbperry#325317 writes:
The Majors family will always be a part of football lore in the State of Tennessee. Johnny, Billy, Bobby, father (Coach Shirley), and sister, Shirley, were all a valuable part of the football program at The University of Tennessee. There were many notable accomplishments by these individuals and their families, and there are those of us who are most grateful to them for their efforts and sacrifices. No. 44 was worn by more than one of the Majors brothers, and it was always a thrill to see it appear on the field in Neyland Stadium. I agree that it should be retired NOW with great honor and in memory of this fine family. That ceremony is long overdue! "GO VOLS!" All of you--past and present.
utnutt writes:
MAJORS HAD HIS ISSUES BUT HE DID WIN TWO SEC CHAMPIONSHIPS RIGHT BEFORE WE FIRED HIM. HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE FULMER WON ONE. FULMER GOT A HAND UP WHEN HE GOT THE HEAD COACH JOB. MAJORS HAD REALY STARTED THE COME BACK OF TENNNESSEE HE CHANGED THE WAY WE RECRUITED PLAYERS. IT WAS MAJORS THAT STARTED UT RECRUITING ATHLETS FROM ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. IT WAS MAJORS THAT STARTED GOING AFTER THE TOP ATHLETS NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVED. AS FOR BILL BATTLE HE STARTED WITH A GOOD PROGRAM AND DROVE IT IN THE GROUND THATS WHY WE HIRED MAJORS HE HAD JUST WON A NC AT PITTSBURGE. AS FOR MAJORS ASSISTANTS MOST OF THEM LEFT FOR MORE MONEY OR MOVED UP AS COACHES MANY BECAME HEAD COACHES THIS WAS A TREND DURING JOHNNYS ENTIRE CAREER STARTIND AT I STATE. NOBODY WANTS OUR ASSITANTS NOW MAYBE CUTLIFF BUT I BET THERE IS NOT ONE HEAD COACH AMONG THEM.
yeavols#228407 writes:
ASLEEP..RIGHT ON...I was going to UT when Majors was there...Tony Robinson lost to Florida, a team on NCAA probation and their championship yanked, Tony Robinson caught in a doctor's porsche with blow in his nose, but we did win at BAMA. IT did stop the bleeding. Oh and the best year was at the Sugar bowl TN 35 Miami 7. That's about it..Thanks Majors for your awesome years. Now I would like to say thanks to Coach Fulmer. IT's been a good run. But you are always welcome home, too.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Tngeoff..i mentioned Tony Robinson because apparently, that was the only good year we had under Majors unless you can think of some others. I can't really. Peyton Manning under Fulmer was some good years of course topped off with the National Champ the following year. But that's about it..It's been 10 years and I am ready for a change.
utnutt writes:
LETS NOT FORGET WHO WAS COACHING BAMA THE YEARS MAJORS LOST TO THEM BEAR BRYANT ONE OF THE GREATEST COLLEGE COACHES EVER IF NOT THE BEST EVER(IM NO BAMA FAN BUT YOU HAVE TO GIVE CREDIT WHERE CRIDIT IS DUE). MAJORS PUT UT IN POSITION TO BE SUCCESSFUL FULMER TOOK OVER WHEN THE PROGRAM WAS SOLID AND AT THE BRINK OF BEING AT THE NEXT LEVEL. IT WAS FULMERS RECRUITMENT OF MANNING THAT BROUGHT OUR SUCCESS IN THE 90S NOT FULMERS COACHING. FULMER HAS NOT KEPT US AT THIS LEVEL. WE HAVE FALLEN BACK SINCE 98 AND ARE AT A POINT NOW WHERE WE ARE PROUD TO BEAT S.MISS AND ARK.ST. WE SHOULD BE WINNING THE SEC EAST CHAPIONSHIP EVERY TWO TO THREE YEARS. WE ARE A MIDDLE OF THE PACK TEAM NOW. SUCCESS BRINGS SUCCESS. FIND COACH THAT CAN WIN BIG GAMES AND A SEC CHAMPIONSHIP EVERY TWO TO FOUR YEARS AND WE WONT HAVE ANY TROUBLE RECRUITING.
CrankE writes:
Majors record against Alabama from 1983-1992? (that covers the Ray Perkins-Bill Curry-Gene Stallings era.) 3-7
utnutt writes:
CRANKE STOP ME IF IM WRONG BUT DIDNT STALLINGS WIN THE NC IN 92. FACT IS BAMA RODE THE COATTAILS OF BRYANT FOR SEVERAL YEARS.ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO AD THAT WE HAVE NOT PLAYED A SABAN COACHED BAMA TEAM YET. THE SEC IS NOW FILLED WITH GREAT COACHES BUT IM NOT SHURE I WOULD PUT FULMER IN WITH THAT GROUP. THANKFULLY WE DONT HAVE TO PLAY LSU.
DennisVols writes:
CrankE
To answer your earlier question. Yes Majors was to stay out the rest of the season. The trouble was Fulmer lead UT to a 4-0 start and all of a sudden Majors feared for his job. There really was no need to though. Even if Fulmer had taken UT to a perfect season Majors would not have lost his job that year. Everyone knew it was Johnny's team. The problem occured when Majors returned. The difference in coaching styles between Majors and Fulmer were night and day. Majors had a stand on the practice field and could be heard a good distance yelling and cussing his will to the players. Fulmer has always been known as a players coach. I'm not saying either is the right or wrong way it is just that they were so different. The team was 4-0 and all of a sudden Majors returns and the difference in coaching styles really disruppted the team during the middle of the season. Remember these are teenagers for the most part and the disrupption by Majors was tremendous. Johnny could have sat out the whole year and returned the next. No one will ever know if he had what kind of team UT would have become or what would have happened.
Colliervol writes:
Told you it was only a matter of time before the KNS dug up the bi-annual interview with ol John. Especially at a time when it can stir the pot a little more. Now I'm as interested in anybody in Fulmer moving on up in the administration and leaving the sideline, but dear Lord, I'm not interested at all in reading any more of Majors' opinion. How many times do we have to be subjected to the same old tired recycled story?
We know he's still bitter. I suppose poor ol John did nothing to hasten the situation along and he was just an innocent by-stander. My how quickly we forget the run-in with the boosters and the powers that be. Bottom line then is that he had to go just as Fulmer's time has come now. Happens in all coaching careers. I wasn't interested then in how it happened and I don't care now. Yep, John's a UT legend and we all know that. Blah, blah, blah. Next subject.
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
firesaban.com fla st 14 bama 0
footballrules writes:
We should hire Ron Zook!!
CrankE writes:
UTNUTT: YES, ALABAMA, 1992 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. AND IT WAS REALLY THE ONLY OUTSTANDING TEAM THEY HAD DURING THE SPAN I MENTIONED. THE REST WEREN'T THAT GREAT. MY POINT IS THAT DURING THAT SPAN, EVEN WHEN THE ELEPHANT SLEPT, MAJORS WENT ONLY 3-7.
CrankE writes:
dlskaggs: I remember that time well and you make explicit what I implied with the question.
Majors states that 48 hours could have made the difference. Sure, he could have put off the surgery in favor of signing the contract. But he could also have keeled over from a Fred Sanford sized "big one" with the pen in his hand too. I guess he made the right choice.
He conveniently shifts blame to others and absolves himself of any responsibility for his own actions or choices that he could have made.
____________________
That 7 year contract would have taken him to 1999. Which conveniently, is right after UT actually won the national title. Does that sound fishy to anyone else? On this point, Majors' story is completely unverifiable without a copy of that unsigned contract.
Hey KNS, why not get off your duff and CALL Doug Dickey and/or Joe Johnson to either confirm or challenge the facts of what Majors says? Had you actually done so, you would have said so.
KNS, you're being lazy and cowardly.
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
TouchdownTN: I have no doubt that you knew someone close to the program. I never once implied that Coach Majors was not being honest in his comments. I have a lot of respect for both coaches in question and like many fans wish this issue would go away. The person I was referring to is a close family member. He was also a member of the football team. Through conversations we had, I also formed an opinion. That opinion is that Coach Majors was his own worst enemy. Again, this is just my opinion.
dfreeman writes:
One of my fondest memories was when Coach Majors came to Morristown west my freshman year walked right into the office and offered James "little man" Stewart a scholarship. Looking at the man that I had been watching coach my Vols ever since I could remember football being around was unbelievable! Yes I have fond memories of Majors, but if he would have laid of the scotch and temper he might have been around a little longer! Fulmer may not have been honest about this mess, but Majors did plenty to himself to make that decision a little easier for the brass!
Ralph_Crampton writes:
I'm not into bashing anyone, but the record indicates the M ajors lost more games during his tenure at the Vol helm than any other Tennessee coach in history of our proud program..If I am wrong, I apologise, but I think I am correct.
smith7206 writes:
IM(not so)HO, anyone who believes someone that says "I have never lied … ever!" (assuming the quote is accurate) is a couple fries short of a happy meal. Johnny obviously has issues or he wouldn't still be carrying a grudge 15 years later and I have a hard time believing anything he says about what happened then while he's proclaiming his honesty (me thinkest he doth protest too much!) in the manner he did.
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