Posted by knoxsingle on January 6, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Am I reading correctly that we're trying to find someone with a good personality who will run exactly what Coach Fulmer tells him to run?

That rules out a lot of smart people who'd want to have more opportunity to innovate.

Posted by Homermoosevols on January 6, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just get it done. Quality recruiting won't matter two weeks from now if you don't get someone in here now.

Posted by TNPilgrim on January 6, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why wouldn't Fulmer go to the coaches convention to perhaps look for a good offensive coordinator? Sounds like he just wants a puppet instead of somebody with some innovative ideas. Just hire Cooter - he would come cheap, and he already knows the signals.

Posted by BoarderVol on January 6, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The man has been coaching for a third of his life; wouldn't think he would need to fly to Cali to discover some hidden OC.

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 6, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No, KNOXSINGLE, you are not reading correctly. I think you probably read what you wanted to read.

Posted by pdhuff on January 6, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Adkins is looming larger by the day.

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. LEADERSHIP. That's what I'm talkin' about.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on January 6, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

18 people just passed out when Fulmer said he might call plays.

For all the negativity about Fulmer controlling the offense, he showed pretty good when he called them in that time span.

This will drive half of you crazy but how bout a Fulmer Trooper co-deal? One or two years and then take off the training wheels?

Posted by vol52 on January 6, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer is looking for a person who thinks the same as he does. I agree with TNPilgrim why would he not go where the coaches are. Duke and Cal have rebuilt their staff's but we are a floundering.

Posted by GerryOP on January 6, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mushrooms, we are simply mushrooms.

You will note, Good Ol' Phil is now saying that Tuesday may be, but may not be, but could be, he would like it to be, but could possibly not be the day for an announcement.

Posted by TurboFan on January 6, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One word - rhetoric. No reflection on Drew but there is no useful info out of Fulmer's mouth in this article.

Posted by DCSOvol on January 6, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer is robot hunting. No chance for innovation here. Ambition breeds opportunity for him to catch it in the back. He should know.

Posted by waterskier3 on January 6, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just talked to my brother and he heard friday from doug M that what fulmer is wanting to do will surprise a lot of fans but he thought it would be good for the program... what does that mean???? who knows......... fulmer is either better in keeping a this a secreat than his 3rd down plays or the media and everyone on the net are bad investigators...... someone has to know something :):):):)

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP,

You are spot on and here is the theme song:

http://thestarport.org/people/steve/D...

Posted by ONUV on January 6, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

keep it in the family, stay the course.

outermonvolia.com

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DCSOvol,

Funny you should say that. Picture taken yesterday outside Athletic Complex:

http://www.amazingstarships.com/model...

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Famous Alice in Orangeland quote:

"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?”

Posted by vol52 on January 6, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone get the feeling that Phil does not want anyone smarter than he is? If that is the can then we are doomed. Or Maybe he wants the OC position for himself so he gets a bigger raise. It makes no sense to be in such a deliberate mode. He should have had a short list since Cut made it know he wanted a head coaching position.

Posted by GerryOP on January 6, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks Geoff! Didn't know there was a song but heard and used the saying many times in my business life.

Good Ol' Phil, he don't say much ... but ... when he says something ... he don't say much.

Posted by dgb63 on January 6, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with vol52. Even I knew Cutcliff wanted a head coaching job the first day he got rehired at UT. Fulmer should have started looking at that point. If he was planning to make taylor the OC then He and Cutcliff could have been trainning him over the last 2 years. This should not have taken this long. He should have been ready for this. This Tulsa team is putting up some O numbers. I like this kind of O..

Posted by TommyJack on January 6, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds to me like he settin us up for Adkins..or himself. Oh my Lord...

Posted by dgb63 on January 6, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm thinking I would rather have Randy back!!!

Posted by jaxvol75 on January 6, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Those Tennessee teams Coach Fulmer called the offensive plays for were powerful. NO ONE can deny that. Let the man do his work!

Posted by dgb63 on January 6, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Fulmer was calling a lot of those plays for Sanders and he was the fall guy. Cutcliff saved Fulmer and us over the last 2 years. He had better find somebody that can handle the job. Fulmer's job depends on who gets this OC job and how well they do.

Posted by Oenoboy on January 6, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys are like a bunch of hens. You were getting under my skin but now you are just cracking me up. I was wrong about you. To be obsessing and worrying like the mother hens you are, you guys must actually be fans. Miserable fans but fans none the less. Here's to you being you and me not.

Try to enjoy your week boys.

Posted by GerryOP on January 6, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by GerryOP on December 29, 2007 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Greg Adkins, paging Greg Adkins! Telephone call from Good Ol' Phil! Paging Greg Adkins...

Posted by FireChavis on January 6, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Chief will be moved to the offensive side of the ball since Fulmer obviously just wants a minion to do his bidding.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on January 6, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gripe, gripe, b%tch, moan, complain... geez. The head coach has a philosophy that has won him a national championship and nearly 80% of his games, and you expect him to yield to the whim of whomever he hires, all in the name of "innovation"? Please.

Here's a good analogy. Show me a manufacturing CEO who hires an ops manager who believes in outsourcing and generous use of 3PL vendors, when the CEO thinks everything should be built in-house, and I will show you a company that will fail within two fiscal quarters.

The same goes for a football team. The head coach and the coordinators have to have the same philosophy. For those of you who don't quite understand, that does not mean the head coach is telling the coordinator what to call. They just have to be on the same page. Not only is that a reasonable expectation, that's paramount to success on the field.

Posted by TommyJack on January 6, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oenoboy: About whom are you speaking?

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not only a National Championship almost ten years ago, I heard he once won student of the week in 3rd grade.

As for former UT Coaches? I'm trying to remember how many went as long as he has with ZERO SEC Championships. I heard some have been uncerimoniously run off by "true fans" after not winning one in one year.

Posted by waterskier3 on January 6, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

quit using the 98 NC as a free ride... up to 98 phil and cut cost us several sec championships and nc because of the predictable play calling and piss poor defense that chavis put on the field...... since 98 fulmer has been smoked in ever championship game he's been in and against top 10 talent UT hasn't even showed up in 4 years......... give me a break about his coaching ability.... talent makes him look good he is way to predictable.... remember all those blowouts by fla in the 90's?????????

Posted by dave1 on January 6, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think CPF is sitting somewhere laughing himself silly over how he has the media and all of the "the sky is falling crowd" worked up in a frenzy over who is going to hire. I bet he even threw in the comment about him calling the plays just to add more gas to the fire. He knows what he is doing and who he is hiring and is loving every minute of being able to pull everyone else's chain for a change. You go PHIL!!!!

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ya' gotta love "true fans" and all that they think they stand for.

Posted by invisiblekid on January 6, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Calm down fellas, if he can fix the tackling problem in 15 minutes then finding a new offensive staff and finishing off recruiting should be no problem in a 24 hour period. Expect a decision on 2/5/08. Recent scuttlebutt suggests Fulmer made a second offer to Spence and was turned down again. Supposedly, Crowton from LSU is in the running. Also read that Stan Drayton from the Gators is in the mix for RB coach. That would be a huge upgrade from Roper IMO. Nothing but speculation though, only the head man knows for sure.

http://www.gatorzone.com/insidefootba...

http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle....

Posted by vol52 on January 6, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe Phil may have a touch of paranoia regarding his assistants.

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid,

Good stuff. Thanks.

vol52,

You could be right. And this one, at this point in his career is critical.

Posted by knoxsingle on January 6, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Umm, thanks, tapjr. I especially appreciate your thorough explanation of what was actually meant!

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dave1,

If he finds everything THAT funny, maybe we ask the folks who call him names to use a freasher one coined after:

http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Aloysius...

They can call him Chuckleupagus as a tribute to his humor in the situation.

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 6, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Knoxsingle, What I think it means is that as well as having the skills and talents needed to do the job, Coach Fulmer also puts emphasis on the hard to measure "chemistry". He wants someone who fits with the culture of TN football, the coaches and the community. Hope this helps.

Posted by asleep on January 6, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IF Fulmer called plays for Sanders, it was necessary. And I'll take Phil's record calling plays over Sanders' any day. And anyone who thinks Fulmer is scared of an ambitious youngster is nuts. The man is a millionaire a dozen times over and will be gone in 5 years or less of his own free will, no matter what. And there isn't anybody on this site or in the athletic department big enough to get him out any faster, no matter what. As long as the big boosters are happy, and they are, he's here to stay. That said, he will hire the best person he interviews and if they have designs on his job, he'll just smile and give it to them in about 2013. I'm getting the feeling that Troop may not be all the way to Stillwater just yet. Am I the only one with that feeling? Go Vols!!!

Posted by grvol on January 6, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer and Cut both knew Cut would cut and run to the first head coaching job he was offered (he did of course). Why in the hell didn't Fulmer have someone ready to step in? Speaks volumes.

Posted by TommyJack on January 6, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dave1: Maybe the sky IS falling on the hiring process for OC. Prepare, Faithful, for a big disappointment in the hiring. Ill winds are blowing.

Posted by vol52 on January 6, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack please give coach Fulmer another dozen glazed. He is in oscillation.

Posted by cdldoc on January 6, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HOT OFF THE WIRE:

In a surprise move today Phillip Fulmer, Head Coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, named Touchdowntn as his new Offensive Coordinator. Fulmer said tdtn's first assignment would be to "kiss the big man's butt."

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 6, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Asleep - You sound quite awake. Good points and analysis. I am with you on thinking Trooper is not gone yet. Isn't it interesting that Fulmer is here and not at the coaching convention?

I really have no idea at this point on the new OC, but I do know 2 things;

Speculating is all we have for football fun until signing day.

Coach Fulmer will get the job done.

Posted by vol52 on January 6, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cdldoc - its a big ole thing!

Posted by jamali76 on January 6, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually asleep you are wrong,there are plenty of people on this site and other sites that can get Fulmer out.WE are the ones that buy tickets,merchandise,and Vol related material,WE are the ones at the games and when the seats start to empty no booster, no matter how big will save him.No he won't necessarily hire the best person he'll hire the one who will bow to him and not have input of they're own.He's looking for a YES man not the best man.

Posted by KingsportVol on January 6, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Holy sheep sh_t.Trooper looks really good now.Not that he didn't before.Get ready for more 3rd and 7 screen passes 5 yards behind the line or that delayed draw play that works so well.We have the best prevent offense in the country.Phil grow a pair and hire someone to fire this biatch up.It's time to bring some excitement back to Big Orange Football!It's ok to throw more than 15 yards down field.We will have a QB with an arm next season.Let's use it.Go Big Orange!!!

Posted by skyhawk836 on January 6, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by grvol on January 6, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer and Cut both knew Cut would cut and run to the first head coaching job he was offered (he did of course). Why in the hell didn't Fulmer have someone ready to step in? Speaks volumes.

-------
How would that work?
Coaching situations are so fluid, seems impossible.
What if Cut stayed longer than the "trainee"?
Knowing he wanted to be a head coach doesn't mean you would know when. He might have stayed 5 years.

A guy like Gus Malzahn wasn't even on the college radar 2 years ago. Who knew Gary Crowton would be in the SEC this year? Who knew anything 2 years ago that are obvious today?

Posted by dave1 on January 6, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tjack, I guess that in my point. EVERYTHING is speculation at this point. Just because CPF did EXACTLY what so many on this site said he would not do (actually do a nationwide search and keep it fairly quiet at the same time) everyone assumes gloom and doom. Let it play out and then come back with the broom to sweep up the pieces of the sky if it is a bad hire. Until then, none of us but CPF knows what is going to happen. No need to get worked up over what one has zero control over. I liked the Chuckleupagus reference tngeoff, that was good.

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 6, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jamali76 - I'm curious. Are you saying you are season ticket holder and will boycott games, leaving your seats empty? As you know, if you give up your seats, someone else will buy them. If you sell them at the stadium, is that really a boycott?

Posted by TommyJack on January 6, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol52: I'm wondering if maybe CPF might be a closet Moon Pie man..

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dave1,

Thanks. By the way...I really hope for a best case scenario, whatever that might be at this point, but if anyone isn't at least a little frustrated by all this, then PLEASE refer me immediately to whatever antidote has been discovered. I think we all want the same thing, just different ways of expressing it. I like humor and it helps take the edge off of frustreating things we have NO control over! Keep the Faith!

Posted by jamali76 on January 6, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tapjr,do I really have to give you an explanation of what I was trying to say?THE FANS HAVE MORE SAY SO THAN THE BOOSTERS!So what you are saying is that every game at Neyland is ALWAYS a sellout?I believe not unless my eyes decieve me.Don't always count on the fans saying that mediocrity is OK,even the most diehard fan will eventually tire of it.

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am VERY sorry, but this is a crack up:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/67df...

Posted by grvol on January 6, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Skyhawk, I don't mean sonmeone on staff in training, but somenone out there who would at least show immediate interest. As for your comment that Cut could have been around for five years I agree. Who the hell would want him as a head coach...?... mighty Duke. Yes it took that kind of bottom dweller opening. Even Vandy's coach turned Duke down. Yes Cut was not their first choice.

Posted by TNPilgrim on January 6, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One point not mentioned in this discourse is how all this uncertainty with the TN offensive staff affects recruiting. If I'm a top QB or RB I want to know who the OC is going to be and what kind of offensive style TN is going to play, and who all is going to coach it. For all the talk about the influence the great David Cutcliff had with the Manning brothers and how prospective QBs were attracted to our program because of him, doesn't it stand to reason that a lame OC and QB coach will NOT attract good recruits? My thought is that if Fulmer doesn't get off his duff and get somebody good in place SOON, this year's recruiting class will be in the dumper.

Posted by vtvol on January 6, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do you think that tomorrow's deadline is because of Gus Malzahn coaching in tonight's GMAC bowl? Tulsa's offense is ROLLING. He would be great because he is outside of the UT family and would bring fresh ideas. He is also not afraid to challenge the HC which, if I recall, is what Fulmer said that he wanted.

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 6, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali76 - every year the season tickets are sold. Not every game is a sellout, based on the visiting team participation and the demand locally for the extra tickets. By the way, you did not answer my question? Attendance has remained at +/- 2000 per game since the last expansion. I do agree with you and hope the fans do have more say so than the boosters, though I'm not sure, ask Johnny Majors.

Posted by KingsportVol on January 6, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff that is awesome.Thanks

Posted by dgb63 on January 6, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will tell you watching this Tulsa team play is fun. They have it going on. Will this work in the SEC who knows but I am all for giving it a shot. If we can get the Tulsa guy I say go get him...

Posted by knoxsingle on January 6, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with vtvol about how good Malzahn's offense looks. Bowling Green isn't playing well tonight, but Tulsa has racked up the yards all year under Malzahn.

Thanks for sharing your thinking, tapjr.

Posted by jamali76 on January 6, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tapjr,I'm not trying to argue with you,it's obvious you support Fulmer and I don't so we'll leave it at that ok?It doesn't matter if they sell 100,000 tickets or give the tickets away or whatever if there is nobody in the stands it will make a difference.

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KingsportVol,

Thanks. It cracked me up!

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 6, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jamali76 - no problem disagreing. I am trying to ask a question that I am truely curious about. I am pro-Fulmer, but if I weren't, I wonder what I would do? would I boycott? I'm just asking what kind of stance you would take. For instance, if we hired Spurrier, I would not go to a game. I would keep my tickets and put a sign on my seat saying "I'll be back when Spurrier is gone".

Posted by asleep on January 6, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali76 - you're right, if no one comes to the games, it will make a difference. It's just that it will never happen. We could go 6-6 three years running and Neyland would still be full, VolMall would still be sold out of the most popular merchandise, and ESPN would still be doing UT telecasts. I'm not saying I support Fulmer's every decision and I too wish he would get outside the box but the bottom line is that UT football is a very properous business that is pretty much on auto-pilot and bigger than all but the most generous, and therefore influential, donors, of which most of us are not. Let's hope he makes a good hire, UT football gets back to the glory days, and we can both be happy! Go Vols!!!

Posted by GreerVol22 on January 6, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is it that everything done at UT, concerning the football program always sounds so lame and unprofessional. ....."We'll get us a coach when we get us a coach...heck , I might even call plays myself...I was pretty good you know..." Meanwhile other programs have named coaches and are moving forward with recruiting and '08 planning. We can only hope that it all works out...somehow...

Posted by skyhawk836 on January 6, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by grvol on January 6, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Skyhawk, I don't mean sonmeone on staff in training, but somenone out there who would at least show immediate interest. As for your comment that Cut could have been around for five years I agree. Who the hell would want him as a head coach...?... mighty Duke. Yes it took that kind of bottom dweller opening. Even Vandy's coach turned Duke down. Yes Cut was not their first choice.
-----
I understand.
But, there may have been a lot of immediate interest- we don't know. May have been immediate interest from someone that is still playing.
Kippy had immediate interest but the Lions took care of him. So much we don't know.

BTW, do ya'll notice that crvol yawns a lot? Maybe he needs some of Roger Clemens B-12.Worked wonders for him.

Posted by jamali76 on January 6, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No tapjr I am not a season ticket holder,I go to games and used to enjoy it, now unless we play Ark.St. UAB or some other lower tier team you can almost guarantee a loss especially if it's against a top 10 team.As a pro-Fulmer supporter are you not tired of the same thing week in and week out?The offense is so predictable and Chavis' defense will almost certainly give up the big play and lose the game.Whoever the next OC is it's time for Fulmer to let him be his own man and call it the way he wants,and if he fails at least it was worth a try instead of staying the course and doing the same things we've been doing.

Posted by GerryOP on January 6, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hilarious Geoff! Don't tell me that is our good buddy TouchdownTN singin'!

Posted by vol52 on January 6, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali76-You are correct.

tngeoff - Sir that was great!

TommyJack- I would have never believed that.

Posted by Ironcity on January 6, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Unless coach already has his mind made up the coaches conference would have made a lot of sence to attend. I guess we will find out soon enough who the next OC will be.

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 6, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali76 - Good questions. I look at the whole body of work, the recruiting disadvantage we have and also evaluate whom I think could do a better job over a 10 year period. My current answer is Fulmer. There certainly is data that supports his performance the last 8 years is not as good as the first 8. If the two periods were reversed, would he be a better coach, or just the same guy? I also do not want a "professional coach" like say Petrino. Tennessee football is about more than just W's and L's and I don't want the tradition lost like it was at Nebraska, as well as the W's and L's.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on January 6, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've been wondering all along why Malzahn's name has not come up while others have come and gone. Now that the Cignetti option is closed and given Tulsa had a game tonight, could be that Malzahn is a or has been the target. If he is, I'm sure there's already been contact, phone interview, etc. Phil will probably want to meet in person on Monday, get a verbal agreement completed and announce on Tuesday. If this is the scenario than he probably does need to hedge Tuesday's commitment to allow for any possible issue that might come up given the tight timing and critical nature of the decision.

If that is how this goes down with Malzahn than big cudos to Fulmer and Hamilton for keeping this quiet and allowing Malzahn to coach out his season without the distraction. That doesn't mean that the other names were just smoke screens...Fulmer said he was going to do a thourough search and appropriate due diligence is appropriate for this hire. Malzahn would also likely not cost as much as an NFL guy or other top tier coordinator so there should be room to rework TT's offer and probably offer an Assistant HC/recruiting coordinator type of title. Cut laid the groundwork for uptempo offense by installing no huddle, looks like Malzahn could take it another whole level. Malzahn's offense does not look that unconventional in design, just very aggressive in execution and choice/sequence of plays called. There'd be no taking the foot off the throat under his direction. Fulmer better get in shape 'cause he'd be doing a lot of running to keep up with the offense at the pace that Malzahn would have it moving down the field.

Well makes for some sweet dreams anyways...good night everyone.

Posted by jamali76 on January 6, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tapjr,I do agree with Fulmer being a good recruiter but he's not using that talent to it's fullest when he gets it.A lot of people,myself included wouldn't be so quick to want to dump Fulmer if he would just try something different,and if it doesn't work it won't really matter because what he's doing now isn't either.When Zook was at Florida he made a comment that UT's playbook hadn't changed much since "84 or '85 and it still hasn't.I don't want to go to a spread or option-based offense but infuse some new playcalling and take some risks and trust in the guys on the field.

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 6, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jamali76 - thanks for the debate. You make some good points. Let's look forward to an OC decision we can all get behind and a strong finish in recruting. It's getting past my bedtime. Later.

Posted by bubbanator21 on January 6, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well... I heard in mid-December that Doug Marone of the Saints was a top candidate and if successful as the OC would become the head coach in 2-4 years when Fulmer retired. He still hasn't been ruled out.

Posted by asleep on January 6, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali, Right on about the playbook. Every team in the SEC knows it by heart and that's the biggest part of our problem. It's awfully hard to execute when the other team is lined up and ready for the play. I can't believe they get as much out of the offense as they do considering every DC has schemed every play we run. I also wish Fulmer would get some new blood, get out of their way, and let the chips fall where they fall. At least it would be exciting. Like tapjr, I'm pro-Fulmer because I think he is the best fit for our program. However, even I get impatient for all the reasons you listed in your 10:13 post and would love nothing more than for the 2008 Vols to have a new look, a new attitude, and another run like we had from 1997-2001! If Malzahn is the choice, WOW! Now that would shake up both the haters and the KoolAid drinkers - maybe that's what this program needs. We'll see. Go Vols!!!

Posted by LargeOrange on January 6, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by jamali76 on January 6, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. "No tapjr I am not a season ticket holder,I go to games and used to enjoy it, now unless we play Ark.St. UAB or some other lower tier team you can almost guarantee a loss especially if it's against a top 10 team"

Jamali, What team have you been watching? I assume you missed the GA and Ark games in Neyland this year, I drive 500 miles each week to be there and it was awesome. "guarantee a loss"? I believe we went undefeated in Knoxville this year, and you will never get enough people to boycott Neyland to get Fulmer fired, so why not give up on this "predictable", inaccurate and useless ranting?

Posted by awhill00 on January 6, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bring back Randy Sanders and let him control ALL of the offense. If Sanders had full control of the offense (without Fulmer's meddling), it would cook! I don't give a crap about how well Fulmer thought he did calling plays sixteen years ago - it's 2008 now, with all kinds of spread offenses. I am so sick of Fulmer and his puppet strings. Make a good hire, Phil, and please try to salvage this dismal recruiting season (ranked forty-fourth by Rivals now). I don't really care what Cutcliffe says about the offense either. His offense got shut out in the second half of BOTH bowl games in the past two years. NEW BLOOD, PHIL.

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP and vol52,

Thanks my friends. As for the lyricist? I promised I wouldn't reveal...but...TDTN and pdhuff as you may have noticed have been absent here tonight! No hints though!

Posted by vtvol on January 6, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice analysis on Malzahn, Volindawgland. He could help mentor the Maryville HS coach, if he too comes aboard, on how to make the transition from HS to college.

Posted by tngeoff on January 6, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The search is not yet over. A solid committment to keep searching. Over here. Over there. Anywhere. Everywhere. Sustinance enables success. KK

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/76...

Posted by texvol on January 6, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The deal here at my alma mater is this:
Recruits and coaches are shying away because Coach Fulmer nor Mike Hamilton will not commit to a philosophy in public. No one knows what will happen when they get to Knoxville.

Posted by texvol on January 6, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry for errors in grammar. I'm following other threads as well. Especially 60 min.

Posted by acevol on January 6, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love vol fans. The reason I do, is because I am one myself. I understand the bitching and moaning. We all want to win national championship after natoinal championship or at least sec championship after sec championship. The fact is, college football is a lot better than it used to be. There are more teams who are established. There are more teams becoming more established every year. More teams are recruiting much better.

Actually, are more teams recruiting better or are there just more athletes to choose from? Sure, some athletes are better than others, but I think there are more athletes to choose from and rely on to make a team better than there used to be. That's why these "4 and 5 star" players don't mean as much anymore.

I'm not so much worried about the players we get as long as they are good people, because we all know they are going to be great athletes to even play at the level, I'm worried about how we coach them. I think Coach Fulmer is great. I think he is a great person. I think he really does try to instill leadership and character into young men. He's great to have around. Give me 10 Fulmers over Sabin's and Petrino's any day of the damn week.

I for one am glad Fulmer is taking his time. I hope he picks the right person. I woulnd't mind trying to allow Trooper the position if we cans till keep him. How do we know he isn't the right person for the job without giving him a shot? No one can do a good or bad job without getting a shot. What about Tee Martin coaching quarterbacks? Peyton Manning is even on record as saying what a great coach Tee would make. This is not the time to bitch and moan, this is a time for all vol fans to believe in what did and can make us great again. Our, staff, school, and players. Believe!

Posted by awhill00 on January 6, 2008 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

acevol: Good post. I retract my bitching for now. GO VOLS!!

Posted by imwithphilly on January 6, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think he should look at Malzahn. 5000 yard passer, 1000 yard rusher, 3 1000 yard receivers and averaging 530 yards of total offense a game.

Posted by texvol on January 6, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Malzahn? U serious...Google Mitch Mustain.

Posted by FWBVol on January 6, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think the playbook or another team's knowledge of what UT's offense is geared for is an issue. As was pointed out during the Outback Bowl broadcast, UT has a similar offense to what it ran several years ago, but the Vols offense has been a change in progress, i.e. doing away with the fullback a few years ago while still running a lot of the same plays from the one back set.

If I read the story correctly, Fulmer said he has considered calling his own plays and being OC, but has put that idea on the back burner.

I suggested late last night that Malzahn might be in the mix after the bowl game tonight. I've heard Les Miles isn't the easiest guy to work for so that might explain some of the Crowton rumors.

As I have stated in numerous posts, nobody knows the importance of this OC hire and the other offensive hires more than Phillip Fulmer. He knows his job security is on the line.

I know it's frustrating for all of us fans, but however Fulmer handled this or whoever he would have hired, or now, will hire, some people will complain.

Those that tend to be less supportive of Fulmer point out the NC was 10 years ago. How many NCs has Steve Spurrier won since 1996. There are very few coaches that have won multiple consensus national championships. The General had one consensus NC in 21 full seasons at UT and that was 1951, his next to last season before he was forced to step down because of health issues.

The fact is that ONLY TWO coaches at UT have ever won NCs and one has the stadium is named for and is in the College Football Hall of Fame. The other is the current head coach and should be in the Hall one day.

Posted by Volalumnus on January 6, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When it comes to searching for a new OC its ...stay the course.

Unfortunately for the recruits its...skip the course.

Posted by jamali76 on January 6, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeOrange was I was talking to you?No I don't think so,you can drive 5 or 500 or 5000 miles I don't really care.We beat Ark?WOW let me catch my breath becuse that is unbelievable!Raise your hand and I'll call on you when I want you to speak to me son.

Posted by LargeOrange on January 6, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excellent post acevol !!!! I think you are spot on on all counts. I agree with the neysayers that we need to revamp the O and be less predictable, so I don't mind losing Coach Cut too much, and I think Tee would be a great QB coach. I would still like to see Fulmer/Hamilton try and get Andy Kelly as OC, he is about to coach the Knoxville AAFL team, but I am sure he would add a lot of creativity to the O schemes after all of his years as the best QB in Arena FB.

Posted by chrisw2967 on January 6, 2008 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This could be the start of the ending for Fulmer , we sure dont need Fulmer calling plays , this is 2008 not 1990.
Ever wonder how many recruits we are losing over this? Or how many player that might end up transfering over this hire ?
To be honest I think Fulmer is grasping at air and were going to end up with some jerk off that is as clueless as Fulmer is ?

Posted by Volalumnus on January 6, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some must never hear to the extent that they preach to support Fulmer under all and any situation.
If you listen and had the faith they preached and believed like they claim, then there would be no reason to go to game or even read about them because then they could just have faith in the hands of Fulmer. Heaven knows that it would be less fustrating than actually watching these games he has coaches the last few years.

Posted by LargeOrange on January 6, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali76 - I didn't realize you were wasting all of our time with a personal conversation. Excuse me, if you don't want your moronic spew responded to, take it to somewhere else, this is a board for VOL fans.

Posted by texvol on January 6, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVol,
How many pair of orange glasses did you get for Christmas? More specifically how many times has Spurrier been close to playing for the NC in the last 17 years and where is Florida today? Not to point out that UM won it last year. If you want to be the Guru here think before you speak. Can't wait for more disputed facts and overlong simplistic explanations from you. Oh and this is coming from a UYK alum.

Posted by jamali76 on January 6, 2008 at 11:47 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by Volalumnus on January 6, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer better hurry before some of our current players get the idea next year may be a waste and head pro.
Its not just the new recruits TN must worry about who the coaches will be and good they will be.

Posted by LargeOrange on January 7, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali - Who are you to say who is a "TRUE Vol" fan, when you start contributing some money every year for the RIGHT to buy tickets to go to games and cheer on and support "your" team then maybe I will listen to you. As of now, you can sit in front of a TV set and bitch. This is not worth my time, I am signing off now so I can earn more money tomorrow to send my donation in for next year. Maybe you can start now and save up for a color TV for next season, so you can tell who is winning in OUR games next year. Orange is beautiful, you should check it out.

Posted by feathersax on January 7, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali reminds me of the foursome sitting next to me at the Outback Bowl. On the first series, the Dad starting yelling at Fulmer, then at Ainge; then the young girl cursed at Ainge's incomplete pass. Both were silent when the Vols scored & gave no credit to either CPF or Eric during the game. LargeOrange is right.

Posted by snowvol on January 7, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwitcherbellyachin, please. You're so interested in analysis and CEO/company comparisons, try this analysis on and see if it fits: Go back to 1998. Since 1998, when was our last BCS bowl or SEC Championship? And go do a little number crunching and see what Fulmer's winning pct. is against Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Mark Richt, Les Miles, Steve Spurrier and Tommy Tubberville. When you consider they are Fulmer's top contemporaries in the SEC, get back to me on that near-80% winning pct. The number you're going to come up with is utterly dismal. I know the number; now you go figure it out for yourself. If a business that was considered a member of the elite in its class underproduced the way UT has for the past nine years, changes would be made. And yet, Fulmer remains. Tomorrow night, Ohio State and LSU are each going for their second BCS championships, with the Buckeyes playing in it for the third time. Oklahoma, though underwhelming in bowls the past few years, has played in three, USC has been in three --- Vols fans everywhere actually believe we're in the same class with those programs. Do you believe that, too? Wake up -- we're looking up at LSU, Florida, Georgia and soon, maybe Bama, too. That bothers me; it bothers me a lot. And nationally, we're looking up at a whole host of other programs. And yet, so many Vols fans continue to cut Fulmer a break. Have you not figured out why we don't yet have an OC hired? All this chemistry crap is a bunch of BS. If the opportunity to work on Fulmer's staff was so appealing, the line would begin at the right. But that's not the case. Sadly, you and so many others just don't see what's really happening here.

Posted by snowvol on January 7, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLinDAWGland, if Fulmer found a way to land Malzhan, that would be the first solid coaching hire he's made in . . . well, ever. For those who thought Cut was the answer, take a peek at where we've ranked in offense since he got back. Not a whole helluva lot of difference from when he left.

Posted by chrisw2967 on January 7, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

snowvol: I agree with you 100% but these Fulmer lovers will not , they will pick your post apart all that matter to them is we won 10 games this year and Fulmer wants to win another NC before he retires and if thats the case he will be here another 20 years. But I really hope its this year so he will retire.

Posted by texvol on January 7, 2008 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeOrange
Thank God you signed off and went to bed. That is exactly where your views belong. How dare you call fans who cannot afford to or geographically not make it possible to attend games non fans. How dare you jerk.

Posted by utnutt on January 7, 2008 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FULMER HAS TAKEN TO MUCH TIME ON THIS PROJECT. I WOULD HATE TO THINK HE PASSED ON CIGNETTI TO HIRE ADKINS. IF THATS WHAT IT TURNS OUT HE BETTER HOPE IT WAS THE BEST DECISION OF HIS LIFE BECAUSE HIS JOB WONT BE WORTH TWO CENTS IF HE HAS BAD YEAR NEXT YEAR. FULMER WILL BE FIRED IF THIS ISNT DONE RIGHT AND HE SHOULD BE. I CANT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS BETTER PEOPLE OUT THERE THAN CIGNETTI OR EVEN TROOPER. WE ARE ABOUT TO FIND OUT HOW SMART FULMER REALY IS.

Posted by andy112382 on January 7, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

awhill00, that is quite possibly the worst idea I have ever heard on here.

Randy Sanders, the man who said after we lost to Alabama 6-3...'well, that is about how I expected this game to go'.....the man didn't have a clue as an OC, great position coach, not so much on the OC. If relying solely on your defense to win game is you style of play you like, let ol' colonel sanders from kentucky come back.....but I'd rather not have to throw up upon reading who we hire, as I would with him.

Posted by mparker on January 7, 2008 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

UT fans.....

QUIT YOUR CONSTANT BITCHING!!!!!!! It's like a woman's club in here.

This hire is a big deal, and it takes what it takes. The right hire could sway some key players (a eupremism for offensvie linemen in my book!!!!) to UT next year.

Posted by bobbyutvol on January 7, 2008 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MALZHAN//// DI YOU SEE TULSA TONIGHT // WHAT AN OFFENSE COACH WILL MAKE THE RIGHT CALL GO VOLS

Posted by FWBVol on January 7, 2008 at 2:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Texasvol, never heard of UYK. Can only guess you accidentally hit the Y instead of the T as they are next door to each other on the keyboard. UM, which one, and they won what last year?

I admit to being guilty of being an optimist. So shoot me.

Yes, I stated simple facts because people try to bury the obvious with opinion. More simple facts for those throwing around Fulmer's winning percentage against Spurrier. In the last four seasons Spurrier was at Florida UT split with the Gators. In the two losses to Florida in 99 and 2000, the Gators won by two points and four points. Since Spurrier has been at South Carolina, the Gamecocks have beaten UT all of one time.

As for Fulmer's record against Mark Richt at Georgia, the Vols have beaten the Bulldogs three of the last four years including twice in Athens and put more than 50 points on the scoreboard in Athens in 2006.

UT against Les Miles coached teams is 1-2, but those games have been decided by a touchdown or less, and in the 2006 Tiger win in Knoxville, a questionable call or no call, depending on how you look at it, helped LSU win. We all know what happened in the SEC championship game this year.

Was it Fulmer's fault that Erik Ainge read the coverage wrong and threw two interceptions that cost UT the game?

When you look at Fulmer's record against Tuberville at both Ole Miss and Auburn, Fulmer is 3-3.

Saban is 3-1 against Fulmer, but one of those wins was an OT game in 2000 so that doesn't seem to indicate that Saban is that far ahead of anything.

The fact is Alabama spent $4 million on a coach that posted the same regular season record they had last year,and statistically, John Parker Wilson had a better year in 2006.

Maybe that's too simple, but everything I stated were facts that can be confirmed.

I too am a UT alum. My family was originally from Memphis, but we moved to Northwest Florida when I was in the third grade. On clear nights I would listen to John Ward on the old WNOX AM 990 long before there was talk radio.

I had two great uncles that attended UT when the General was just getting started and were on campus when Bobby Dodd was quarterback. Listening to them and my dad talk gave me a great appreciation for the long and storied tradition of the Volunteers.

There's on old saying, "How come there never seems to be enough time to do a job right, but always enough time to do it over?"

The obvious is CPF isn't going to get a mulligan on this hire. I don't think he'll need one either.

Posted by bloodrunsorange on January 7, 2008 at 2:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember, Zook is the one Sells was sending the plays to.

Posted by Oenoboy on January 7, 2008 at 2:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is Jeff Bower landing? Talk about a winner.

Posted by Oenoboy on January 7, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey texvol, cat got your tongue?

FWBVol, great post. It's nice seeing facts posted and not emotionally driven dribble.

Posted by txsvol on January 7, 2008 at 2:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

texvol, my friend and sound-alike: Googling Mitch Mustain's Wikipedia article does not say what really went wrong to cause him to transfer to USC--He was replaced after one series in their Nov 6, 2006 game by Casey Dick, who just might have been better at handing the ball/game over to Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. There quite possibly was conflict between Nutt and Malzahn and Mustain about the best way to use the Razorbacks' talent. But, google Gus Malzahn and you'll find that his Shiloh and Springdale teams were terrific, and that he was widely recognized in coaching clinics as an instructor and guest speaker, you can even buy his instruction video: "Hurry Up No Huddle--An Offensive Philosophy." I remember reading about him from his participation in the US Army AA game that year. He and Nutt chose to go separate ways (if you had McFadden and Jones in your backfield, wouldn't you feature THEM over a freshman QB?) over an honest difference of opinion, and IMO, Malzahn would be a terrific hire for us!!! He has good contacts with many high school coaches, and he'd have people giving him high quality leads of people, particularly QBs and WRs and OL, who they would think would fit into his coaching philosophy. Go Phil! Get Gus! Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by jamcdaniel79 on January 7, 2008 at 2:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't mind Phil taking his time. We don't need another Randy Sanders situation.

Posted by andy112382 on January 7, 2008 at 2:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There is an article on scout.com mentioning Cignetti had preferred staying on the west coast, which apparently was true. It also note that it is not known if the job was ever offered to Spence or Cignetti.....so for those fearing that we are being turned down, there is not even evidence they were ever offered the job, so it would make it a little hard to turn it down in that cast.....just thought was worth noting.

GO VOLS!!! Take your time, Fulmer, just get the right man for the job.

Posted by southernACmavs on January 7, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is Fulmer taking his time or stalling? I dont think Fulmer will call his own plays . Who would take the blame next year? Whan Florida ,Georgia And others whip the snott out of us. SPEND MORE EXPECT LESS

Posted by pete.broockman on January 7, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Phil should go all out and hire Lou Holtz. He could help him with PEP talks and filling out charts. Phil will still call the same old plays so no need for an offensive genius. And Phil only needs 15 minutes to re-teach the team how to tackle so why do we need a young,smart,talented,forward thinking OC?
GO LOU!!!!

Posted by dgb63 on January 7, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok added a guy to my list. Tulsa OC, Shula, Cam camron and Jeff Bower. A lot of quality out there lets get a good one. A top 5 program in the SEC should never have to settle. Whats this about Watson Brown being on the hill???

Posted by jobrando on January 7, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've always thought he will call the plays and save the University money. He gave a million back this past year.

Posted by pdhuff on January 7, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The sands of time continue to run. Much ado about nothing. Doldrums are here. Nothing much matters in Fulmerville. "We are taking our time to get the right man".

Perchance the "right" man found a job somewhere else. Many have.

Posted by tennisvol on January 7, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This really seems to be hurting our recruiting.
Tennessee is just ranked ahead of Kentucky and Vanderbilt in the SEC.

Posted by jamali76 on January 7, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you pro-Fulmer people,and I'm looking at you LargeOrange,make me sick with the put downs and name calling of those of us who don't support him.I'm not saying everyone is like that,tapjr and I had a friendly disagreement and there was no name calling or insulting just an exchange of differing views.Thanks texvol for the defense,some people just don't get it not all of us can attend every game,but I do give money to UT so I do have an opinion on what goes on.The way some of these people on here look at it is you don't support Fulmer you are not a true fan,so I guess if we don't support Bush and everything he does were not Americans right?That's what I thought.

Posted by Ironcity on January 7, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Skip Malzohn. He is a HS coach who happened to have a talented QB. Thats the only reason Ark. hired him. Maybe in 10 years if the guy proves himself. I am a little tired reading about UT running the same offense for the last 15 years. I seem to recall UT had a fullback in its offense until the last two years. I think thats a pretty big change if you ask me. I still like the idea of Walt Harris,always a great OC a very average coach.

Posted by Vol13 on January 7, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer has so many of you fooled that it's shameful. This guy is nothing more than a high school P.E. coach who is masquerading in the disguise of a big-time college football coach. I've seen shift manager's at McDonald's who had more organization and planning skills than Fulmer.

Let me tell you what he is going to do. NOTHING! That is, nothing that will get himself out of the spotlight. He will offer the job to Greg Adkins or someone else willing to be a puppet, who will accept. And then we'll have the same thing we had in the Randy Sanders era - Fulmer as the OC, but someone in the OC role that can be thrown under the bus when it doesn't work. He isn't about to hire anyone that could show him up in the public eye.

Posted by jdcdjc on January 7, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just hope we don't wait too long and lose some good recruits because we didn't have an OC in place. It appears Phil really don't know what he wants.

Posted by GerryOP on January 7, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of us feel that the team is already loaded with talent. Under utilized talent but real talent. Maybe Good Ol' Phil agrees and that is why he does not appear to be too concerned about this year's recruiting class? Maybe....

Posted by Basketball_Jones on January 7, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Iron City I don't see how you say Malzahn needs 10 years. Did you see Tulsa last night? Did you know Tulsa had the #1 ranked offense in the country. The only reason he left Ark (as well as his players) is that he was promised to have 100% control of the offense and Nutt didn't let him. This guy can coach, thats why I can't believe Quarles isn't a candidate, he is a coach and has the ability to be at this level.

The problem I see is Tennessee is not going to hire someone who doesn't bring the same offensive philosophy as Fulmer has. Thats why Sanders was hired and why Cut was brought back. With Georgia and Florida loaded for next year and UT having a NEW QB it may be a long year. The defense will be tough but the offense may struggle. Of course thats what we all thought in 1998

Posted by Rok_Etop on January 7, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was in Alabama over the weekend and ran into Saban at a restaurant. I asked him if he was coming to UT as the OC. He said no he was not going to be Tn's OC!! The press conference announcing Nick Saban as the OC is scheduled for thursday at 8am.

Seriously though.............its gotta be Chow or Malzahn. Norm is gonna be in town today, or Phil in Nashville. Wait and see!! Chow is not happy having to be creative for a running QB like VY.

Posted by grogpaw on January 7, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13. Thank you so much for your wonderful insight concerning Coach Fulmer. Obviously you have inside information on how Coach Fulmer operates and how he is conducting his search for a new OC. Could you lease elaborate more on your inside knowledge or are you just pontificating? By the way, I'm not a fan of Coach Fulmer (I believe his time has passed) but that is just a personal opinion and by no means do I consider myself an expert unlike several others blogging on this site.

Posted by Oenoboy on January 7, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't you guys get it? This is the last time the Legion of Miserables can bitch about how much Fulmer sucks with his decision making process in hiring a new OC. You know, before they know anything about what it is he is doing. Once the facts are out there they crawl back to wherever it is they go until they reemerge to show their displeasure over the actual choice. It does not matter who it is, they will find something to complain about.

Try not to get angry or ignored, feel sorry for them as they are never satisfied. After a while you find they are quite comical to read. That is until they start hurling classless personal insults at people they have never met.

Posted by Oenoboy on January 7, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, that would be annoyed, not ignored. Being ignored if you are positive on this site is quite common however.

Posted by Vol13 on January 7, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

grogpaw:

I DO have inside information. But I'm not going to tell you. Sorry.

Posted by DennisVols on January 7, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13
You are so right I used to manage for Wendy’s while attending UT so I know I am qualified to coach a major college football team to a National Championship, I know I could coach this team to 3 ten win seasons in the last 5 years(more than any other coach in the SEC).
Heck I have degrees in Business and QE so I probably should be named head coach.
All this moaning over Fulmer taking his time to make the “Right” choice as to whom the new OC is stupid. You same folks would have lampooned him if he had been quick to make a decision and now you criticize him for doing what a smart manager would do in taking the time to find the right fit for the job. Had he picked someone within the program you scream that we are just doing the same ol thing, when we look outside the lines you complain it is taking too long and all the good ones are gone.
Give it a rest. You don’t have a clue as to who is going to be hired and you have even less of an idea how to coach a major college program to a win in a single game let alone a division, a title or a National Championship. Because if you could you would be doing that at millions of $ a year instead of complaining on here.
Yes this team needs to win more SEC titles than it has in recent years and in order to do just that the right decision has to be made as to who is going to fill all the current open positions. Not just the OC. You have to create the right mix of OC, receivers, QB, line coaches. Knowledge is one thing to be considered but not the only thing. Any of you on here that experience in running your own “SUCCESSFUL” business or managed a company “SUCCESSFULLY” know that a lot of qualified candidates are not the right ones for many other reasons. The KNS only knows what UT wants them to know and nothing else. They can’t tell you have the coaching candidates that have been contacted or interviewed. Not everyone is going to fly into Knoxville the first time they are spoken to or maybe at all until it is time to make an offer.
The truth is we won’t know if who is chosen to run the offense is the right choice until the ’08 season ends. Nothing they have done in the past will mean a thing until they do it here. So sharpen your fingers up, get ready to complain for another 8 months because you won’t know a thing until whoever this will be has the opportunity to prove it on the field. I hope we hire Superman because anything less than a perfect season will only leave room for more whining about a program that has just won 10 games (3rd time in 5 years more than any other team in the conference), finished 1st in the east 3 of past 5 years, & beat a ranked team to start this year off. (UF 3rd in SEC east, GA: lost 2 straight to UT and not won at Athens since 2001 against UT, LSU 1-1 in last 2 meeting against UT)

Posted by tnbanker_govols on January 7, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

According to VolQuest, some say that Malzahn is the man. I don't know but I guess we'll see. Also, Vol13, take some Pepto.....you seem to have a severe case of diarrhea of the mouth. Probably from eating too much McDonald's. By the way, if that's all you got to say, I would suggest the Bambi philosophy, try saying nothing at all.

Posted by mparker on January 7, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fwbvol:
great post.
I thought CPF got a better handle on team discipline with Cut's help. Fewer penalties, and a ton less off-field issues. Would love to see those trends continue.

I think it is just fine for you bashers to criticize CPF's cecision-making when he wimps out on something.

IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE to conatantly assail the man's character. As far as I can tell, Phil is a decent guy and he doesn't shuffle blame.

Posted by tnbanker_govols on January 7, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh yeah,....Insider information doesn't include Phil's Uncle's Brother's Cousin that lives in the trailer next to you.

Posted by TommyJack on January 7, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13: I don't believe you. Period.

Posted by RockyTopRK on January 7, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's kill 2 birds with one stone. Trooper Taylor is an awesome recruiter and relates exceptionally well with today's athletes. Give the man a chance! He'll be a terrific OC and he'll mount Tennessee on a late charge to gain a significant recruiting class for Tennessee this year. We need to do this and do it quick! Come on Phil - don't fumble the ball - go get Troop!

Posted by inswhiz on January 7, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Appears to me that Coach Fullmer is indifferent about getting his coaching staff filled and that will lead to loss of quality recruits which will lead to average season and finally the exit of Fullmer. If thats what Fullmer wants then he is on right track.

Posted by andy112382 on January 7, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13 has just been saving up for the right moment to vent since he couldn't after we won our bowl game, I think that threw him off from having something to complain about.....and Vol13, you don't have inside information, you wouldn't be on here to read the updates because you would have them far before us, so give it up and come back down to reality.

Posted by wewhite on January 7, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Has Fulmer tried eharmony yet? They're supposed to be successful at matching people on 29 aspects of compatibility.

Posted by knoxsingle on January 7, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Little Terry Bowden is available. :)

Posted by Vol13 on January 7, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LMAO!!!! You guys are clueless about this and most every other situation regarding UT football and hookwinked to the hilt by Fulmer.

The University of Fulmer fans are the funniest of all. Thanks for all the laughs.

Posted by auttat on January 7, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, I am sure Fulmer is not concerned one bit with hiring the new OC. Probably hasn't even crossed his mind. I'm sure he is off eating donuts and drinking the kool-aid as he hopes for another lucky season. I bet he thinks that the new coaches are just going to walk in the door and say, "We're here!"

IDIOTS!! Shut up!

Posted by TommyJack on January 7, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

RockytopRK: How has TT proven he can be OC? If backward hat wearin and chest bumps qualifies him, then hell, let's get 2-3 and be assured of an NC. Some of you guys are delusional when it comes to TT. Good recruiter? Sure. Good position coach? Not sure. Get a grip man. And while you're at it, get me a dozen to go.

Posted by RockyTopRK on January 7, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack: Trooper Taylor has been successful in every position coach assignment he has been placed in. He motivates young men, has great enthusiasm and recruits well. The now dried up in-roads to the South Florida connection are because he is no longer UT staff. The man was head and shoulders above all other coaches on the UT staff when it came to recruiting. He deserves the opportunity and since Coach Phil was such a terrific OC in his time, well he can make sure TT gets the right assistance.

Posted by grogpaw on January 7, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Awhhh, come on Vol13, please, please provide us some of the inside information you have. By the way, does Vol13 mean you have 13 personalities? If so, that may be where you're getting your information - one personality to another. Every one has an opinion (just like every one has a rectum) and like rectums most opinions stink; just like most of these blogs.

Posted by GerryOP on January 7, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Shhhhhhh... The lemmings are gathering around their leader. They are donning their little white sweaters with the big orange T on the front and Fulmer 1 on the back. They are marshalling to follow their leader across the slippery fields towards the cliff.... Shhhhh. (Credits to pdhuff!)

OC? Who needs a stinkin' OC? We got Fulmer, Adkins and a couple of s**thot HS coaches. Recruitin'? We don't need no stinkin' recruitin'. All them 4* and 5* players are lined up outside the door, along with the OC candidates, just waitin' for Good Ol' Phil to let them in.

So the OC de jour is Malzhan? Or is it Chow? 'Tis the busy season.

Posted by TNPilgrim on January 7, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The article in this morning's N/S quoted Fulmer as saying they weren't going to deviate from his "balanced, pro-style offense" that has been so successful over the years. Evidently, success since 1998 is defined as "acceptable mediocrity". The reality is that he has no desire for any new ideas, and is looking for a yes-man to serve as QB coach and call the plays Fulmer wants called. Everybody wants to blame Randy Sanders for past offensive problems, but he was just carrying out Phil's orders. There's no point in getting our hopes up for a big-name OC, unless it's someone who understands the "Tennessee system".

Posted by DennisVols on January 7, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13
If we are so "clueless" then please enlighten us with your all knowing, all superior insight information.
Please tell us how someone with your knowledge of how a majo