Login | Member Center | Contact Us | About Us | Site Map | Archive | Alerts/Photos | Subscribe to the paper | knoxnews.com

Home › Football

Fulmer gets raise to $2.4 million; Pearl to $1.6 million

Update: Hamilton says raises well earned

By Drew Edwards (Contact)
Originally published 12:11 p.m., July 2, 2008
Updated 08:12 p.m., July 2, 2008

Please download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, or enable JavaScript for your browser to view the video player.

Fulmer salary through the years

  • 1993: $300,000
  • 1994: $400,000
  • 1995: $430,000
  • 1996: $470,000
  • 1997: $610,000
  • 1998: $750,000
  • 1999: $950,000
  • 2000: $1,050,000
  • 2001: $1,300,000
  • 2002: $1,600,000
  • 2003: $1,660,000
  • 2004: $1,790,000
  • 2005: $2,050,000
  • 2006: $2,050,000
  • 2007: $2,050,000
  • 2008: $2,400,000

SEC Football Coaches annual salaries

  • Nick Saban, Alabama: $4,000,000
  • Les Miles, LSU: $3,750,000
  • Urban Meyer, Florida: $3,250,000
  • Bobby Petrino, Arkansas: $2,850,000
  • Tommy Tuberville, Auburn: $2,800,000
  • Mark Richt, Georgia: $2,800,000
  • Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee: $2,400,000
  • Steve Spurrier, South Carolina: $1,750,000
  • Houston Nutt, Ole Mis: $1,700,000
  • Sylvester Croom, Mississippi State: $1,700,000
  • Rich Brooks, Kentucky: $1,600,000
  • As a private institution, Vanderbilt is not required to release coach Bobby Johnson’s salary.

UT football staff salary comparison (2007; 2008; difference)

  • Phillip Fulmer, Head coach: $2,050,000; $2,400,000; $350,000
  • John Chavis, Defensive coordinator: $325,000; $340,000; $15,000
  • Dan Brooks, Defensive line coach: $154,000; $190,000; $46,000
  • Steve Caldwell, Defensive ends coach: $150,000; $200,000; $50,000
  • Larry Slade, Defensive backs coach: $146,000; $175,000; $29,000
  • Dave Clawson* Offensive coordinator: $340,000; $340,000; N/C
  • Greg Adkins Offensive line coach: $150,636; $200,000; $49,364
  • Stan Drayton* Running backs coach: $150,000; $170,000; $20,000
  • Latrell Scott* Wide receivers coach: $175,000; $150,000; -$25,000
  • Jason Michael* Tight ends: $130,000; $170,000; $30,000

*Denotes new coach; 2007 salaries for previous coaches at that position

Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer and men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl both received raises and contract extensions that will pay the coaches $2.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for their upcoming seasons, UT announced Wednesday.

Fulmer’s raise, his first since prior to the 2005 season, increased his $2.05 million salary by $350,000, while Pearl’s deal increased $300,000 from $1.3 million last year.

Fulmer’s salary ranks seventh among SEC coaches, while Pearl is third in the SEC behind Florida’s Billy Donovan and Kentucky’s Billy Gillispie.

“The raises are justified based on performance of the teams involved that these coaches are responsible for and what they’re doing around (and) what’s actually happening on the field and on the court, the way they’re representing the institution both regionally and nationally,” UT men’s athletic director Mike Hamilton said.

UT president John Petersen said in a statement: “I am excited to know they will continue to be ambassadors of our great university for many years to come. Their roles in the community, as fundraisers for both athletics and the university itself are unparalleled. UT athletics has a tremendous economic impact on our university, city and state.”

Fulmer guided the Vols to their sixth SEC championship game appearance since 1997 and defeated Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.

Pearl took the Vols to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, the first No. 1 ranking in the program’s history and the first outright SEC regular-season championship in 41 years.

“Bruce has plowed new ground for us basketball-wise,” Hamilton said. “This contract rewards him for that and makes the choice to even think about leaving a very hard choice. I think that we’ll see his time here be a long time and one that will have even greater levels of success.”

Both contracts include guaranteed annual raises and loyalty bonuses.

Fulmer’s seven-year contract escalates to $3.3 million by 2014, the final year of his deal, and averages $2.99 million. Included in the contract are annual raises of $150,000 each season, although Fulmer can earn an additional raise of $100,000 for playing in the SEC championship game, $150,000 for a BCS bowl berth without winning the SEC, $350,000 for an SEC championship or an $850,000 raise for a BCS national title in any year of his contract.

Fulmer’s previous one-time bonus structure remains in place, which ranges from $37,500 for a non-BCS bowl berth to a $250,000 bonus for winning the BCS national championship.

“I think (Fulmer is) under appreciated in a lot of ways by a lot of people because he has been here so long,” Hamilton said. “But I can tell you in comparing him to other coaches around the country, he’s clearly one of the best. His record reflects that and his persona and character reflects that when you’re around him on a more intimate basis.”

Additionally, Fulmer will automatically receive a one-year extension if the Vols win eight regular-season games, and his contract calls for a $1 million longevity bonus to be paid in December 2012 to reward him for 20 years of service as head coach.

“That commitment and that support has allowed us stability that is very, very unusual in college football with me and our staff and our support group around us,” Fulmer said in a telephone interview Wednesday. “It’s given us a chance to play at a high level. I really thank and appreciate (UT president) Dr. (John) Petersen and the Board of Trustees and Mike Hamilton for their continued confidence and support of our program and our people and our philosophy that we have in place.”

Pearl received a $250,000 signing bonus and an immediate $1.5 million retention bonus. As a result, Pearl must pay the university $2.5 million should he leave Tennessee for a job elsewhere this year. That $2.5 million buyout decreases to $1 million by the end of the deal in 2014.

Pearl’s contract will escalate to $2.2 million over the six-year term and pays him an average salary of $2.3 million a year, factoring in his retention bonus.

“I hope that I’ve been nothing but consistent with my commitment,” Pearl said Wednesday. “Leaving Tennessee has never, ever been a thought. Like I said, I’ve been blessed.”

Hamilton said Pearl is happy at Tennessee, and that he had not received any formal requests to interview Pearl, whose name surfaced in connection with head-coaching jobs at Iowa and Indiana in recent years.

Fulmer previously had a $1 million buyout clause if he left for another coaching job, however that clause is not present in his latest deal.

The formula for a university buyout as a result of terminating Fulmer’s contract remains the same as previous years: Fulmer’s base pay multiplied by the years remaining on his contract plus one year of TV/radio appearance fees, equipment and apparel fees and an endorsement/appearance fees and an additional $1 million.

The university has a similar buyout formula for terminating Pearl’s contract.

The bonuses and step raises included in both deals are designed to help offset rising salaries for coaches nationally, Hamilton said, as well as keep contract talks from being a yearly occurrence.

“In any particular year, if we didn’t make a significant change, that doesn’t mean we’re unhappy with the coach. But there are those out there who now perceive that to be the case,” Hamilton said. “Through the compensation clauses that we’ve added, that helps mitigate some of those concerns and questions out of the gate every year.”

However major achievements by either would likely still result in contract renegotiations, Hamilton said.

Wednesday’s announcement is also an indication of the university’s continued support of Fulmer, whose job status has divided fans in recent seasons as UT’s 1998 SEC and national championships grow more distant.

Fulmer has said publicly he wants to coach for another 8-10 years, and Hamilton reiterated Wednesday that he wants Fulmer at Tennessee for years to come.

“I know he’s adamant about trying to move up the ranks in SEC wins and Tennessee wins,” Hamilton said. “His plans are to coach for a while, and I’m going to support him in doing that in the hopes that we’ll also see some rings and trophies along the way.”

The announcement of the new contracts, which have been finalized for months, follows news that UT will not provide raises for faculty because of a shortfall in state funding. The university also faces $11.1 million in budget cuts for the Knoxville campus.

“The reality is where the economy is right now, there’s no good day to announce it,” he said. “The athletic department, while we are the University of Tennessee, we are self-funding. Anything we decide to do in this regard, we have to find the funds for.”

Still, Tennessee is one of a handful of athletic departments in the nation that does not receive funding directly from the state and self-generates the entirety of its budget, projected to grow to about $94 million for fiscal 2008-09.

Discussions regarding UT women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt’s new contract are ongoing, but a deal has yet to be finalized.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       559 Comments

Posted by MillisaAnn on July 2, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry but in my opinion Fulmer doesn't deserve a raise.

And Congrats to Coach Pearl!!! :) :) :)

Posted by marc_ash on July 2, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Uh oh, here comes the wood work folks with why CPF doesn't deserve a raise. This article won't die for a while...

Posted by marinevol on July 2, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT still ranks in the bottom half of the SEC for coach's salaries. Why is that? Regardless of what your opinion is of Coach Fulmer, hard to say he doesn't deserve a raise that puts him at 7th among SEC coaches.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 2, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is gonna get ugly.I think I'll watch from the stands.C-ya.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We won't have to worry about the SEC, BCS, or national title bonuses any time soon. Smart move by Hamilton by putting that in there as a bonus so that Foolmore thinks he might have the potential to make more money by winning something.

Posted by VenomousVol on July 2, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cut Fulmer's salary. If you will look at the chart on the left, he hasn't won diddly since he topped a miliion a year.

Posted by IPOrange on July 2, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Uh-oh, indeed. Keep your heads down, boys, there's liable to be some shootin' with this one...

Posted by KingsportVol on July 2, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Chavis got 2 $50 gift cards to Golden Corall.

Posted by vol4gzus on July 2, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, Marc_ash its screamin time I hear you're gonna leave me on this article all by my lonesome. I'm leavin 4 sure since the crafters of wood will come out as you say.....

Posted by Moaninglikeheck on July 2, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here here MarineVol. As a matter of fact, it's almost an insult.

Pay vs performance is a two way street. Fulmer is the DEAN of SEC coaches and has a National Title. I know, I know, "what have you done for me lately?"...But ask yourself, what are we doing for him to show gratitude for his loyalty and longevity? Putting him atop the bottom half of the pack? You can get away with that with an unproven up-and-coming, but it's an insult to Fulmer if you think about it.

Posted by marc_ash on July 2, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CPF is a university employee. State/University employee's have performance reviews yearly and are eligible for up to a 3% raise per year (least that's what it was when I worked for UT through 03).

Move along...nothing to see here.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 2, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Better than the 2.6 that I had heard.

Still not warranted.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How ironic that Pearl's contract doesn't have performance bonuses such as winning the SEC East, SEC tourney, the SEC, getting to the NCAA tourney, Sweet 16, Final 4, etc. and Foolmore's does. I am glad that we have to motivate Foolmore to win where as Pearl doesn't need carrots such as performance bonuses for winning titles and being successful in his contract.

Posted by KingsportVol on July 2, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Chavis got 2 $50 gift cards to Golden Corral.

Posted by marc_ash on July 2, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol4gzus,

You'll be back.

Besides, you aren't alone....read the comments...they speak for themselves.

Posted by vol4gzus on July 2, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

leavin' ya'll with the kingpin of woodwork mr. wuckinlackhekyl to spew negativity to all who will see and say the mantra....Phil must go...Phil must go...Phil....you get the picture 4 sure. Not cloudy at all. They ain't happy as long as he is our coach. Gone to view other articles leaving this one 4 guud.

Posted by TommyJack on July 2, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPO: Not from me. Will show restraint. Can only say the same thing about 700 ways. (Adams bashers should consider this)

Posted by Vol13 on July 2, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer won't be here in 2014 and if he is, then Neyland Stadium will be darn near empty due to the fact that we'll be struggling to beat Vandy and Kentucky. Oh wait. We already are!

I don't mind him getting a raise. But I am NOT for a contract extension of any kind, as this only rears its ugly head down the line. Hammy will likely be outed when the time comes for entering into such an insane agreement.

It's about to get really ugly on The Hill. (Mediocre Coach + AD In Over His Head) X Both Being In Business Deals With Major UT Donors = DISASTER when all doesn't come out smelling rosy. Friendships will be lost. Some lifelong or nearly lifelong. They are selling the UTAD donor list to the TOP UTAD Donors so that they can market their products (houses, fuel, carpet, subdivsions, condos, developments) to the UT fan. Obviously, they are all in this together and are splitting the profits to supplement other income. Sick. Sick. Sick. The UTAD is no longer about putting the best product possible on the field. It's about the GOBN (Good Ole Boy Network) and protecting their little enterprise. If we're able to win a few games here and there - then all the better.

The common UT fan that grew up loving the Vols, wearing Orange at every opportunity, and daydreaming of Running Through the T, or playing like you took the Toss Sweep to the house out in the yard - has been sold out in the name of GREED! A select few are ruining the product that we all love. And even sadder is that only a "select few" have the objectivity to be able to see it. Wake up people!!!

Posted by smarnold3 on July 2, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First off, I love all my Vol teams. Have been listening to or watching for the better part of 45 years. I am not going to say Phil does not deserve a raise. However I do have to question the timing of giving coach a $400,000(20%) pay raise when our team has not been that productive in the past few years. (no championships other than the East Division and two really bad bowl games). Then we raise the season ticket prices when everyone is battling high gas prices and last but not least we start charging the students $90 for a season ticket. And then there is the BB coach and yes he did at least win the SEC and get us to the final 16 again, but what about PAT! "8 National Titles" Just seems like bad business practice Mr. AD

Posted by TommyJack on July 2, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport: Golden Coral LOL. What a mental picture...a loaded tray in each hand...wow.

Posted by writer on July 2, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yep, I expect most true Vol fans will tune out on this one and let the haters have it. Maybe they'll get tired of reading each other's rants. Naw, it'll never happen, they thrive on the vitriolic and inanity.

All the raises are well-deserved.

Posted by IPOrange on July 2, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - you could still get caught in the crossfire, though. Stay low, and keep your helmet on. This could get ugly.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Foolmore, you're only the 7th highest paid coach in the SEC. Man, what a blow to the ol' ego. I'm sure you'll be a little embarrassed at SEC media days when the other coaches with bigger contracts snicker behind your back. That's okay though, you used to be a good coach back in the 90s. That'll show 'em.

Posted by Vol13 on July 2, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by Moaninglikeheck on July 2, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Here here MarineVol. As a matter of fact, it's almost an insult.

Pay vs performance is a two way street. Fulmer is the DEAN of SEC coaches and has a National Title. I know, I know, "what have you done for me lately?"...But ask yourself, what are we doing for him to show gratitude for his loyalty and longevity? Putting him atop the bottom half of the pack? You can get away with that with an unproven up-and-coming, but it's an insult to Fulmer if you think about it."

Yeah. And labor union employees deserve to work 5.5 hours (out of 8), earn $30+ per hour (when they have no degree past high school/GED), and have their healthcare costs paid 100% by their company. Who, by the way, is losing billions of dollars annually because of this and closing down shops all across the nation. But these guys deserve all of this because they have "been there a long time" and are "good ole boys." Makes sense to me. No wonder China, Japan, India, and Mexico are thriving.

Posted by threehundredbowler on July 2, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer deserved the raise and should have recieved more.Pearl is about where he should be.Pearl is doing a great job and will demand more later.Fulmer is doing a great job with the exception of 2005.TDTN makes a joke that Fulmer will hoist the Sears trophy at season end.The joke could well be on TDTN.Raise that trophy Fulmer.Show us YOU MEAN BUSINESS.

Posted by IPOrange on July 2, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport, does that amount leave enough to cover the tip?

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This will be worth watching from the cheap seats!

Posted by marc_ash on July 2, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPORANGE,

Na, he has a pocket full of UT parking passes that he uses for a tip.

Posted by KingsportVol on July 2, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IP sorry I didn't think that one through. KingPin TDTN was not joking. We all want to see Fulmer lift that trophy.

Posted by HotlantaVol on July 2, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

smarnold at 12:47 - Don't forget that Pat doesn't negotiate with Hamilton. She works for Cronan.

I am okay with this. Not giving raises and/or contract extensions is fuel that other coaches use to raise doubts in recruits. If a coach is recognized as being on the hot seat by an athletic department, $aban, Richt and Meyer use it to their advantage to sway athletes their direction.

Congrats, everyone. Now go out and earn it.

Posted by TommyJack on July 2, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol13: Lovable, mentor, teacher. Now Dean. Congrats Dean Fulmer! I wish I had your agent.

Posted by TommyJack on July 2, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IPO: Where you been, man?

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 2, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley -

Please tell me where I said anything about Pearl.

Funny thing, Fulmer can't fill up a 102,000 seat stadium 2/3 of the time now either. Used to have over 110,000.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 2, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff ,What's the over under on # of posts?Come join me in the crows nest.The nachos are stale and the beers flat, but it will be fun to watch nonetheless.And fighting out of the orange corner.........

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Slow start. Waiting for my e-mail alert from Mike Hamilton to see this thread really take off. I've got a comfortable seat and some liquid refreshment to simply enjoy the posts. No mas.

Posted by GerryOP on July 2, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang, "...first raise since before the 2005 season..." Scary! Are ya'all old enough to remember what happened in 2005?

300bowler - That would be the Sears-Kmart Trophy that Coach Fulmer might be hoisting on high...

Posted by workinlikehek on July 2, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A great man, and a very good coach. Congrats, coach. Go get 'em in '08.

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange.

Thank you for the invite! I'll be right up! Over/unde + 1,000. What do you think the over/under should be? Let me get my sunglasses and I'll be up.

Posted by IPOrange on July 2, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - I took a 2 week trip to the land of the mosquito woman. Cruised and then spent time in the great state of Alaska. Beautiful place.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on July 2, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How ironic that Pearl's contract doesn't have performance bonuses such as winning the SEC East, SEC tourney, the SEC, getting to the NCAA tourney, Sweet 16, Final 4, etc. and Foolmore's does. I am glad that we have to motivate Foolmore to win where as Pearl doesn't need carrots such as performance bonuses for winning titles and being successful in his contract.
*************************************************
CBP's contract most definetly does have those bounus clauses in them! CPF himself discussed them on TV, not the numbers but what they were.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

shhhh....don't tell your 90s stories too loud at SEC media days to the other coaches Foolmore. You wouldn't want Spurrier to overhear you and have to own you again.

Posted by Vol13 on July 2, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Typical of the UF fans to try and diminish Pearl's accomplishments. If you don't think that Pearl is more of an asset to UT right now than Fulmer is, then sign up for Econ 101 at Pellissippi State by the end of the day!

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do we even have separate athletic departments for men and women? You'd think that that there are at least a couple of jobs that are duplicated and could be done without. This could save the AD at least a hundred thousand or more and help balance the budget even more. Get on it Hambone.

Posted by workinlikehek on July 2, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Would that be 0-6 Steve Superior? Wonder if those boys quit on Darth Visor last year? What's the over/under on Superior's tenure with the gamecocks? (Hint: he doesn't like to stay around for the last part of a bad movie)

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ladyvolseighttimes, Pearl's contract contains nothing in it for winning the SEC East, SEC, SEC tourney, or getting to the NCAAs. He only gets a bonus if they go to the Sweet 16 or beyond and then get a coach of the year award.

Posted by TommyJack on July 2, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl's accomplishments are undiminishable.

Posted by walt23tn on July 2, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please explain this to me. Pearl has brought our basketball program to national prominence and Fulmer has let our football program dip into mediocrity. It seems like there is one raise too many in this article. A number one basketball ranking and a year where we didn't deserve to be in the top 25 in football all year. A top 10 basketball recruiting class and a 40th best football recruiting class? I agree with Tommyjack, Fulmer's agent is the person who really deserves a raise for pulling that one off.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Spurrier - 6 SEC titles in 2 less years than Foolmore and then 3 years with USC.

Foolmore - 2 SEC titles

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 2, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

13,

I fell asleep many a time in Econ Lectures from Dr. Carroll in the SPAM can. But I did learn that $35,000,000 (appx football ticket revenue) is more than $8,000,000 (appx basketball ticket revenue). Football has always financed UT's other sports and will pay some of Pearl's salary.

Posted by BAMABLOWS on July 2, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YOU KNUCKLEHEADS ,ARGUE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT MATTERS, LIKE SHOULD CHAVIS GET FUDGE BROWNIES , BANNANA PUDDING , OR BOTH FOR DESSERT AT GOLDEN CORRAL. WARRANTED OR NOT ANY OF YOU WOULD LOVE A PAY RAISE LIKE THIS . WHAT SHOULD COACH FULMER TELL MIKE HAMILTON NO NO I CANT TAKE A HALF MILLION DOLLAR RAISE ,I DONT DESERVE IT , GET REAL PEOPLE. CONGRATS TO THE COACHES GET WHAT YOU CAN OR LIKE THEY SAY IN MY HOOD GET IN WHERE YOU FIT IN. GO VOLS !!!!!! P.S. CHAVIS GET SPRINKLES ON YOUR SWIRL ICECREAM CONE

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's get this thing rockin' me and savage are bored up here:

TDTN on the intro:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UrENw_6te78

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Something tells me that they didn't cover intangible assets in Dr. Carroll's Econ class.

Posted by thesavageorange on July 2, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff , I don't think it will get to quite a 1000, b/c Adams didn't write it.Adams could have put a "Pearl earned it" "Fulmer didn't" spin on it.However there were 700+ on a article about a 4* QB so who knows.Come on up before you geet mixed up in this thing.Hurry I got a cold one waitin for ya.

Posted by Vol13 on July 2, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Badge:

I don't disagree from a pure revenue numbers standpoint. That's never going to change, regardless of who is coaching what. But from a pure s/d standpoint, Fulmer is no threat to leave for another job at 1.6 per year than he is at 2.4. They are probably a few programs in America that would pay Pearl 2.0 right now if he wanted to entertain it. And there will be more in the near future. I wouldn't be shocked if Pearl's deal gets re-done next year or in 2010.

Posted by PLEASEGETRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE on July 2, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that President Bush desreves a raise also for all of the good things he has done the past 4 years. And also, comparing Pearl to Fulmer is ridiculous. Tennessee has turned into a basketball school under Pearl. It's drifting away from a football school under Fulmer. The day that Pearl has a preseason top 5 team and finishes with a losing record will be the day Krispy Kreme goes out of business in Knoxville.

Posted by rclarkvols on July 2, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a 79 graduate of UT and am originally from B'ham, Al. I don't understand the Fulmer bashing because from my recollection he is responsible for us believing we should contend for the national championship every year. I remember losing to Alabama every year. Fulmer took over and we became a top ten team and won a NC championship. No program stays on top forever and all programs have down years. We are still at a point where our expectations are high and I believe we will win our share of championships with Fulmer as coach. I don't want to go back to where we were before Fulmer took over. Start changing coaches and we could end up like Alabama changing coaches every 4 years and stil being mediocre. Just one grads opinion!!!!!!!!!

Posted by copan07 on July 2, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why does the tight end position pay more than the wide receiver position? Or is the pay based on experience?

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 2, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Both coaches have similar records the last 2 years.

Fulmer has finished 23 and 12. Played for 1 SEC title.

Pearl has finished 16 and 16 and won 1 SEC title.

Not a lot of difference in accomplishments, just a difference in perception.

Posted by sjt18 on July 2, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK with everything except the automatic raises and 7 year term.

Pay for performance isn't a problem but CPF shouldn't be rewarded anything for keeping the program where it is.

Think it isn't fair? CPF could win two consecutive SEC titles and STILL be making less than Saban.

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange.

The last time I predicted an over/under that Adams didn't write I missed it by a bloody mile! 99gator nailed it though. You're probably right. It's gonna' take a few outrageous comments by either side to get it rockin'. In creating the proper environment for the big posting party I have tried not to neglect the less mature here so...this is for them:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=n-5i_U9lWl...

Posted by IPOrange on July 2, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Heh heh. This thing's got a head of steam, fellas. No telling how far it'll go. Prepare to be amused (or irritated if it starts freezing up like it did on the earlier Fulmer article).

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dupree and his family asked for them to included in these festivities:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dL5DOqvXbF8

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 2, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin,

Tangible Assets = National Championships at UT.

Tangible Assets Fulmer = 1 Pearl = 0.

I was awake for that lecture Workin.

Posted by murrayvol on July 2, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Posted by VOLinATL on July 2, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess Coach Fulmer and Coach Pearl are going to have a really happy July 4th holiday! Kudos to both and I, for one, hope they both stay a long, ling time.

Posted by workinlikehek on July 2, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And how many titles does Superior have since leaving the fertile Florida talent grove for Columbia? While you're at it, how's Saint Mark Richt doing against Vandy, Kentucky, Florida, SC and the Vols??

Posted by CatScratchFever on July 2, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two things I am a bit surprized by. First, that Fulmer got a pretty significant raise for mediocre performance (by UT standards). More surprizing to me is that Pearl did not get a larger raise. I was expecting Hamilton to step him up to the $2mil. platform (or at least 1.75), which would be more in line with Gillispie and Donovan.

The way I see it, UT is getting a bargain for Pearl. My only concern would be the possibility of him being more intrigued now by other offers. I will be interested in what the basketball assistants will be making.....if not where they need to be, then there is a good possibility of seeing them move on after this year.

Posted by silvertr6 on July 2, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As each SEC team becomes more competitive, it is incresingly difficult for any team to win the KEY games, and/or away games as well. It is really surprising that coach Fulmer has incentive clauses regarding SEC championship, bowl games, etc. And yet, NOTHING big has happened lately. (SEC Championship, BCS bowl game)

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So we were the lowest rated Sweet 16 team? Please explain this to me. I find it funny you didn't use the AP or Coaches poll final rankings like you did for Foolmore.

Posted by hcjournals on July 2, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are lucky to have the stability we have. 7 SECCG appearences since 1997? That's not bad. We are going to be good this fall in football. Forget the salaries because they are a moot point. Let's talk about the great recruiting we are enjoying. Also, we owe Florida and their jackass coach Oscar Meyer. We need to beat them badly. In the worst way. We bring out the best in them, or they bring out the worst in us. I'm not sure which on it is........

Posted by thesavageorange on July 2, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff ,Ohh it's gonna get rockin.sjt just showed up.This could be epic.Better get TommyJack out of there.Ha Ha, that Alvin & the chipmunks bit should keep the Kentucky recruits busy for a while.By the way sjt, I meant that in a good way.

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 2, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT will take care of Pearl after next year, I think he will hit the $2 million water mark. Hopefully he can get a Tangible Asset(NC) and become Vol B-ball coach the next 20 years.

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 2, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just wanted to get a rise out of you Workin.

Is the Over/Under on Posts 1000? I will lay down a saw buck on the Over.

Posted by Coyoteuglyvol on July 2, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

5..4..3..2..1..The countdown has begun until one of John Adams classic columns. Should make for good entertainment. Almost as entertaining as Hooker at a combined Bar/Buffett.

Posted by LadyVolFanForever on July 2, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So what does John Peterson think Coach Summitt is ????????????? She isn't chopped liver ! She is the only one bringing home the championships !!!!!!!!!

Posted by auttat on July 2, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Base salary is 375,000 to 350,000. The rest has to do with how popular the team is.

From my standpoint, base should be about equal, or Pearl making a little more. Experience and tenure says otherwise.

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 2, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not to take anything away from her Championships, but Coach Summitt is paid a very good salary for a sport that barely breaks even on the revenue scale.

Posted by ElizabethtonvolnNC on July 2, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl is exceptional....but it is a helluva lot easier to win an SEC Championship in Basketball than it is in Football. It isn't exactly the premiere conference or even close to it.

I don't recall seeing Basketball in the SEC being anything of the cyclical nature as football is either.

Posted by Hacksaw57 on July 2, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I qoute from the article:

"Despite the raise, Fulmer remains the SEC’s seventh highest paid coach, behind Alabama’s Nick Saban ($4 million), LSU’s Nick Saban ($3.751 million), Florida’s Urban Meyer ($3.25 million), first-year Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino ($2.85 million), Auburn’s Tommy Tuberville ($2.8 million) and Georgia’s Mark Richt ($2.8 million)."

No wonder SaTan is the highest paid Head Coach in the SEC - he's the head man of TWO SCHOOLS!
From my addition he is paid $4 M at AL and $3.751 at LSU for a total salary of $7.76 Million!

DOUBLE DANG! He ain't THAT Good or is it that LSU still is thinking he's their man instead of "Depressed Les"?

Posted by auttat on July 2, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"5..4..3..2..1..The countdown has begun until one of John Adams classic columns. Should make for good entertainment. Almost as entertaining as Hooker at a combined Bar/Buffett."

HAHA! He calls for heads to roll and the guy gets a raise and an extension. Who knows???

Posted by sjt18 on July 2, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage, I would probably agree more with the "haters" today. I don't agree that he should have gotten any automatic increases or a 7 year deal.

I also read something about his buyout increasing from $1 million to $5 million. That would be ridiculous.

Don't really blame Fulmer for taking the deal... but the powers that be seem to be in a state of confusion... or maybe delusion. 05 isn't that small in the rearview mirror. While I'm hopeful that UT/CPF can complete the turnaround, it hasn't happened yet and every other SEC team has upgraded its coaching from what it was when UT won the NC except for UF. This is potentially a huge mistake.

Posted by FLVol on July 2, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How would you like to be Nick Saban making 8 million a year coaching at Alabama and LSU. Which of the sidelines will he be standing on next year? Or will he let their current head coach handle the duties?

Posted by sjt18 on July 2, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW savage, how's the family? Still praying for you.

Posted by jlovevols on July 2, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When you look at it, a raise for Fulmer is almost a necessity. I know there are several reasons why not to give one, but to be competitive in football, you have to show a commitment to your coach and you have to show the football community that you believe in your head man and are willing to invest.

The first question you would likely ask is what are we rewarding? Well, a better question is, what should we be rewarding? What are our goals for the program? Here are a few of my own:

1. Win the SEC East at least 1 out of every 3 years
2. Win SEC at least 1 out of every 5 years (slightly higher percentage than ½ of SEC Champ appearances)
3. BCS Bowl 1 out of every 3 years

The success of the late 90’s was great, but what have you done for me lately? Or, in other words, are we happy with UT’s recent success?

Let’s take a look, over the last 5 seasons, UT’s record is 44-20. We’ve won the East twice and tied for 1st in the East 1 additional time. 0-2 in SEC Championship games. Bowl record of 2-2 (no BCS bowls). 10-win seasons – 3. Top 10 finishes - 0.

If you look at the goals above, we won the East 2/5, which satisfies goal #1. Did not win the SEC or reach a BCS Bowl, so we did not accomplish goals 2 or 3. We were an Ainge interception or 2 away from accomplishing both of those, but that’s besides the point.

UT fell short of the goals above, especially when you include 2005, but the final analysis is far from mediocre. Though there were some bad losses 2003 (Clemson), 2005 (Everything after Ole Miss), 2007 (Florida, Bama, Cal is debatable), there were also some big wins 2003 (UF, Miami), 2004 (UGA), 2006 (Cal), 2007 (UGA).

We’ve had success, but we’ve failed in reaching the top (SEC Championships and BCS Bowls).

Furthermore, take a look at the only schools paying less than UT is for their head coaches: USC, Ole Miss, UK, Miss St. and Vandy. I don’t even want to list the 5 year stats on those schools. But basically – 0 BCS Bowls, 0 division titles. In fact, only 1 of those teams has ever won its division in the SEC. Basically, UT wants to show that it does not belong in comparisons with the lower half of the SEC. One way to do that is to pay its coaches competitive salaries. It’s like an arms race, even if we aren’t necessarily pleased with the success over the last 5 years, to be successful in the future, we have to keep pace.

Posted by auttat on July 2, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FLVol and Hacksaw, don't you know you are not supposed to correct the KNS. They will post another article belittling the fans and boasting about all the awards they receive.

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage.

sjt is a great guy. I'm sure this thread will be very interesting...like the guy on Rowan and Martin would say. Folks better capture and keep the thread because it will become unattainable due to volume!

Thought provoking quips to get your brains ready for cerebral warfare:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iZ8Vrvy0Ve...

Posted by mattlock on July 2, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley, I'm confused, you keep pointing to the fact the CBP "only" has two Sweet 16 banners, so my question to you is this, how many coaches before him at UT have placed any banners at all in TBA, much less Sweet 16 banners.

Don't defend Fulmer by cheapening what Pearl has done for basketball at UT. He took us from a nobody on the national landscape with crappy facilities to national media coverage and nicer facilities and he is landing bigger recruits than we have ever had.

Coach Fulmer is not a bad coach, but there is no doubt that he is average at best against opponents with equal or better talent, and shouldn't that be where coaching matters most. Look at his record against the top teams in the SEC and in bowks against quality opponents. I'm not a Fulmer basher, but I can recognize a program that is sliding and needs improvement when I see it.

By the way, are you sure your name isn't Vicky?

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

elizabethtonloser, it's so easy we hadn't won the SEC outright in basketball in 41 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by bobbarbilly on July 2, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Proverbs 18:17

Posted by newtonrail on July 2, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Position coaches pay acknowledges longevity. One thing about this raise is since the 2005 debacle, the Fulmer haters have referred to his $2.4 million salary on here and on radio. Of course he made $2.04 million. Now the haters can possibly get the correct number in their spiel.

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whoah! That was solid hit.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore:

7-13 vs. top 10 since 2000
17-21 vs. top 25 since 2000

13-23 vs. Spurrier, Meyer, Richt, Saban, Miles, Tubberville (8-15 since 2000).

I guess you are getting paid for being the 7th best coach in the conference that you are now.

Posted by b_neas on July 2, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a joke Billy G's salary. What has he ever won anywhere? KY is so grasping and looking for the next Adolph, yet will never get him. Their prestige is quickly disappearing and they can no longer recruit solely on name. They should have kept Tubby, he had a few down years but at least won them a NC and IMO a better coach than Billy G, and not nearly as annoying.

Posted by mattlock on July 2, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

see, you can disregard what some of the Fulmer bashers may have to say, but its hard to refute the numbers that workin' provided. I'm not saying get rid of him, but don't bury your head in the sand and pretend that one National Championship means a coach's performance should never be questioned. I landed a huge account four years ago, does that mean I should bonus off of it for the next 10 years. . . I wish!

Posted by FulmerIsGod on July 2, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go coach! You earned a 300k raise for doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Well, except getting embarassed in bowl games, getting embarassed at home by unranked teams, NO SEC Titles in the past 10 years, NO BCS games in the last 10 years, having numerous players in and out of jail over the past ten years, having players talk on cell phones during a bowl game that you got humiliated in by an unranked team, making a fool out of yourself everytime you open your mouth, being laughed at by other teams in the SEC who are now celebrating because they know you will be around for another 5-7 years.

Just think, if you hang around for 10 more glorious years it will be 20 years since our last SEC Title!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Posted by utalumntx on July 2, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rcclarkvols,

When we lost to Alabama every year they had a legend in Bear Bryant, considered as one of the greatest coaches of all time, as a coach during most of that time. Now we loose to Florida every year so there is not much difference. At least Alabama was not beating us like Florida has over the years. Don't forget the Alabama beating last season with pretty much all of their offensive line sitting out. I sure have not fogot that game. If Fulmer is as good as so many people think he is then why has he only been able to manage two SEC titles? He won only one title with Peyton Manning and company and he did not do it on his own coaching ability. He had to depend on Florida loosing two games. He went 0-4 against Florida with Manning and company and there is no excuse for that. No one can dispute the talent those teams had. Probably better than a couple of those Gator teams that rubbed our face in the turf. The worst should have been 2-2 against Florida during that time. Even with all of that talent he barley pulled out a win over Auburn in the SEC title game when Nash broke a short pass in to a long TD. He is currently averaging one SEC title every 8 years and he has not won any since 1998. How does that make him so kind of coaching genius? I would like to know how many people regonize Bobby Ross and Bill McCartney's names without looking them up. They, like Fulmer were fortunate enough to win one NC. Not one of those three coaches are a legend. Fulmer has bonses in his contract so he should never receive another raise. If he performs he would get be awarded his bonus, if he does not then he settles for his overpayment of $2.4 million. If he doesn't like that then tough because there is not a major school out there who would hire the guy. The proof is his name has never came up in any coaching search. Don't use he would never leave Tennessee as an excuse either. If a team really wanted him bad enough they would at least mention his name and would make him an offer.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 2, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport - I spilled sweet tea all over my pants on your 12:38 post.

Good thing TDTN is not on here anymore. He'd be having a coronary with this article.

Free TDTN just for s & g.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 2, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I sure hope Coach Fulmer does not get upset with this paltry amount and leaves for another school.

Posted by Vols1998 on July 2, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Investing your career on a bunch of 18-20 year old men is such an exact science....I do not know why you CPF haters are not Football coaches...you talk a good game. CPF's pay is where it should be, he's a good man, father and coach.

If it were up to me, I would have the Chief at $500K.

Go CPF and Go Vols!!!!

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 2, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Spurrier- has played for 0 SEC titles last 2 years.
Meyer - has played for 1 SEC title last 2 years.
Richt - has played for 0 SEC titles last 2 years.
Saban - has played for 0 SEC titles last 2 years.
Miles - has played for 1 SEC title last 2 years.
Tubb - has played for 0 SEC titles last 2 years.
Fulmer - has played for 1 SEC title last 2 years.

See workin, you can spin the numbers in many ways.
Fulmer should be the 3rd highest paid by my numbers

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 2, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer will earn his compensation when he lifts the Sears-Kmart Trophy above his head at seasons end - his 2nd National Championship in 10 years. Why not pay the greatest coach in the land what he's worth? I'd gladly pay more for season tickets to see the greatest coach in the land - a living legend.

Glad to see Pearl do well too.

Posted by b_neas on July 2, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Notice that when there are valid arguements put in place (the last few posts mainly by mattlock and workin), ash disappears. Like mattlock said it's one thing to support Fullmer it's another to constantly put down Pearl. (Don't defend Fulmer by cheapening what Pearl has done for basketball at UT) You do not have to hate the hot successful coach just to support the one that is dangling close to mediocrity since 2000. I support Fullmer and the football program and always will because they did wonderful things for me when i was critically injured after the GA in '05. If any of you heard or watched the news in knoxville, yes i was the guy who was hit by the cooler riding people and was in a coma for 12 days. The football team got me a signed team poster, i got two signed photos from Fullmer (one personalized) and a parking pass plus 2 front row seats to the bama game in 06. That meant to lot to me especially when they had bigger probs in 05 with the team needing all the attention they could get. Nonetheless they took time out for my situation. I think it's fair to say that less than 5 teams in america would do the same for a fan in the same situation. But it's hard for me to support Fullmer when morons like you ASH babble just to try and tick people off. You make Fullmer and yourself a target.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 2, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff - reminds me of the Old School video with Will Ferrell. Got to go rent it for those of you who have not seen this old comedy classic. Guaranteed to make you pee in your pants.

Posted by nakamine on July 2, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hahaha, nice reading folks.....gotta say i'm in the anti-fulmer corner....but i also understand that he's better than nothing (which is what's out there at the moment as far as candidates go). maybe we promote chavis, since the D seems to be the most consistant thing year in and year out (except when the offense has notoriously left them on the field for 2/3rds on the game). jk in all honesty, but it's a thought...

Posted by mattlock on July 2, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer: "Hmmm, I wonder if this had anything to do with my $1,000,000 donation to the university to be paid over a number of years? Nah, probably not."

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 2, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

b_neas - fill me in on the story. I didn't hear it and it sounds like a good one. Not to deflate your story, but could it be that the school was just scared they would be sued by you?

Posted by IPOrange on July 2, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HELP! I'm reading and I can't keep up!

Posted by thesavageorange on July 2, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 ,Healing.It's been tough, but knowing that people have us in their prayers is comforting.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2005 support staff salaries (this doesn't include the coaches and is basically everyone else):

Alabama - 8,900,000
Florida - 13,768,000
Tennessee - 12,900,000
Georgia - 9,372,000
LSU - 9,700,000
Auburn - 7,500,000

Cut the fat Mikey, you can do it or raise prices and keep giving unwarranted raises to FOOLMORE.

Posted by overatedvols on July 2, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer, national championship. Pearl.......hmmm.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 2, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff - thanks for that family film. Dupree's as happy as pregnant looking tick on coon dog's ear.

Posted by invisiblekid on July 2, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"tngeoff ,What's the over under on # of posts?Come join me in the crows nest.The nachos are stale and the beers flat, but it will be fun to watch nonetheless.And fighting out of the orange corner........."

SavageO, I am holding onto a couple of 1/2 gallon growlers from the local brewery to share with my friends up in the bleachers. Probably won't last long but they only charge 4 bucks to refill 'em. As far as the over, I figure 800 easy if we could get 700+ on Nunes.

KingsportVol, 12:38, I'll raise a toast to that post, I am still chuckling.

Posted by volfan5521 on July 2, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

looks like workin had to take a day off for this round of Fulmer bashing. WORKIN > SHUTUP UNTIL YOU HAVE SOMETHING NEW(YOU BORING LITTLE BI##H)
GO VOLS AND CPF!!!!

Posted by invisiblekid on July 2, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Appears to be defcon 1 at the Workin' camp, already has the spare keyboard at the ready.

Posted by b_neas on July 2, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

general fritter - prob not, i had no grounds to sue the school since it happened behind O'Charley's on the strip. I was not on campus.

Posted by BADGES0413 on July 2, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Workin,

With appx $35 million in ticket revenue, UT football salaries are low compared to revenue created. Open your wallet Mike and give our 3 new assistants more $ for the good start in recruiting.

Open it more and give Pearl and Jones good $ to stay.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL at volfan5521!!!!!!! I don't have to take days off!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by mattlock on July 2, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He's had three years on the job after following in the great footsteps of HOF coaches like Wade Houston and Buzz Peterson. . .give him some time.

Does winning a NC give you license to be average the rest of your career? If we're cool with not asking our coach for more than past glory, the we should just keep giving Fulmer raises based on 1998. But in the real world, where I work, your raises are based on what you've done lately and what you're gonna do now. I'm not saying fire him, but quit using the NC as a reason to keep giving him raises without asking for championships.

Posted by b_neas on July 2, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

see ASH if you stall long enough people will do your work for you. Better thank badges0413, you could never have came up with a meaningful arguement like that. Your posts 99% of the time consist of "sweet 16's" and xx days til football time. But you go ahead and sit back and be that rah rah fan and be in the dark about what's really going on.

Posted by SFOrange on July 2, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

my god our priorities are *ucked.
would like to see UT faculty/staff/academic programs get similar cred.
go vols(?)

Posted by invisiblekid on July 2, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excellent points mattlock, I always knew you were a good lawyer.

Posted by DadwasaVol on July 2, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13 - Clinton, Bush, and NAFTA made it attractive to "close down shops", many with tax breaks, and move to China, Japan, India, and Mexico. "Good ole boy" American workers are NOT the problem.

Posted by mattlock on July 2, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Never lost a case. . .well one, but he was gulity as h#&*

Posted by volfan5521 on July 2, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thats right Workin I forgot you're 12.I should have said Workin must have been a good girl and earned extra computer time today! Take a nap young lady you must be tired.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And that would make me 12? My goodness you are dumber than you appear.

Posted by IPOrange on July 2, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good eye, Hacksaw57 (1:56 p.m.)

And all this time I've been thinking Saban's being paid too much. Head coach at two schools simultaneously - who knew?

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid.

I think you probably hit that over/under depending on the flamethrowing element which is always unpredictable. A few well plced burst of flame and this thing could go ballistic! Come on up here with savage and myself. The view is splendid!

General_Fritter.

Great news! Tell Dupree that I try to keep him in the loop and make sure he's recognized for his ways that may seem a trite odd to some.

Posted by invisiblekid on July 2, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TNGeoff, orange fields as far as the eye can see, it's a beautiful sight. I suspect it won't last though and will turn into Braveheart before long.

Posted by dwolfcreek on July 2, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guess they were afraid Fulmer would leave . lol

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 2, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Im sitting here...with my beer helmet on....two frosty cans with sipping straws coming into the corner of my mouth....just watching...TommyJack fires...uh oh...Ashley is on a rampage....Here comes Kingsport on the outside....and theres Workinlikeheck keepin it real...its almost like the KNS knew this would keep the asylum busy for awhile...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....bwah ha haaaaaaaaa

Posted by volfan5521 on July 2, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so your not 12? Let me guess Disabled (mentally)? Boss abused you? Kept woman? I'm interested.

Posted by IPOrange on July 2, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff (2:18 p.m.) - man, I didn't know KNS could censor Youtube videos. They must be major stockholders.....

Posted by 99gator on July 2, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just to let y'all know.....

if and when fulmer goes, if tenn wants to hire the new "golden boy" of college football at that time. the "hot commodity" coach, if you will.....it will cost a lot more than this. and he won't have coached a day at tenn when he gets that money either.

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 2, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Your not" 12? LOL!!!!! I believe it's you that has the grammar of a 12 year old. LOSER!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by iam4ua on July 2, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol fans. I have sad news for you. While you can spin Fulmer & Pearl's record anyway you want, they are both only avg coaches. Fulmers' football teams are not tough. They are not disciplined. I remember a Nebraska fan telling me a couple years ago that when his brother played for Osbourne, Coach Osbourne told his boys to take it easy on Tenn in the 4th qtr.
Peal's teams are not better with their streetball tactics. The SEC was way down in bball last year. Congrats Pearl. That was your one and only perfect storm.
So get ready for .700% ball.

Posted by ElizabethtonvolnNC on July 2, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey sniffles...workin-IT-likeheck - Neither did anybody else! I believe that the conference was being dominated by just one team the vast majority of those 41 years there precious. Only after the recent downslide of Kentucky have others come into the fold.

Not competitively by a bunch of teams in the SEC as in Football.

Elizabethtonloser?! More creativety from you??? Pretty weak....

Posted by TommyJack on July 2, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kid: I'm intrigued over the $4 growlers...Twice that near my digs.

Posted by volguy41nlouisiana on July 2, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

and Iam4ua throws a nasty spitter of a curve ball right into the laps of the lions....how will they react....surely someone will rise and spank this abalama mullet wearing ,,,sister kissing .....inbred back to his own boards.....hmmmmmmmm....workinlikeheck...take him out baby

Posted by auttat on July 2, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"just to let y'all know.....

if and when fulmer goes, if tenn wants to hire the new "golden boy" of college football at that time. the "hot commodity" coach, if you will.....it will cost a lot more than this. and he won't have coached a day at tenn when he gets that money either."

Great point, 99gator. I started typing something similar out, but got distracted at work. It was comparable to being away from my computer when Tiger and Rocco were playing on Monday.

But here is what I was going to say:

How many on here think that the University could hire the right person to fill Fulmer's position at $2.4 mil? And, how many of you have complained about ticket prices going up, or students now having to pay, or money in general in the athletic dept.?

Posted by b_neas on July 2, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny iam4ua - Pearls coahing tactics must work. His winning %(76% while at UT and 78% for career) is top 5 among active coaches and he won the SEC east the year UF was the NC and in the east. Controlled Choas is a better term than streetball. Streetball would consist of many TO's and no defense. Pearl's boys are a regular top team in the nation in assist to TO ratio, and forcing TO's, which shows smart ball, not streetball. Before you post next time please take time to think about what you are saying to avoid making yourself look like a clown.

Posted by utfan15govols on July 2, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i think it should be the other way around. bruce get the 2.4 and fulmer get the 1.6, after all bruce has a better chance at winning a championship than fulmer, and who cares if we lose fulmer.

Posted by tngeoff on July 2, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisiblekid.

It is sooo beautiful though! If only it could last!

"Aye. Fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live. At least awhile... And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance -- just one chance -- to come back here and tell our enemies that they make take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!!" William Wallace

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fZ73R8h32DU

IPOrange.

They've been pretty fair about the whole youtube thing. They've only removed a couple of mine.

Posted by b_neas on July 2, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat - "I started typing something similar out, but got distracted at work" - Is that what you call it when someone knocks on the door of your little hut at the local recycle center and asks where they can dump a bag of feces? And where they can put the mattress they have strapped to the top of their datsun?

Posted by BAMABLOWS on July 2, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey iam4ua , my sisters, cousins ,uncle from my stepmoms side of the family,whom babysits nick sabans brother in laws, nephews, son said ..... you dope get real, with that pretend, john calipari wanna be of a bball coach you have in bammer you have no room to talk , and enjoy saban while he lasts cause he'll have the yeller rammers on probation just like every other coach the cheatin tide has had. good luck bammer nation go vols!!!!!