Posted by WaltGoVols on July 5, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, alright then.

Posted by KingsportVol on July 5, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am looking forward to many more 8 win seasons.Congrats Fulmer. We love you.

Posted by TommyJack on July 5, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

8 wins. Something to shoot for.

Posted by OrangePower11 on July 5, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations Coach Fulmer!!!!!!

I for one am VERY happy this deal got done, as the "noise in the system" was being used against UT on the recruiting trail.

WTG University of Tennessee for doing the best thing for the school and football program!

Posted by ncvol17 on July 5, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have been an alumni of UT for almost 30 yrs. I have never received so many e-mails trying to sell me season tickets and single game tickets, What happened to the waiting list that there was for season tickets for so many years?

I gave up mine several yrs ago due to the high costs of the contribution requirements and travel costs. With gas now going to 5.00 I bet a lot more 200+ milers will drop back to watching tv games only. Nashville to Bristol will be the season ticket holder base.

Posted by marinevol on July 5, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like we have our coach for the next 10 years, so let's move on to other topics. I guess they just don't listen to you, Adams.

Posted by law_vol on July 5, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whether PF is a good coach or not, rewarding him out of left field for his career stats seems a little out of place. Let him prove it on the field, then give him a great contract. It is hard to argue with the fact that we haven't been competing at a high level in a while. And since when does a program measure its success by how many conference division titles it has?

Posted by IPOrange on July 5, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A one year extension following 8 wins in a regular season? Hmmmmmmmm.

Posted by utwick on July 5, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I appreciate Fulmer's loyalty and contributions to UT. I honesty don't feel the urgency to lock him into a long term contract like I do with Bruce Pearl. I have never felt that other programs were out to steal him from us. I don't feel that way with Pearl. Anyone agree?

Posted by VOLS85 on July 5, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wick, yes...

Posted by rusty_shackleford on July 5, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If any of the naysayers had a similar contract offered by their boss, would they turn it down? Or would they join their coworkers to piss and moan about it?

Posted by Volfan1 on July 5, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The long term contract for Fulmer is to quiet the negative recruiting from other schools that gets part of their fodder from this site. The legions of the miserable (as Majors put it so well) will never be happy with anything, so the insults from these "astute" observers here are now meaningless when compared to a signed contract.

So, rave on. The contract is mightier than the whining.

Posted by marinevol on July 5, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think this was about Fulmer leaving UT for another job. This was about sending a message to recruits that Fulmer is going to be here for a long time. He has coached at UT for 27 years, and will be here for at least 7 more. That stability should mean alot to recruits.

Posted by TommyJack on July 5, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wick, yes...

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 5, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So the stuff about TDTN being Coach at an annual salary of $5,000,000 per year wasn't true. Who knew?

Posted by eb502us on July 5, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The contract wasn't the first step toward Fulmer's longevity, getting rid of Cutcliffe was.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on July 5, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's not that hard to win 8 games a year if you wisely schedule your non-conference opponents.

Stepping back and looking at it, he has job security as long as he beats everyone but Florida, Georgia, 'Bama and another team from the SEC West. Unbelievable.

It's good to know that UT's "past history" is the measuring stick for job security. So much for trying to set a new standard. Sorry, folks, but this isn't acceptable. 8-4 each year is a 66% win percentage, and for that to be considered acceptable makes me speechless.

I am truly grateful for Coach Fulmer's experience and loyalty to UT; however, hearing Mike Hamilton set these standards makes me think one thing: you get what you pay for, most of the time.

Why in the world is a school like UT setting such a low standard by calling an 8-win season acceptable? My expectations and hope that the on-field product improves have immediately faded. I just hope I'm wrong.

Posted by eduardo on July 5, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someone please explain loyalty for multi million dollar contracts, ext. out the wazzoo for mediocre play and coaching that is downright puzzling. What the heck is wrong with this admin. wanting to keep this guy at the helm. Keeping the program and fan base hostage for 7 more years oh boy!

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 5, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kingsport, yes....

Posted by stkdog on July 5, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you cant fire a guy that gave the program $1,000,000 last year. maybe he will do it again soon.

Posted by pdhuff on July 5, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Phil is getting his mil back gratis for a 8 win season outlook.

If a first you don't succeed, lower your goals.

8 wins is considered worthy of an award.......

Posted by ThurmondEppy on July 5, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was really bored today and was watching Major League II on tv. Randy Quaid played a fan of the Indians. Every time they did something good, he complained. Even when the Indians won the pennant, he frowned and said, "So what? They'll screw it up in the playoffs!" Reminded me of the Legions of the Miserable.

Posted by tngeoff on July 5, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

5005!

Posted by BSweet on July 5, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think it should be as arbitrary as 8-4. I think the quality of the wins and losses should definately fit into the picture. I'm not a Fulmer-hater, but if he continues to be trounced by the gators and tide, I think that should matter. No way we should settle for just being a mediocre team. I don't expect championships every year, but I do expect us to actually compete. If your not in it to win it, then what's the point? And why should we as a fan base that pours millions of dollars into UT athletics accept mediocre. Like I said, nothing personal against Fulmer himself, but I expect the Vols to be in the hunt. 8-4 is sitting on the sidelines as other SEC teams enjoy that BCS money.

Posted by tngeoff on July 5, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Food for thought. 8 wins is the equivalent of 7 wins at the beginning of Coach's head coaching career. Total games = eauivalent of 7 wins as standard. Not positive...not negative...just the facts man.

Kinda like a Missouri boat ride.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iZZhxW5ym68

Posted by TommyJack on July 5, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pay more, expect less.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on July 5, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Even after my earlier posting at 8:38pm, I'm still speechless at what UT (namely, Mike Hamilton) has done.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 5, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Recruiting DT:

http://tennessee.scout.com/2/766914.html

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 5, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

a true classic tngeoff.

Posted by tngeoff on July 5, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mike Hamilton has absolutely NOTHING to do with anything except saying what he's told to say. here he is raising money recently with aone of the big two managing his efforts:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1WpD7i4RxnY

Posted by Vol13 on July 5, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Absolutely! Fan discontent and criticism rings loudly with recruits on the recruiting trail (assuming they read every message on the message boards - which most do not). But getting blasted on national TV by Florida and regional TV by Alabama goes unnoticed. Some of you are such University of Fulmer fans, they could have put anything in there and you would have lopped it up like Hardee's biscuits and gravy.

Fulmer won't be here past the 2010 season. And if he is allowed to be, then not only will the top SEC teams be laughing at us. The bottom ones will as well.

Posted by 02champs on July 5, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I sincerely hope the whiners will stop now. We are lucky to have Coach Fulmer as our leader. TY Mike Hamilton for taking the bold step..!!!!

Posted by philfan on July 5, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton arrived at eight wins in 12 games because it closely compares to UT's all-time winning percentage in football, noting that he hopes the Vols will exceed eight wins.

Nowhere in this article does it say that Hamilton will be pleased if Tennessee wins eight games per year. He goes on to say that he hopes Fulmer will win more than 8 games per year. Fulmer said: We're going to win more championships at Tennessee. This means that Fulmer is not pleased with 8 wins per season and is fully aware that it could take 11 or more wins to win an SEC trophy. We need to remember that Fulmer won 10 games last season, not 8.

I am convinced that Fulmer is dedicated to very lofty goals at Tennessee. Whether or not he will be able to achieve them is a question that no one can answer now, unless he has a crystal ball.

Posted by andy112382 on July 5, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

law_vol.........'Let him prove it on the field, then give him a great contract. It is hard to argue with the fact that we haven't been competing at a high level in a while. '

Huh?!?

Winningest active coach with 10+ seasons isn't proving it on the field?

Winning the SEC east more times the past 8 years (or is it 10?) than any one else, yes, that includes florida and uga, isn't competing at a high level?

Please explain.....I will go ahead and acknowledge one of the worst years ever for me personally in which we had a losing record (that and I spent a month in the hospital/ICU..bad times) which was mostly a product of Fulmers biggest downfall he has had, TOO MUCH loyalty to some people, in that case Sanders and Washington. But, if that is his biggest fault, I think we are in pretty darn good shape looking ahead.

Posted by philfan on July 5, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The deal should go a long way toward silencing those who like to debate Fulmer's job security.

Winning a NC every other year and winning the SEC regularly will in no way silence the critics on this chat board, many of whom have stated openly that they do not like him because of his obesity or state that he is an embarrassment to Tennessee football, even as he approaches General Neyland's number of wins. Some of these fans may be using the coping mechanism known as denial.

Posted by VOLS85 on July 5, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks for the DT info Watermelon...he's a beast!

Posted by Vol13 on July 5, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We're the 5th winningest program in the SEC this decade. Look it up. You think Bama is going to keep on being #6? Somebody has to be the worst. We are almost there now and will soon clearly be the 6th best SEC program.

Fulmer will never win another SEC title.

Posted by cjraney on July 5, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13-
I hate Hardee's. How long you think til we're the worst in the SEC?

Posted by dfreeman on July 5, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! The last few days sure have been a fun ride!!! LOL

Posted by tngeoff on July 5, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman.

I leave you with this...the last few days we've been hitchin' a ride with these crazy stories:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pdbUO12todk

I'm outa' here. Thunder out!

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 5, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just know how personally excted I am that Fulmer has been rewarded with a raise as we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of our last SEC title in 2008.

Posted by rbatten9 on July 5, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm glad to know we reward people for not winning championships.

Posted by FWBVol on July 5, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BigVolinCarolina, nobody seemed too upset when CPF led Vols were beating Bama 41-14 and such. We've had our share of big wins against Florida as well, maybe not as recently as most of us would like, myself included. As for Georgia, we've handed the Dawgs a good old fashioned Southern Beat Down three out of the last four years.

Phillip Fulmer is coaching in a different era than any coach in UT football history. He has to deal with a 12-game regular season schedule. And if he's fortunate to win the toughest division in college football, the SEC East, he still has to beat a monster from the West in game 13 with the hopes of playing for a national championship.

I think General Robert Reese Neyland remains the greatest coach in the history of the SEC, but the fact is he only won one outright National title...1951, and that was when they voted the NC after the regular season. UT lost the bowl game at the end of the 51 season (the 52 Sugar Bowl I believe), and wouldn't have been NC in today's voting. And that was only the 11th game of the season.

An SEC team today has to play three more games to win the NC than the teams in the 50s that played a 10-game regular season.

Cracks about UT's schedule are hilarious. Most of the schedules are made out 8 to 10 years in advance for non conference games like UCLA. Today's weak sister could be tomorrow's up-and-comer like Central Florida was last year.

And again, with all respect to the General, he made a living against teams like Chattanooga and other soft sells when he was coach.

I would love to win every game, ever year, but I know that won't happen. I want to be competitive every year. And the small recruiting base in Tennessee makes that tough, but it should happen because we have the best facilities in the country.

I will never be happy with a losing season, but I don't think Phillip Fulmer is either. The raise and extension are in line as far as I'm concerned.

If everyone was offering year-to-year contracts then that would be one thing, but throughout the landscape of college and professional sports coaches sign multi-year deals.

Considering everything, I think CPF is a bargain.

Posted by GerryOP on July 5, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

7th highest salary in the SEC? Sounds about right.....

Posted by max357_2000 on July 5, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1st. down off tackel left,2nd down off tackel right,3rd down screen pass good for 3 yards, 4th down punt.yea thats good for 8 wins a year!

Posted by jvires on July 5, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

uh. . .8 wins?!? Mediocrity rules! Our goal for 2008. . .bowl eligibility!!!

Posted by weisgarber2003 on July 6, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mike Hamilton......the mouse that roared.

Posted by bobbarbilly on July 6, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVol, thanks for expressing my opinion along with yours.

Posted by fsslagle on July 6, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Praise the Lord Hamilton gives Phil automatic extension if he does not lose more than 1 out 3 games...go vols...book your peach bowl (chicken sandwich bowl) forever. Oops forget Phil gets 7 more years plus raises for losing more than 1 out of 3 games. Man Hamilton is one cool dude. Forget the stuff that Phil was Hamiltons biggest boostet to be AD when other offers fell through. This guy better get on his knees every nite praying for Bruce Almighty winning a lot of national champs.

Posted by RichRollin on July 6, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a Fulmer fan and for the most part agree with the contract. I do have to question the 8 win thing?!?! Plus I'm sure there is a huge buyout.

Posted by RichRollin on July 6, 2008 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey GeneralWatermelon, Nice info on the DT!!

Posted by bobbarbilly on July 6, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps his contract should have stated that his pay package is dependent upon his winning every regular season game, every SEC championship game and every national championship game or he has to forfeit all of his earnings back to the first day he was named head coach. Yeah!!! That's what I am talking about!!!

Posted by DCSOvol on July 6, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mike sure took care of his patriarch. Why am I not surprised. 8-4 every year, and he keeps his job. I hope everybody's happy. Now we really are stuck with him.

Posted by volster on July 6, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Too bad, haters. Looks like you have Fulmer for 7 more years, at least. But I guess that's good for you. Cry babies need something to cry about. Go Vols!

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on July 6, 2008 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVol, your point is valid and I agree with what you wrote.

My problem is that I truly believe the expectations are too low. Unlike many fans, I don't believe--or expect--UT to compete for the national championship every other year; however, Mike Hamilton has been on the record in saying that he expects UT to win an SEC Championship about every 4 years.

At a place like UT, with the fan-base, facilities, coaching experience, coaching stability, and financial support, UT should be competing for an SEC title every other year.

Yes, the SEC is a beast and the SEC East Division is incredibly tough to win. This decade, UT has averaged 4 losses each year. I'd like to see us not be so content with that.

Coach Fulmer took us to a new level in the 90's, and that is undisputable. But, right now we're stuck with a mediocre product on the field.
Fulmer has no one to blame but himself. The rationale being used to reward him for that is beyond me.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree very much with the points made by Hamilton. I do differ, as do all of you, on the 8 wins, top it up deal.

Eight wins is not acceptable. It is tolerable for a rebuilding year, but this program is better than that.

Personally, I do believe that TN is returning to the top of the heap soon. I don't think that Fulmer has lost his ability to coach or recruit and within a couple of years, we should be viewed as a top ten program on a regular basis once again.

Posted by WereInTrouble on July 6, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We've got a 'Good Ole' Boy' club on The Hill. Homer Hamilton has given a raise/extension to a FAILURE??? From 2002 on 'The Warden' has a 62% failure rate against LSU, Bama and Auburn in the West, Florida and Georgia in the East, regular season games against major programs, the SECCG and bowl games. Fulmer wins 38% of these games!!! Hamilton has rewarded Phil for being a failure. Phil and Hamilton have to go.

Posted by utchris2003 on July 6, 2008 at 2:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer has never lost a Tuesday or Wednesday night or day game. Nor has he ever lost a Saturday game before 10 a.m.

Seriously though, you can use statistics all you want, but if you go deep enough or look at it in different ways, you can shape them anyway you want too.

8 wins is a good season for the good portion of the college football world. Hell that is a dream season for Vandy. At Tennessee we have been spoiled with higher expectations (thus nothing under 10 is acceptable), and there is nothing wrong with that. Reality should tell us that this is something that is hard press to happen year in and year out in a conference like the SEC. We have had a few leaner years than normal recently, but we really need to give this overhauled staff an opportunity for revival before we pronounce them dead. This contract should really not come as a surprise given Hamilton's outspoken support of Fulmer. You can agree with it or not, but he is the coach of the foreseeable future and those that are tried and true Vols fans will continue to support the Vols.

At the very least, we should at least remain respectful to Fulmer. As the head coach he is open game for criticisms of certain things, but all the idiotic name callings and such are not appropriate for a man that has devoted most of his life to UT and has done so much for not only UT but for the city of Knoxville and State of Tennessee during that time.

Posted by andy112382 on July 6, 2008 at 3:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WereInTrouble, umm...what is that failure rate against georgia? Explain that to me one more time. We have beat them 3 of the past 4 years, with the last two years we hold a 86-47 scoring advantage over the 'Mighty Richt'. A 75% success rate the last 4 years, good trend there in our favor...or as the only way you can understand, a 25% failure rate.

Bama, since 2002, we are 3-3, so we are at a 50% success rate against them, err, sorry 50% failure rate so you can get that as well.

Auburn, we haven't even played them since 2004, that undefeated team of their, and we played them two times that season despite us having a freshman QB - that last time being the SEC title game (Riggs had a nice day) Since '02 we are 0-2 in regular season play with them, lets wait and see what happens this year, totally different look for the Vols, remember we had *gag* Sanders last time we played them.

LSU, we are 1-1 in regular season play, that one loss was when we had our starting QB knocked out and it still took a last second TD pass by the future #1 pick in the NFL draft to beat us. We lost in yet another SEC title appearance last year to make us overall 1-2 against them. Only if we hadn't made it to that pesky title game once more.....

Florida, no suprise here based on history, is the team we are having the biggest fits with, some pretty darn good games with them (outside of last season...ick....) we are 2-4 since '02 agaisnt them. Before last years lopsided loss, is was fairly close since 2002 with Florida holding a 105-94 scoring advantage on us. Time to end the Urban Legend this year!

And please spare us from the Fulmer must go comments.....A) not happening B) like it or not, still the winningest active coach with 10+ years in the nation C) WE HAVEN'T EVEN PLAYED A GAME THIS SEASON! CHILL!!!

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by LargeOrange on July 6, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a good deal for Tennessee, the Fulmer haters should go cry in their tailors and hope they can pick up the games on their rabbit ears or massive lawn dishes, CPF is here for the duration, so learn it, live it, get over it, and get behind our boys, or just go away...

Posted by hcjournals on July 6, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All of the Vol haters need to start your own blog. If you don't like Coach Fulmer, just go away. Now. You have made your case. You lost. So buck up, get on the team and be loyal. Hate Florida. Or Georgia. or UCLA. Stop being traitorous. We are unifying as a fan base. Get on the team or wring your hands and storm off and watch the ETSU Bucs. Or the Racers. Or somebody else where you can be a big shot. If you think coach Fulmer is trying to just "hang on" you don't have a clue. Not clue one.....Thanks and we appreciate your right to express your opinions. Just not over and over and over about the same thing expecting a new result. That's the definition of insanity.....Later.

Posted by stroker on July 6, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Take that Adams. Write about it and whimper about it on enemy sports talk radio. Or you can quote andy and say he is still the winningest active coach with 10+ years in the nation, along with other postive stuff.

Posted by 98reax on July 6, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sometimes I'm so ashamed of you 'so-called' Big Orange fans. I agree with the sentiments of hcjournals. Why can't we please be loyal. Reality is, we cannot win them all, but we can be loyal to our team always.

Posted by TennVol4Life on July 6, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utchris2003: All I can say to that is AMEN!! All of the major college teams go through down spells, it's the nature of the game, it's a cycle that you have to be willing to endure. I have a feeling this is gonna be one of those special seasons, not saying it's gonna be a NC season, but I think it will be MUCH better than what alot of people think. I have never per say been a Fulmer basher, but I too had gotten tired of the run left, run right, bubble screen, punt, series....and the "hey we have a 3 point lead in the 3rd quarter, lets protect it".... but I think with CPF allowing Clausen to install a new style offense, shows he is willing to make the changes needed to right the ship. If we were to go undefeated and win the NC this year, the same naysayers would be calling Fulmer a genius for hiring Clausen and running a new offense. As for me, I'll be in the stands, whether we are 12-0 or 0-12. Good luck CPF and staff... GO VOLS!!

Posted by beartn on July 6, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

<<It's good to know that UT's "past history" is the measuring stick for job security. So much for trying to set a new standard. Sorry, folks, but this isn't acceptable. 8-4 each year is a 66% win percentage, and for that to be considered acceptable makes me speechless.>>

There are only 5 active coaches with 10 or more years with winning % above 66%. Winning this % with an SEC schedule is harder than most fans think. Frank Beamer, who many people want, is below that with a weak Big East and ACC schedule for the majority of his tenure. My guess is that sometime in the future, Vol fans will look back fondly on this era.

Posted by rusty_shackleford on July 6, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If UT won all 13 games, some of you miserables would whine that the Vols lucked into it (see your posts re: 1998). If UT won 13 games by 20, some of you would whine that the Vols should have won by 30.

Face it, some posters here are genetic whiners who can find a cloud everywhere they look. The Volunteer Eeyores! hahahaha Must be fun to live with! I pity your families.

Posted by pdhuff on July 6, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You're ok -we're ok.

Eight wins is wonderful. How many SEC rings will 8 wins get?

Loyalty has nothing to do with being satisfied with mediocrity. Loyal to Phil's personal goals or to the overall competitive nature of the program?

I think we all know the answers.

Posted by Ned_Land on July 6, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"We've won the division more times than anyone else in the league."

Really.

The only way I can arrive at that conclusion is that he is counting all the three way ties. You know, the years we "won the division", but went to the Peach Bowl instead of the SEC Championship game.

If anyone could find a youtube of Fulmer's press conference when he took the job, or the spitting nails post game interview after the 95 Florida loss, I would love to see it posted for the Vol fans. THAT man wouldn't have been satisifed with eight wins. Not even close.

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we have the makings for a strong season. It's the contract details that strike me a bit odd. Of course I thought we were going to have a strong season many times since '99. I just really think it this time. No. I really thought it those times too. Well...I still think it. Anyway...I am glad we don't count ties anymore like folks do when talking about other coaches. Can you imagine? Just take last year as an example...nah...nega Vol...whiner...complainer...yah da yah da yah da. 5005!

Posted by DadwasaVol on July 6, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You negativists need to start listing your names of Fulmer replacements instead of just bashing the current coach. Who are you so sure that Tennessee could hire that will be a definite SEC championship coach?

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ned_Land.

Couldn't find those for you on YouTube...but your point is tremendous and true.

Posted by WereInTrouble on July 6, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The win percentage he has comes against the nobodies. The fact is he is a FAILURE from 2002 until now - the 'Good Ole' Boy' has only won 38% against the better teams. Slice it any way you want that sure isn't a successful coach (?).

Posted by GerryOP on July 6, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Any question about who is the "big dog" in the UT Athletic Department? Wonder what happened to Hamilton's stated goal of an SEC championship every 4-5 years and be in close competition for the title in the other years?

I am not a contracts lawyer, however, if you can pull your eyes off the large $$$ numbers, the contract is really not all that outrageous -- for a 7th ranked SEC coach.

The 8-win rollover extension means nothing. If he wins, good. If he loses, the same "powers-that-be" that supported this contract will "encourage" Fulmer to ride off into the sunset. The only other thing that is guaranteed is a roughly 5% annual cost of living raise. Everything else is incentive driven.

In all, Coach Fulmer has received a new contract that rewards his loyalty and his recent mediocre performance. A 7th ranked contract for a 7th ranked performance. UT management has elected to accept and reward mediocrity, who are we to question them?

BTW, no matter how long Coach Fulmer hangs around and no matter if or when he breaks Gen. Neyland's win record, Phillip Fulmer will never gain the legendary status bestowed upon Gen. Neyland. There is only one legend in UT football.

Posted by alkhall on July 6, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To everyone whining and complaining about CPF..get off it! CPF is a rare bird in college football. He has been at UT for nearly 3 decades. That is BIG ORANGE loyalty. I have lived in Georgia for 21 years ( due to my job ) and have NEVER pulled for the Bulldogs...except when their winning would help Tennessee. I am excited about the new OC and having Crompton under center this fall. Unlike "Weenie Boy" Ainge...JC will actually pull the ball down and run, plus he has a gun for an arm. I think we will go about 9-3 this year with a good shot of getting back to the SECCG in Atlanta. Its great to be a UT VOL...so all you whiners and nay-sayers..SHUT UP...or find a new team to rip!

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If all the "haters" and naysayers left this board, you Faithful would have nothing to do except sit in a circle, sing songs and annoint one another with orange oil. You guys have simply lowered your expectations. Pity.

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The truth...using the greatest sport ever created to set the bar:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gU-D1cTf6M4

The WILL to win. It's an individual concept that in football must be modified to a team concept without losing the individual complete and pssionate will to win. For example...not trying to get Jonathan Crompton to avoid contact. He is a hitter. He risks injury every play he's in the game...let him play his game. Only the lunatic fringe can beget championships. Jonathan Crompton has the lunatic fringe spirit. Let him play compete and compete as such:

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

WIN

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It all goes back to Ned_Land's post. Coach Fulmer once was a part of the lunatic fringe. It's not hard to remember that passion he once displayed in a very visible manner. In order to regain the level of success he once presented to Tennessee football...he himself must regain that spirit. Then...and only then can anyone in their right mind expect him to repeat as Conference or National Champion. You can comment all you want about "naysyaers" and all the other truth deflection words and phrases used to prop up a clearly different level of coaching...but in your hearts you know the truth. Championships are the result of uncommon passion uninterrupted.

Posted by Merv on July 6, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Two interesting things about CPF contract --

(1) With automatic agreed-upon performance-based raises in the future, there should NEVER be any reason for UT to re-negotiate another contract with CPF.

(2) Winning 8 regular season games is not a high hurdle. Last year 6 SEC teams did it. And there'd have been others, if they could have avoided upsets against weaker non-conference programs.

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is success...17 consecutive National Championships:

http://www.blair.edu/Athletics/Wrestl...

No letdowns...just uninterrupted great and passionate coaching combined with competitors carved from the same stone. No excuse making needed. No blame shifting needed. No naysayer comments needed. Just WINNING. See? That's what I'm talking about.

Posted by utalumntx on July 6, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is in response to FWBVOL and hcjournals comments. First FWBVOL, Your spin does not cut it. Johnny Majors rebuilt a Tennessee program in an era with very little T.V. coverage. You see, there was a time when ESPN, WTBS, Fox Sports Network, VS Channel, as well as other sports networks did not exist. During Majors’ early years, ABC was the only network that broadcast regular season football games and most of them were on a regional basis. Occasionally ABC would air a double header. Very few of these games were reserved for Tennessee. It was only in the early 80s when WTBS began broadcasting SEC games nationally that the T.V. became a recruiting tool. Now, Tennessee is on national T.V. almost every week. Fulmer has had the T.V. recruiting tool during his entire coaching career. Let's look at facilities. During the early days of the Majors era, the indoor practice facility was the Bubble. The weight room was in the bowels of Stokley Athletics center. I can assure you that neither one of these facilities impressed potential recruits. It was 1989 before the Neyland/Thompson sports complex was completed and became a major recruiting tool. Again, Fulmer has had this tool during his entire coaching career. Majors faced coaching legends Bear Bryant, who may be the all time greatest college coach, Jimmy Johnson, Vince Dooley, Pat Dye, and Ken Hatfield to name a few. Even Kentucky had a good coach in Jerry Claiborne. Fulmer has faced Brad Scott, Sparky Woods, Ray Goff, Jim Donnan, Mike Dubose, Dennis Franchione, and Mike Shula, Hal Mumme. Fulmer has also been fortunate that Alabama has been on and off of probation during most of his coaching tenure. That is not to down play Alabama’s disregard for the rules but it was a good break for Fulmer. Now to your point about Fulmer being a bargain. If you convert Majors salary during his last season he earned an equivalent of a little over $900,000 in today’s money. During his last 4 seasons he won 2 SEC Titles. That is the same amount of SEC titles that Fulmer has won in total of 16 seasons. Majors’ went 5-1 in his last 6 bowl games. His last 4 Bowl games were 2 Sugar Bowls, 1 Fiesta Bowl, and 1 Cotton Bowl. Keep in mind that in 1990 the Cotton Bowl was still one of the premier Bowl games.

Posted by utalumntx on July 6, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Therefore not only was Majors taking Tennessee to the premier money making Bowl games but he was winning them as well. Tennessee obtained this success for the equivalence of a little more than $900,000. The $2 million dollar man has not taken Tennessee to a premier bowl game since 1998. He has not won an SEC title since 1998. He is 3-3 in the last 6 bowl games with all 3 loses coming against inferior competition. Tennessee got a lot more out of $900.000 than $2 million so Fulmer is no bargain. In order for Fulmer to be the bargain that you claim then he would be earning BCS spots instead of having the athletic department buying up Citrus Bowl tickets in order to get in to the game. Now to hcjournals comment. I am not only a graduate of the University of Tennessee but I was fortunate enough to be an equipment manager. Unlike you and all of the other people out there that tell me I should accept mediocrity, I have ran through the T. Unlike you and most of the other people out there that tell me I should settle for mediocrity, I donate a substantial amount of money to the athletic department. I expect a high return on that investment. I have discovered that many of the people that make responses like yours are what I call “non associates”. Most have never even stepped foot on campus or been to a game. Yet they can always tell the alumni like me they should settle for average and if we don’t like it cheer for some other team. I for one love the University of Tennessee which is why I am outraged over this contract. If Fulmer wants a raise or an extension then he should be required to earn it by winning an SEC title or earning a bid to a BCS Bowl game.

Posted by tigervol9802 on July 6, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone talks of his longevity and committment, but....

Since 1992, can anyone tell me one other school or NFL team that has come beating down Dickey or Hamilton's door wanting to talk with Fulmer?

Other than the rumors Sexton floated around there for a while that had no validity to them so Fulmer could get a raise, I can't think of one published story in which a team was looking to talk to him since he has been a head coach.

The only time I can think of is when Vicki tried to get him to retire after 98.

If I am wrong, please correct me.

Posted by Bigger_Al on July 6, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The "Legions of the Miserable" will always be miserable. Funny that Johnny said it, and now his hard-core supporters are the President, VP, Secretary, and Treasurer of the "Miserable" club.

The debate on Fulmer is over. The University President and AD, neither of whom had anything to do with his hiring, have spoken. Fulmer will get 100 SEC wins, become 2nd in all-time SEC wins, pass the General for UT wins, fight off Spurrier, and chase the bear.

I think 9 wins would be better for a automatic rollover, but maybe those guys know more about what they are trying to accomplish than me.

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utalumntx.

I agree with you...but you better put on your fecal repellent suit as soon as is practical for the scat is about to fly. Forget about when pigs fly...here it's when scat flies...and that is often.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Andy11382, good post. good perspective, especially at 3:09 am.

I think more than anything, I would just love to see UT go undefeated or maybe with just one loss so all the fans could get on the same page again. Alas, we will probably lose about 3 this year which is right between very good and average so the debate will rage on.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 6, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utalumntx - TDTN told me to tell you that your post was beautiful and that he would like to adopt you as his son.

I, on the other hand, think that you both will look silly when Coach Fulmer is holding the Sears-Kmart Trophy at years end.

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utalumtx: Exfeakinzactly.
If ANY group on this board has affected the Vols, it is the FAITHFUL.
Hamilton is no dummy. He perceives that 8 games is the watermark that will satisfy the FAITHFUL. And he's right. I repeat, the bar has been lowered and the majority of our fanbase just laps it up. Sad.

Posted by waterskier3 on July 6, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wow!!! like i said before most tn fans are loyal to a fault and don't really have high expectations for ut football.. now we know the administration understands this and has the same average expectations....

OMG.....!!!!! we're penn state and fla state over 1 NC and 2 SEC championships over what a 14 year period.... unreal.....heck majors won 3 sec championships and everyone wanted him run out of town........

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utalumntx,

You have many good points and excellent research but you have some unfair comparisons as well.

Comparing the opposing coaches between Majors and Fulmer? Be fair friend. Don't pull out Jim Donnan and company. Try Spurrier, Richt, Miles, Saban, Tubberville, Meyer, etc. Also, how many national championship teams did Majors face? How many top 5 teams? I am not a great historian and am definately not anti-Majors but please don't just state the facts that support your case. Let's be objective.

Also, your case of $900,000 in today's money doesn't work for me. The price of ALL head coaches has gone up. $900,000 in today's money doesn't get much. Very simply, if we did get a new coach, he would command near Fulmer's salary if he was a relative unknown, and a king's ransom if he was a superstar coach, plus you'd never know when he may skip town.

Other than that. Good information. Well thought out.

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a thought. If we still counted ties...last year we would have been 8-4-2 with a Conference record of 4-2-2. Dang.

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course...no offense...but that would have met the barometer. That also means...using the same number of games...we're okay at 8-6. Still 8 wins...right?

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tngeoff,

I hate the 8 mark and I'm a Fulmer supporter. That should never be the mark for this program. I am sure that Coach Fulmer holds the program to a higher standard than that as well.

Hamilton should have thought that through better IMO.

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nicksjuzunk.

Yup. I mentioned earlier that just seems odd to me. I do think we'll have a good year...but I'm all about waiting to see it unfold. I will never forget how excited I was for 2005. We SHOULD have a good year...but the contract is just odd to me. Not bashing the coach in that statement...just commenting on a very odd barometer of success.

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

8 wins per year = eat mor chikn
Now that's something to strive for.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 6, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought Arky State was the turning point to last year's season. It showed the boys how to beat the SEC's Big 3 - the Gamecocks, the Commodores, and the Cats. This is where the raise and extended contract makes sense to me.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree,

No stinkin one is happy with that, no matter where the loyalties lie. That should be the mark for Miss State or Kentucky or South Carolina.

To me that is like slapping your own face. If you lower the standard like that, it sends a message of low expectations to recruits. "Go to TN if you want to win 8 games. It's good enough for them. Come here to _____ if you want to win championships."

Dang, I'm going to vomit.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Totally separate issue but we get to laugh at bama.

Nick Saban makes in 30 days what the coach of LA - Monroe makes in one year... but he couldn't beat him on the field! Heh heh.

The highest paid coach vs. the lowest in D1. Sweet.

http://airbornecombatengineer.typepad...

Posted by walt23tn on July 6, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess that means the non-conference schedule is about turn weak as water. How many D-II teams will CPF be allowed to schedule? 8 wins? Now that's really setting high standards!

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

http://youtube.com/watch?v=S-B2dK4kr7...

Stopped only by a 5-6 dog.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 6, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those of you who do not accept the Fulmer extension and pay raise, think of it like this video. Your thirsty and need to drink to stay alive:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6vlEavUH9ng

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

General,

Uh....

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

General.

Uh...I second that uh...nick

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

On what posters some may consider a related subject...where the heck is John Adams? Very strange (and I don't mean Mike).

Posted by jgvol8 on July 6, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Eight wins a year? It is nice to know that we accept mediocrity. Now he can lose to FLA, BAMA, GA, and another SEC school every year and keep his job. And on top of that make $3 million a year. UNBELIEVABLE!

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff,

But I mean, who hasn't done that in a pinch. I remember one time, I left the house without Tabasco sauce... 17 hours later, I woke up in some Russian prison cell with a tattoo and a pack of Nerds rolled up my t-shirt sleeve. Let's just say it wasn't one of my finest hours.

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jgvol8: That's what I been preachin, brother. It's a gradual dumbing down of the program.
Eat mor chikn.

Posted by RichRollin on July 6, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we fire Fulmer I will still be diehard!! Let's start with a SERIOUS list of replacements and I MAY agree with some folks, but I've yet to see that list of names!!

Posted by mikevol on July 6, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great Job Mike being a team with a small recruiting base we must show stability. (See Cornhuskers as example). With our current players and the hopeful in coming recruits I can see a title with-in a couple of years.

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Daddy: We've played the name-game before..A moot point, as CPF is going nowhere. Glad you can separate the coach from the school. Demand more.

Posted by volfan_brian on July 6, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anybody catch the CARROT for Fulmer? $500,000 raise for an SEC Championship. $1,000,000 for a BCS title.

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nicksjuzunk.

Yikes! That must have been an experience! Anything like this?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=itvlZIW2jjE

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ,

I think we do demand more. I am a Fulmer supporter but I don't accept mediocrity. I can see the tide has changed in the SEC but genuinely believe that CPF can bring us back to Championship caliber. Others may laugh but the man will be here as long as he wants and all we can do is watch and see.

My tune may change if we can not get above our current position but I will still respect the Coach and hope for him to step down with his pride and allow someone else to take us forward if he is not able. For now, I support Coach and team.

Posted by volfan_brian on July 6, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DADDYVOL, some VOL fans have thrown out some names. Bill Belichek, Tony Dungy, John Gruden, Pete Carroll, Bill Parcells....all gladly leaving the NFL and taking a pay cut to come to Tennessee

(ok Sarcasm off now)

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hopefully you handled it appropriately:

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

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nick: Regretably, I think you are in a minority among the Faithful. As I said, Mikey knows the bar is set at about 8 wins....he's put it in writing for crying out loud. Unless CPF becomes more agressive, I see him sitting right at the watermark. Keep in mind, he was FORCED into hiring a new OC. You think he has the eggs to make a change at DC? Eat mor chikn.

Posted by pdhuff on July 6, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

daddyvol 11:19 - this has been posted many, many times, but once again some possbilities.

Jerry Moore - Appy St

Paul Johnson -GT

Clawson (?) Tenn heir apparent if he lives to 91.

Jimbo Fisher FSU (maybe locked up)

Butch Davis - NC

Gary Pinkel - Missouri

Jeff Jagodzinski - BC

Jim Grobe - Wake Forrest

Just some thought-provokers....

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

geoff,

Yeah that second one reminds me of trying to get my youth to come for youth group.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 6, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utalumntx,
It appears your feelings for Coach Majors have somewhat skewed your reasoning. After reading your posts, I realized that I've seen less cherry picking of facts in a political ad. Let's look at the facts, shall we?

First, you mention that Fulmer has recruiting tools that Majors did not have, i.e., TV coverage, practice/workout facilities, etc. While this is true, it is also true that, during Majors' era, none of the opponents had those things either. These days, you have to have those things just to stay competitive. To hear you tell it, it sounds like Fulmer, and Fulmer alone, has these assets at his disposal.

Second, in your idolatry of Majors, you mention this list of coaches with which he did battle: Bryant, Johnson, Dooley, Dye, Hatfield, and Claiborne. Again, this is true, but it's funny how you failed to mention Mike White, Frank Burns, Dick Bestwick, Bob Tyler, Steve Sloan, Shirley "Red" Wilson, George MacIntyre, Jim Young, and Joe Kines - all of whom beat Majors.

You also gave us a list of coaches on Fulmer's list in order to prove the inferiority of competition. Sure, those coaches are in no one's hall of fame. Now, I could produce a list of coaches with whom Fulmer competes, but I'll take another route. In order to prove your point, your list included Sparky Woods. It's true that Fulmer did coach against Woods and beat him 55-3. However, the previous year, Majors had the opportunity to go against this pitiful excuse for a football coach. The only problem is, Woods' team won that game. Uh-oh...

Another one bites the dust,
BOJ

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

geoff,

Here is a taste of Malaysian culture. Don't know if you've heard the original song but this is a great parody. Mamak is an indian muslim restaurant open 24 hours. The video will tell you the rest.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=flBrVQe7iSU

Posted by RichRollin on July 6, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tommyjack, I must have missed the name game, but I did not ask for that. Maybe we could fire fulmer and give it all to CHAVEZ, yeah I like that, recruiting would be down in the 100's.

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Daddy: Let's not.

BOJ: You accuse utalumtx of offering a skewed view. Looks to me like your view is skewed equally in the other direction.

Posted by rusty_shackleford on July 6, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"On what posters some may consider a related subject...where the heck is John Adams? Very strange (and I don't mean Mike)."

I picked the KNS out of the trash and noticed that Tuscaloosa John is not listed as the editor on the sports page. Could TJ been demoted, fired, or quit without a single mention?

What about it, Kaplan? Where is the AWOL Tuscaloosa John?

Posted by dvols on July 6, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

knew this article would bring the obama voters out! ha!

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rusty,

Interesting... but it sounds like a two week vacation to me. He is still listed as staff on the website as well as his last article which was about two weeks ago.

http://www.knoxnews.com/staff/john-ad...

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dvols: Don't get it???

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack.

Me either.

Nick.

I love that food! Indian food is good. Also, with respect to Thai food...there is a little Thai place in Hollywood (I forget the name) that looks ugly but has food to die for!

Posted by tngeoff on July 6, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gotta' roll all y'all. Thunder out!

Posted by RJ_Vol on July 6, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll be honest. This argument is boring and has been waged all summer long. Those that like Fulmer are going to sing his praises. Those that don't like him will poke fun at his weight, distort his record, and call for a new coach. Those that don't like Fulmer will eventually get their way - when Fulmer is ready. Then, we'll get a new coach and they'll want him fired at the first sign of a problem. Undefeated seasons(year after year) are their only unachievable goals. Some folks will never be satisfied. I imagine they'll even go after Bruce Pearl after a bad year or two. I imagine in 1980 they would have been the same folks calling for Herb Brooks' head after the USA hockey team did poorly in the run-up to the Olympics - including getting smashed by the Soviets prior to the Lake Placid games. We all know how those games turned out. Thank goodness there was someone around to fight for Brooks' job or the greatest upset in the history of sport may never have happened. My point, some people will never be satisfied. As for this Vol, I am looking forward to this season, looking forward to seeing Crompton get his chance, looking forward to Clawson unveiling his offense, looking forward to Eric Berry laying a hat on somebody and just generally looking forward - not looking backward at past seasons and losses. Maybe we win it all, maybe we go 9-3, maybe we go 7-5, who knows. It's almost football time in Tennessee and the doldrums will be over. We've got some good events to watch until then...Tour de France and the Summer Olympic Games. My advice (for what it is worth) is let the negative folks be negative - they won't change. As for the rest of us, let's start talking football and enjoy the idea that a new season is almost upon us.

Posted by abnermc on July 6, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13, the other coaches from the west might be laughing but the ones from the east will be trying to learn from him how to get to Atlanta in Dec.

Posted by cjraney on July 6, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ-
A quick scroll through these comments disproves the idea most fans are "lapping up" the 8-win quota. Not many will ever be happy with 8 W's. Unless its 8 straight over Bammer.

Posted by cjraney on July 6, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP says "Phillip Fulmer will never gain the legendary status bestowed upon Gen. Neyland. There is only one legend in UT football."

Absolutely true on the first count, dead wrong on the second. UT is lucky to have numerous legends throughout its history, its what has built our rich tradition. Fulmer is one of them, like it or not.

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CJ: I'll stand by the point.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 6, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ,
Not really, but thanks for helping me make my point - even if you didn't understand it.

BOJ

Posted by mikevol on July 6, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pdhuff,

Your list seems very risky..

Posted by slovog on July 6, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In response to utalumntx:

One of Majors' 3 SEC first-place years was a three-way tie ('89), during his tenure there was no conference championship game, his teams played 7 SEC opponents per year, and he faced an average of just over 3 ranked opponents per year.

Fulmer has faced an average of almost 5 ranked teams per year, has played a minimum of 8 SEC opponents per year, and has played 9 in the championship game seasons.

Versus ranked opponents, Majors was 22-32-6 (37%), Fulmer is 39-33-1 (53%). 39% of Fulmer's games have been against ranked opponents, 32% of Majors' games were against such opponents.

They both are fine coaches. Their records stand as a testament to their contributions to our university.

It is a big job to rebuild a program from one that was mediocre. Is it less difficult, or more difficult, to take a winning program and make it better?

Fulmer's last 7 years (his worst as regarded by many of you) show an average of 9 wins and 4 losses. Majors' last 7 years (his best as regarded by many of you) showed an average of 8 wins and 3 losses.

As an aside, Majors' last 4 bowl games were actually one Fiesta (a loss to PSU), one Sugar (a 1-point win vs. unranked Virginia ... a win nonetheless), one Cotton (vs. underdog Arkansas), and a Peach (vs. unranked Indiana).

Majors coached his last UT team to a 5-3 record, then was canned (too soon) before the Hall of Fame Bowl.

Opinions vary. Records are concrete.

Posted by golfballs03 on July 6, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer is terrible. That's why I could care less about his loyalty. Who else would take him?

Posted by TommyJack on July 6, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BOJ: My response was crystal clear. Glad I could help.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 6, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RJ,

You bring a tear to my eye. If you wrote that on the 4th brother... well, I just might not contain myself.

Posted by jcvet on July 6, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A one yr. extension for going 8-4? They almost hung Bill Battle for going 8-3 in 73. My how our standards have gone down hill.

Posted by Navalorange on July 6, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many times can the KNS beat one horse to death? Sayers and naysayers aside, we will find out soon if CPF has more championships left in him. We'll have a good idea how this season is going to go after the Auburn game. The debate is interesting and entertaining, but i'm ready to see the rubber hit the road.

UT, UGA, and UF have plenty of returning talent. The question is who gets the most out of it. I believe we have the playmakers. The difference for us will be whether or not Fulmer can re-install two things in our guys, VOL PRIDE, and INTENSITY!

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 6, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer doesn't have the talent of some other schools like Wake Forest. If Fulmer had the kind of talent that Grobe has he would line up the trophy case with Sears-Kmart trophys.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on July 6, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ,
To answer your original "point", my view is not skewed at all. This may be difficult for you to follow, but I used his own brand of logic to illustrate the absurdity of his reasoning. It's called irony, you should look into it.

BOJ

Posted by GatorRuss on July 6, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is GREAT news!!

Gator Nation would like to thank CPF for his continued support of Gator Football.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 6, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jcvet - LOL. Were you not one of the ones who paid for a moving van to be sent to Battle's house?

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 6, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer is the greatest coach in the world. He does far more with far less. Look at the facilities and talent level of the team. Now ask yourself would another coach have a chance?

Posted by KingsportVol