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Coach Fulmer takes questions from the media following his announcement that 2008 will be his last season as head coach for the Tennessee Volunteers. Watch »
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Ramon Foster and Eric Berry react to Coach Fulmer's announcement Monday that he will be stepping down at the end of the season. Watch »
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If you’re looking for a great opportunity and a great challenge, call Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton. He has a job for you.
The pay is high. So are the expectations.
Coach Phillip Fulmer met those expectations for a long time. He won two SEC titles and a national championship in the late 1990s. He won a high percentage of his games.
But he didn’t keep up with the competition. That’s why UT and Hamilton had no choice but to make a coaching change.
UT hasn’t won an SEC championship since 1998. It has lost 19 games in the last four seasons. It has lost six of nine games so far this season and was barely competitive against Florida, Georgia, Alabama and even South Carolina.
When Fulmer was at the top of his game, he could beat everyone in the SEC but Florida and coach Steve Spurrier. He beat Georgia routinely and changed the course of the Alabama-UT series in the Vols’ favor.
As tough as the SEC was then, it’s even tougher now.
Mark Richt, not Ray Goff, is the coach at Georgia. Nick Saban, not somebody named “Mike,” is the coach at Alabama. Spurrier, not Sparky Woods or Brad Scott, is the coach at South Carolina. And Florida has gone from one great coach in Spurrier to another one in Urban Meyer.
Those are just the guys UT has to face on a yearly basis. LSU, which floundered for most of the last decade, has won two national titles in the last six seasons — first under Saban and then last year under Les Miles. Although Auburn is struggling now, it went unbeaten just four years ago and has won six consecutive games against Alabama.
Kentucky and Vanderbilt have improved. Arkansas will improve under Bobby Petrino, who is in his first year as head coach.
That’s what UT’s next head coach will be up against. But as mountainous as that challenge might appear, it shouldn’t obscure the opportunity.
UT’s football program has state-of-the art facilities and a budget that would make a third-world country proud. It has a stadium that turns recruits heads — straight up. It’s a traditional program with passionate fans. And a recruit has to spend only one weekend here to appreciate that.
Recruiting is what Fulmer did best. Recruiting is also what creates the most concern among fans, who realize Tennessee can’t compete with Florida, Georgia or even Alabama when it comes to an in-state recruiting base.
But Fulmer isn’t the only coach who can recruit nationally to UT. Bruce Pearl is doing it in basketball, and that sport can’t match the tradition of UT football.
Fulmer took UT football to a national title, but he didn’t raise it from the dead. The Vols were 38-9-2 in the last four seasons under Johnny Majors, Fulmer’s predecessor.
Recruiting nationally isn’t enough when you’re competing against the likes of Saban and Meyer. Getting the players is half the battle. You have to develop them, too, and that’s where UT has fallen short too often.
UT can’t hope to make the media splash that Alabama did in hiring Saban. And there’s no obvious super coach lurking off the BCS path as Meyer was when Florida sought to save itself from Ron Zook. Remember, Notre Dame wanted Meyer, too.
UT can still find the right guy. It just might have to look harder.
My advice: Don’t limit the search to offense or defense, young or old, North or South, college or pro.
The candidate doesn’t have to be from UT or the SEC. But he needs to understand them both.
It’s a huge challenge. And a great opportunity.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Notre Dame beats Tennessee 72-44…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 91
CT_VOL writes:
If the players are so mad, they can show us by demolishing their opponents in the remaining games. Now that would be a statement.
Frank
Volumni writes:
First. Kiffins plural
imw8n4u writes:
We better act fast - you can bet the coaches in Florida and Alabama, and everywhere else, are already calling on our commitments.
dshawn13#224876 writes:
No Kiffin, what has he ever done. I can recruit at USC
indianacurly writes:
dshawn, i'm leaning toward your position there - don't understand how being OC with the talent they have there is such a 'proving ground'.
vol4good#206163 writes:
Too Bad a guy has to get fired before the players decide to play the next game with passion. Had that been the case from the get go, Fullmer would be recieving his extension right about now.
indianacurly writes:
the h.s. in your name stands for ...
john#208876 writes:
Adams, you're still a jacka**,
Now that the deed is done, I have even more respect for Coach Fulmer. You know he didn't want to let it go, but he did his best to unite the UT family despite what is transpiring.
It's a sign of the times; We'll never see the likes of a Joe Pa, Bear Bryant or Bobby Bowden; coaches having long tenures at a single school. Too many things have changed, 85 scholarship limits, more talented players to go around, magnified media scrutiny, fan internet feedback, and most of all BIG $$$. The Saban types, mercenaries, who come in take ten or fifteen million try to get the big diamond ring and hit the road in 4 or 5 years, will be the norm. They'll do whatever it takes for that kind of money. If they cheat who cares, not them; the money and a sail boat will be waiting in the Caymans. The big loosers? The schools (on probation), the players, and yes, us the fans (who can no longer afford a ticket).
Thanks Coach; thanks for the memories, thanks for caring, thanks for trying to do it the right way, thanks for giving back. God speed, we know it's not the way you wanted it to end but you had a great run, and so did the Univ. of Tennessee under your watch. For all of that, we will forever be grateful. GO VOLS
VOLuptuous writes:
Classy....just classy....get a life dirtbag
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Adams is right. UT has no need to hurry and find a head coach. We have the history, facilities, finances and fans to find the right guy. To panic and pick a coach out of emotion would be foolish and detrimental in the long-haul.
Best of luck to you, Coach Fulmer.
shane6#638715 writes:
Dear Mrs. Adams...what qualifies you to give advice to anyone associated with UT? Your a two bit writer who just like the rest of the liberal media in America, only focuses on the negative. Back in my day the word was punk... don't know the correct hip-hop name they use now-a-days but I bet it's colorful.
garyfmtn writes:
I know there is great rejoicing in the Adams household tonight.....Congrats John, you got EXACTLY what you wanted....Hope you sleep well tonight...Never did I think that a hack like you would get the best of the University of Tennessee football program, but you did....Congrats....Maybe its time to take your act elsewhere, me thinks you have worn out your welcome in Knoxville
mun4life#454315 writes:
HIRESANDERS, you're an a-hole.
flstf writes:
You really don't know jack about UT football do ya? Check ole Johnny's record out. It don't even come close. I'll even help ya out with a link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_M...
Volfan1 writes:
And all you coaching candidates, you will also have to deal with the ultimate jerk, Tuscaloosa John Adams, destroying your program & fan support with his poison pen.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
Yeah Adams had everything to do with this. 3-6 this year and a declining trend, eh, that was just in the wash of Adams and KNS's vendetta against Fulmer.
shane6#638715 writes:
Hey Adams did you pizz your pants when the players were pointing you out? Did you feel the snub when Coach didn't mention your name as a reporter he would take questions from? Feared, you are correct, Adams had nothing to do with the way the boys play or the way Coach called the game. The 1st Admendment gives him the right to print what he wants.... but this classless deeb made it personal way too many times. I'm suprised he had the stones to show up today...don't know if his are that big or he's just that ignorant. Either way the man lives without honor.
jjfjvol writes:
Coach Fulmer does deserve class and dignity. That is how he has represented the University of Tennessee for thirty years. Maybe the first step for the University to show him their respect would be to give him a job as the athletic director. I am sure that Mr. Hamilton would move out of the way and prove that he has character also (HA! HA!). The next way for the Sentinel to show their appreciation would be to send Mr. Adams back to Louisiana and let him write about something that he really cares about. Oh, I forgot he just accomplished something that he really cares about, Coach is gone. Some may say it was time, some will not. Regardless of your opinion, we should all be thankful for the great memories coach Fulmer has given to us. I will miss his character and leadership for the University of Tennessee. If he does continue to coach, I will pull for him as well as the Volunteers.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
He's paid to get readers to read the paper. Look at the advertisements. Just because he writes for the KNS doesn't mean he writes softball fluff for you to feel warm and fuzzy about.
Newspapers are business. More eyes more demographic, more market, more money.
Put the math together genius.
volky writes:
My prediction? UT will get turned down like a cheap bedspread by its top choices. Then desperation will set in and Hamilton will end up making a knee-jerk hire. Tradition & history is not enough to lure either established or up-and coming coaches to Knoxville. Get used to 5-7 Vol fans.
bigtimevol writes:
Majors had us in and out of probation... he was a great vol...but so is Fulmer
rusty_shackleford writes:
If tuscaloosa john doesn't win a Pulitzer within two years, he should be gone. He's had plenty of years at a top notch (described very loosely) newspaper without the prize, which is inexcusable.
A change is needed at the top of the KNS and we deserve better than just "state's best writer." Whoopee-doo. You beat out three other guys and a ton of part-time writers from county weeklies. You da man (he typed with sacrasm dripping from his fingertips).
dlns#209394 writes:
If Coach Fulmer had reached a point of knowing that something had to be done, then it had to be done. But lets not forget that a coaching change does not equal immediate success (see Zook, Callahan, Rodriguez, et al). Mike Hamilton has a great opportunity on his hands, but also a huge chance for a colossal failure. Tennessee was in a good, not great, place with Majors and Fulmer took the program to new heights. The current players are not unsalvageable, they may be better than they were at the end of the Major's era, but the reality is the program is probably in for atleast another year or two of mediocrity. We as a fan base need to realize and embrace that fact or the new coach's tenure will be a failure before it even begins.
bigtimevol writes:
Shane6...agree...Adams, too bad no one ever coached you up. Fan the damn flames and pour gasoline on the flames, then stand back and try and write a neutral article after the fact. Just say what you feel...that you're glad he's gone.
ole_smokey writes:
Mr. Adams -- Your next. You're much more deserving of the unemployment line that Coach Fulmer. He has class -- and you don't!!!
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
You guys are a joke.
When you all understand the main goal of newspapers in this new media age get back to me. Just know you all are feeding in. Click a couple more times. Get those analytics up on Adams columns. End game is this the more times you come to this page the richer the ad space becomes and the more valuable Adams becomes.
Again, you all are a joke and obviously do not understand economics when it comes to advertising.
shane6#638715 writes:
I'll put the math together you dip shite... Let's see if you can follow along. Real slow now... Is it ok to sell your soul to the devil just to sell papers? The media has done the same thing in Iraq. Do you ever hear the good with the bad? 99.9% of it is just the bad. You keep buying those papers and reading that trash. Or better yet set back and defend the trash as "its his right". I should've known better after you personally attacked me when I gave you no reason. My first thoughts were mindless, gutless, and without honor. You may be good at math my friend but take an English lesson and look those words up.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
You keep on commenting and seeing that Metro Pulse advertisment at the top of the page.
Coming here is no different than reading and buying papers.
You think the papers covers over head by selling 75 cent papers. Get a clue.
You guys keep feeding the beast you hate, while I keep laughing.
tngilmer writes:
I agree wholeheartedly with you. I believe in Karma and it just bit Fulmer in the backside. Now we need to go hire a real coach like Chris Petersen and forget this Fulmer minidrama and he can spend his $125,000 a MONTH!!! for the next four years.
rootin4volz writes:
John Adams...No, you didn't get Coach Fulmer fired, as I heard you claim on the radio earlier today, but you must admit that you have a huge influence on public opinion. That article that you wrote last year and touted all over the radio in Alabama was the beginning of a negative landslide of public opinion against Coach Fulmer and the Tennessee football program. In the future, watch how you wield that pen of yours...it truly is mightier than the sword. Besides, yours is an opinion just like anybody else's...and we all know what those smell like. Yours just smells worse than everybody else's. My advice to you: easy with that pen big boy.
shane6#638715 writes:
And maybe, just maybe, if enough people come on here and express their displeasure with JA someone might realize that the reputation of the paper is bigger than one man. Kind of has the ring of the theme for the day, doesn't it?
jcrewvol writes:
with great power, comes great responsibility. - spiderman
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
You're making this so easy.
When Adams quits producing readers (see: wins) and the KNS starts losing money (see: fans not in seats) and he shows over time he can't get the readers back (see: declining trend) that is when he will be done in Knoxville.
Do you catch my drift?
Pullingguard writes:
Have said it before will say it again.... Fulmer took Vol football to a height that will never be reached again. UT is destined to be at best an 8 win team of the future. No BCS, No National Championships... People will learn that Fulmer had the respect of players and families that brought UT some very outstanding players, just look in the Pro Ranks. Now this year has been bad... Said it before, life will never be the same with the staff and players being brought on by Florida, Georgia, Alabama and LSU.. Oh sure, the pressure was on to make the change, and they did, but we will all be remembering the era of Phil Fulmer.
shane6#638715 writes:
I see your point friend. I don't agree with your method but I see your point.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
Honestly, I feel your emotion. I don't agree with everything Adams says, but you have to step back and say what it the main goal.
Tennessee football= Wins
KNS= Readers, Demogrphic, Bigger Market for Ads.
You put a dent in either of those to the entity then heads are going to roll.
I'm sorry if I offened you. Emotions are high right now. I'm truely sorry.
shane6#638715 writes:
Everyone vote tomorrow...no matter who it's for get out and vote. Goodnight and I hope the sun is orange when I wake up tomorrow. Go Vols.
Volalumnus writes:
If you do it and there is no one there to write about it, then did it happen?
bobjones_ut_fan writes:
This is a sad day for UT football. Fulmer was second only to Neyland in what he did for UT Football. All of those who want the past of Majors, you can have it. For someone who lived it, no thanks. Majors' last 4 years were only good because he promoted Fulmer to Offensive Coordinator. How do you call that a mistake?
I don't know what went down to get Fulmer promoted, I do know that Majors was an arrogant man who loved UT Football, ALMOST as much as he loved himself, and came back too soon from surgery instead of recovering properly. You want to talk mediocrity, talk Majors, you want to talk about a coach second only to Neyland, then that name is Fulmer. Was it time for Fulmer to go, probably. However, let's be honest about the past. Majors did great things for this University, but he was also down right embarrassing. Fulmer hasn't come close to similar embarrassment. NO team owned Fulmer the way we were owned by Bama under Majors, not even Florida.
All that being said, it's time for a change, but let's at least be honest about Majors' years as a coach. Was he good yes, as good as Fulmer, not a chance...
FWBVol writes:
Mike Hamilton did have a choice about the coaching change. He didn't have to force Phillip Fulmer out.
He might have looked at the fact that the defense is playing well, and the offense only had one coach returning from last year's staff.
He could have taken a glance to the north and seen that Papa Joe has turned things around after a down cycle at Penn State, or to the South and see an improved FSU team this year. The sad thing is neither of those coaches are alumni of their current employers, but our coach Phillip Fulmer is.
For all those who have been hoping for this day, just be careful what you wished for. Wade Houston, Kevin O'Neill, Jerry Green, Buzz Peterson before Bruce Pearl.
Hamilton could have gotten away with a bad hire in basketball and been givein a pass. There will be no such pass with the hire of the next football coach. If Hamilton blows it, the next member of the Tennessee athletic family looking for a new job will be the AD, and Hamilton won't have the luxury of a $5-6 million buyout.
bigtimevol writes:
Anyone think a 25 year old bottle of Scotch got opened in the Majors house hold today?
tvol71 writes:
Where is the next Neyland?
junder13 writes:
You guys are saps! Driveling over a coach who has led our school to embarrasing lows! Keep feelin' sorry for him and his $6MM payout while we risk having our first-ever 8-loss season!
Now, with that said, I respect Fulmer as a person too. I don't care for him as UT's head coach because of the decline in our program but I respect and like him as a person. But to put him AHEAD of the program because of his integrity is the wrong attitude. Buzz Peterson was a great guy and very likable too, but he wasn't the man for the job.
As a side, just because we are going to have a new head coach next year, doesn't mean we'll get someone with less integrity! Nor does it mean we'll get someone who'll stay a couple years and move on. This is UT football for heaven's sake! We are the #9 highest winning percentage football team in all of college football (even after this debacle of a season)! Only Alabama has a higher winning percentage in the SEC. But the rest have been catching up quickly b/c the powers that be, and some of you driveling, crying, pitiful fans want to put a man above the program just because he won a National Championship 10 freakin' years ago. Well, if one NC can give a person immunity as a head coach, I say take it back! I want to be proud to be a UT alum in the fall again! I want to be a topic in pregame discussions again. I want to have something to come home to in the fall and pregame with friends again! I want to argue with friends from other schools (like UF) about who's gonna win each year again! I want what we should always have! Why? Cuz we're Tennessee and, as John Adams pointed out correctly, we have that capability. We have the tradition, the facilities, the fan support, the talent, and everything else you need. We just need the coaching staff now. A staff that's ahead of the curve, that's leading the change in football. Not someone trying to catch up (or in Fulmer's case, never really changing at all).
So quit crying like its the end of all good possibilities and start supporting UT FOOTBALL, not just one single individual! Buncha saps who are Fulmer fans above UT fans!
And, for the record, who cares whether the coach has ties with UT already! Whoever he'll be, he'll have ties immediately upon accepting the role. Give us new blood with fresh ideas!
jack_2222#231746 writes:
When these sportswriters say stuff like "there's a certain sameness to these press conferences", it shows how little they understand Tennessee football.
FlaVol2 writes:
I hope you nay sayers, and you, John Adams are happy. When things go down hill next it will be because of you. I think that this is a real travesty that has happened to a fine man and a great coach. Great success elsewhere Coach Fulmer. You did not deserve this ending. Signed FlaVol2: A supporting fan and alumnus.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
3-6. Declining trend.
John Adams writes articles.
Get a clue.
stayingorange writes:
Have you ever been to Tuscaloosa, Columbia or Athens? Or Norman, Chapel Hill or freaking Lubbock?
Scores writes:
Adams, you wouldn't make a good pimple on Phillip Fulmer's rear end. Didn't want to see him go, but if everybody is looking for a fresh start, how about you get out of Knoxville so the next coach won't have to put up with trash like you.
MassVol writes:
I could understand defending John Adams if he just wrote articles in a newspaper. But JA went on a crusade this past year. He was on a mission to write as many negative articles about Coach Fulmer as permitted..... while hiding behind his desk. The sheer cowardice is enough to make you throw up. I can respect different opinions, just not ones that have a hidden agenda. His articles weren't meant to be informative, or even to express an opinion. His articles main purposes were undermine Coach Fulmer.
John Adams: a sorry, gutless, coward..... with an agenda. KNS should be proud.
OrangePower11 writes:
Regardless of one's opinion on Fulmer, anyone who's heart was not breaking watching that press conference is not a VOL, can't be, no way, no how.
That man LOVES THIS UNIVERSITY MORE THAN ANY OF US COULD BEGIN TO COMPREHEND. I thank him for making us a national power, remember, in order to have fallen from the top, you must first reach it. He did.
Having said that, change is necessary, if for no other reason than perception. We need to change the way we are viewed from abroad.
Thanks for the ride Coach, you've done your family and the VOLS proud!!!!
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