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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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Disappointed and saddened, Tennessee’s former players rallied behind coach Phillip Fulmer following his ouster on Monday.
“This is a sad day for the Tennessee family,” former UT quarterback Peyton Manning said in a release. “Nobody loves the University of Tennessee more than coach Fulmer. I will always be indebted to him for the impact he has made on my life and my football career.”
Manning, who played at UT from 1994 to 1997, is widely considered the best player of Fulmer’s tenure and one of the best UT football players of all time.
“I know I speak for hundreds of players when I say it was an honor to have played for him at UT,” the Indianapolis Colts signal-caller said. “I am fortunate to have played four years for one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football.
“His legacy at Tennessee will be that he built men and won championships. He will always be my coach.”
Another former UT quarterback, native Californian Casey Clausen, echoed Manning’s sentiments.
“This is a disappointing day,” said Clausen, who played for UT from 2000 to 2003. “Coming in as a young man from the West coast, coach Fulmer was like a father figure to me, and to a lot of guys coming to Tennessee who weren’t from the South.
“His history and legacy speaks for itself. One thing about coach Fulmer, he was always there for us, on and off the field. He’s a man of strong will and integrity, and he’ll bounce back for whatever the future holds for him.
“But this is a real tough day.”
Former UT safety and sports media analyst Fred White agreed.
“It’s a sad day for UT football,” said White, who played for the Vols from 1995 to 1999. “It’s been a rough season and it’s sad to hear this happen.
“He was my coach. He means a lot to me. He did some things for me in the past that helped me out and helped me grow. It’s always tough when you know the family and know the people.”
Former kicker Fuad Reveiz also knows Fulmer well. A close family friend, Reveiz called the decision to have Fulmer step down “ridiculous” based off his winning percentage (75 percent) and record of no major NCAA sanctions.
“It’s very disheartening to me that 16 or 17 years means absolutely nothing,” said Reveiz, who kicked for UT from 1981 to 1984. “It’s one (bad) year. Winning at all costs is not the thing to do.”
Fulmer was forced to resign on Monday following a 3-6 record in which UT is 1-5 in the SEC.
Reveiz has two sons that play for Fulmer: linebacker Nick Reveiz and walk-on linebacker Shane Reveiz.
“He’s the kind of coach that I want my sons to play for,” the elder Reveiz said. “I have a lot of respect for him beyond winning and losing. That’s what people don’t realize and don’t know.
“They don’t have a clue what all he’s done for these kids to give them a chance in life. That’s why I’m a fan of his. Forget the wins and losses.”
As examples of what not to do, Reveiz cited other major programs that were at a similar crossroad.
Michigan replaced head coach Lloyd Carr with Rich Rodriquez before this season. The Wolverines are 2-7 in 2008 and were 9-4 in Carr’s final season in 2007.
“The people in Michigan wanted a change and they got it,” Reveiz said.
Florida State and Penn State both hit hard times in recent years with longtime head coaches Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno, respectively.
Both schools have had resurgences in 2008. The Seminoles are 6-2. The Nittany Lions are 9-0 and considered national title contenders.
“The same people that were yelling and screaming are now backing off,” Reveiz said.
Former defensive back Chris Treece thought the Vols might be close to contending for a championship under Fulmer.
“I really, truly believe he needed another year to develop those young kids,” Treece said.
Treece, who lettered for UT in 1987, has seen fan pressure change since he played in Neyland Stadium.
“We live in a time where it’s what have you done for me lately?” he said.
Reveiz sees much of the same. And despite Monday’s announcement, he wasn’t blaming UT AD Mike Hamilton.
“I know that he’s being pressed very hard by people that want change,” Reveiz said.
After winning two SEC titles and a national championship under Fulmer, White was shocked by the recent developments.
“It’s tough to see losses, period, anytime,” White said. “(But) I didn’t think it was ever going to get to this point, ever.”
“I just hope that this is the right move and not a move into mediocrity.”
“Who is the right fit here at Tennessee? It’s really a tough call. I’d like you to bring in somebody who knows something about Tennessee football and can get it done.”
Reveiz wasn’t ready to look forward. He was still lamenting Fulmer’s loss.
“I know what he’s put in this program,” Reveiz said. “I know how much it means to him. I just hope everybody realizes what he has done for this program.”
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Comments » 68
Phowell23 writes:
It's not just ONE bad year. No SEC Championship in 10 years and getting blown out by your biggest rivals recently. If not this year then when? We had to change the direction of this now. There are a lot of great coaches out there available this year. If we didn't do it this year we could miss out on some great opportunities.
Jed writes:
It is one sad day for Tennessee.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
I have no doubt that Fulmer did a lot for his players; however, the ones interviewed in this article aren't the guys who've had to endure the frusrations over the past several seasons.
I believe Coach Fulmer is a good coach but, somewhere along the line, he lost his edge and never recovered it. He took UT to the highest of highs and, now, the lowest of lows.
He'll bounce back, in time. Firing a guy is always easier said than done because it's more than just him (also his family, friends and players), but I believe it was the right thing to do.
Coach Fulmer was given every opportunity to right this ship and it just hasn't happened.
shane6#638715 writes:
hiresanders...you're a jackazz.... I bet you've been punched in the mouth on many occasions.
jimr07 writes:
you are a classless jerk.
HartfordCTvol writes:
I love Fulmer's recruiting ability but remember the nineties. He was always outcoached by Spurrier and now we have four or five Spurriers in the conference. It's that simple.
forkball writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BGVOL writes:
This is truely a sad day for Tennessee fans TRUE Tennessee fans!!!!! Not the morons who kept bashing Coach Fulmer on this site all season long. Anyone who says that this is a good thing needs to think about how much of a Tennessee fan they really are.. Tennessee football is a way of life and Tennessee has been his life for 35 years!!! Oh by the way to all of the morons who wanted this keep the hell out of Neyland when we play Kentucky cause you all dont appreciate Coach Fulmer and he needs the fans who really do appreciate him.
OrangeOz writes:
Are you guys South Carolina fans? You sound like very bad Spurrier impressions. Very bad ones. It's over. Give it a break.
You "fans" are a waste of space in the stadium... but wait, you sold your tix to bama fans, and probably at face value or less.
Have I been disappointed? Of course. But I can tell from my time at UT a fan from a "fan". You're not fans. Cut my arm, you see ORANGE, cut Phil's arm, you see ORANGE, cut your arm, you smell METHANE, CUZ THAT'S WHAT YOUR'RE FULL OF.
Pick a new team, I'm not sharing mine with you anymore.
flstf writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
dfletche writes:
hiresanders: my mother always said, don't fight with pigs. you get dirty and the pig enjoys it. hiresanders is a pig.
much like bowden and paterno, hamilton should have stuck with phillip. ut is bigger than the near term pressure being exerted.
LargeOrange writes:
What a pathetic piece of classless phooey you are hiresanders. Being first on a blog is probably as close as you have ever been to winning something in life. You got want you wanted, and you still have to resort to the 5th grade doughnut comments. I guess you know more than Payton, Fred and Fuad. It is a sad day for any true Vol, whether you think it was time for a change or not, shouldn't matter, it was a sad day. Your lack of respect for our tradition and for a man, win or lose, who truly "gave his all for Tennessee" is disgusting.
volguy10 writes:
its easy too blame one guy for the downfall of the VOLS!!the truth is phil is and always will be the BEST MAN FOR THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!YOU HAVE TO BE A VOL THROUGH THICK AND THIN !!!!!! IF NOT YOU CAN LEAVE NOW!!!AS ALWAYS GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!
Triton1 writes:
Come out from behind that keyboard and I'll be more than happy to make you cry like a baby, you classless jackazz.
govols22231 writes:
wow your a real piece of s**t. Thats all you can think of, you mist have a sucky life if al you can remember is the bad things.
volguy10 writes:
YEA TRUE FANS ARE HARD TO FIND THIS IS TRULY A SAD DAY!!!
OMike writes:
Just because some think it was time, me included does not make them bad or not a good fan. Of course former players are going to stick up for him and I am glad to see it. I will always be a Fulmer fan, but think it was time for a change. I will be cheering for Fulmer Saturday as always. I guess I don't get it - I don't think Fulmer was blindsided or done unjustly - he walks with millions and many fans. When you make 2.5 mill expectations are going to be high. BG VOL I spent 6.5 years at different times at UT and I am a true fan. Please someone explain the logic to me that you are not a true fan because you thought it was time for a new coach. Something with substance, not just emotional ranting. I must admit I did leave the Alabama game early to avoid a fight with a UT fan yelling F this F that every play - did not want my kids see me get thrown in jail.
mgdchvol writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
jhncpps1 writes:
I agree...I've never know another coach at Tennessee...Coach Fulmer has been the face of UT football for my entire life and we owe him this respect he deserves...yes this season has been frustrating...but its only one year...and we were only a few executed plays away from being 6-3 and a chance to win every one of those games...In 1998 we were one play in 6 different games away from being 6-5 in the regular season. The pass interference call at Syracuse...Grants int against Florida...the goal line stand at Auburn...the kickoff return against alabama...the stumble and fumble against arkansas...And then we had the martin to price followed by the fumble followed by martin to wilson to go from being down and out against State in the SEC title game to winning that and the Martin to Price in the title game...if those plays had gone the other way...we would not be honoring that team this year...Fulmer is still the man and i hope that he remains a part of the UT program for years to come
tnvolfan30 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
MANVOL writes:
Everyone is saying that was one of the saddest press conferences they have ever witnessed and it was but what did everyone expect. I knew this was going to be difficult for everyone. The Former players, are mad cursing the media and the fans stating we "what have you done for me lately crowd" is the reason Fulmer was fired. No players who were just going through the motions are the ones to blame. If the former players were so upset with the way Fulmer was being treated in the media and on talk shows then why didn't the former players go to the problem which is the current players and spout vulgar language to them as they did toward the fans today. Will Overstreet was asked "what are your opionon of what has occurred?" He stated you can't repeat it on the air." Did overstreet ever go curse at the current players? Maybe if the former players cared enough for their coach they whould have been over there before and after practice letting them know they need to shape up or they going to get their coach fired. Then Ramon Foster made the comment after the press conference "that i had know idea it would come to this." Where the hell has he been for four years. He is a senior and he had know idea that things were not going right for his coach. Before the former and current players blame the fans for this day they may want to look in the mirror Because Fulmer being fired was a team effort.
Volalumnus writes:
Too much me or Fulmer first in this article
doctorvol#211700 writes:
Amen LargeOrange. Phillip told me back in '94 that he wanted to do the right thing and make everyone proud to be associated with UT. He understood the way former students and fans thought. He also took considerable pride in bringing kids along from poor backgrounds and helping them become productive citizens. Not always successful, but always cared and tried. I know this was inevitable, and I would like to think it could have been handled better. I am confident that we will end up with someone who will be better suited to coaching in these times and accruing more Ws. I am also acknowledging that we have NO chance of getting a coach who loves UT more and cares more about the kids. Today, I am sad. I feel obligated to attend the UK game to thank Coach for the great memories of the last decade and a half. Many more Ws and better representation of UT that when I was in school, '78-'82.
volsfaninkpt writes:
He will be missed, whether you like him or not, Coach Fulmer will be missed dearly!!! Here are just a couple of things he brings to the table.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUTM7v...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h83qsJ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enGjEL...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqcSk7...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_lKiZ...
LargeOrange writes:
OMike - It doesn't make you a non or bad Vol fan to believe it is time for a change, I just can't stand the childish and disrespectful "fat Phil, doughnut, fritter etc." comments about one of our own. No Gator, Vandy or BAMA fan could get away with that on our boards, why should it be ok for someone to do that just because they claim to be a Vol fan? Wrong is wrong and it is why I haven't read but very few posts this year, I just got tired of it. I have however been to 6 games this year so far including UCLA and I will be there again Saturday. I will also support whom ever the University decides is going to run this program after CPF. I just think it is time for some of these classless jerks to shut up at least for for one day, if they can't show a little respect.
tnvolfan30 writes:
I apologize tnvols, I was directing my distaste for hiresanders. lol
posivol writes:
sorry guys.i lost alot of respect for the university today.
this win at all cost i get every weekend on sundays.
these kids come to tennessee to play for free and grow into responsible adults.
heard it from former players over and over what they learned from coach has carried over into their lives.
just keep in mind,most of these kids will not be future nfl players.the lessons they learn at school will follow them thru out their lives.
what lessons will our future coach be passing on to these kids,highest dollar recieves my services?
sad :(
west_tn_volfan writes:
I would agree. I know coach Fulmer loves UT and he is a good man but he's being paid to win football games and thats just not happening. I wish him the best, he had a great run but every coach comes to the end of the road sooner or later and he has been well compensated for the work he's done. It's time to give him a great farewell and move on to hopefully bigger and better things for UT football.
99gator writes:
the other thing that's killing me (in regards to....we shouldn't have fired fulmer because he was a great mentor)
all coaches, have an effect on the players as men. most all of them are trying to steer them in the right direction.
fulmer is no different than most other coaches in the sport.
he had players get kicked out of school for academic reasons. he had players kicked out of school for extracurricular activities. he had players be the first in the their family to graduate from college. he had players get arrested. he has had players become teachers, lawyers, doctors, police officers, etc, etc, etc. he had players get suspended for violation of team rules and miss the game against west palooka state and then miraculously have the suspension lifted right before the game against a good opponent. he cared about all of them. he tried to do the best he could with all of them.
believe it or not, that is true of most coaches. and that will be true of tennessee's next coach.
chestnutglade writes:
in response to hiresanders:
Hey, look I was first. The T on the helmet stands for Terrible. Fulmer crying on television like a baby, what an embarassment he continues to be. On and off the field. If he had kept his face in the playbook instead of a Krispy Kreme box, he might still have a job.
I wish you could love someone other than yourself that way you would understand why he was crying.No I am not a Fulmer fan but YOU are the embarassment of all VOLS fans.If you feel that way why don't you cheer for someone else?PLEASE DO.
west_tn_volfan writes:
You don't own the team or decide who's a real fan you clueless twit. You really should take a close look at yourself because it sounds like you are more Fulmer fan than UT fan. You also act like he's being sent to prison. I don't think he'll be standing in any soup lines with a 6 million dollar buyout. The University of Tennessee has made him a very wealthy man and no other school in the SEC would let a coach stay with Fulmers record. Maybe your the one who shouldn't come to Neyland anymore. Just go hang out with your dillusional friends and watch replays of games from the '90's the rest of us are moving on.
TRUEVOL35 writes:
I have read all I could stand so I had to defend coach. You guys do not understand what it takes to coach football or the work that goes into it. What that man had done for players,coaches and fans is only rivaled by the General himself. The traditions,new and old he adhears to it what Tennessee Football is all about. The pain he is feeling I felt with him as I watched him resign. 11-6 vs Alabama. I remember saying IF WE COULD JUST BEAT THEM! HE DONE THAT. 150-51 he deserved a chance to fix this. I am sick about losing this year and any other time we have lost, but what he has done may never be done again. Who is going to take the pride in our school he has. Sure you can spend alot of money and get a new coach but will he understand or care about our program. Or will he just be hear for the money. NO ONE TAKES CARE OF HOME LIKE A HOME BOY. Think about that! Do you think that if Saban has trouble at bama it would hurt him to leave...nope. He would take the money owed him and run..and never look back. Do we want someone like that. Coach has brought some great memories to me and my family. There have been down times, I have questioned losses and tactics but for the most part he is what TENNESSEE FOOTBALL is about. You remember this day because when the next guy comes in and makes changes will they be for the good? Will we regret this day? Could we be headed for a bad 10 years before we find the right guy? Could this cost Hamilton his job...hire the wrong guy and we are worse off. These hot coaches everyone is talking about...... I......I am just sick. Thanks coach Phil you will be missed. GO VOLS!
99gator writes:
how am i badmouthing fulmer here?
he is a good man. he did everything in his power for his players and for tennessee. but, all great things must come to an end. and recently, it has not been great.
and where is it in urban meyer's job description that he has to prepare people for the nfl.
i have not called fulmer names. i have not made any jokes regarding his appearance.
you just made statements about urban meyer. a man who you've never met, don't know, and don't know anything about other than what you may say on television.
OMike writes:
Agree, Hope we get a good man and coach. See ya early morning tom. Mike
leedsvol2007 writes:
I don't have a problem with fans that have expressed their displeasure with Fulmer on a rational level.
I disagree with those who wanted to see him fired and think the game has passed him by but if they argue rationally that is not a problem.
Its very interesting though you mention that it is only natural the players will stand behind their coach.
Since the day Fulmer was hired as the full time coach until this morning he was consistently called a back stabber because of the forced resignation of Johnny Majors.
Correct me if I am wrong but I do not remember a single player at Tennessee publicly speaking out in Majors behalf and that includes players he had previously coached.
In my opinion Fulmer has taken out program to heights it had not attained since Neyland's best days.
And with a little patience and a few more lineman like Chad Clifton,Trey Teague, Spencer Riley, Scott Wells and Will Offenheusle he could have gotten us there.
Saban has done a great job at Alabama this year but he has a Birmingham(Huffman) product Andre Smith at left tackle who was recruited by Shula and a wide receiver from Daphne, Alabama considered, a quarterback from Hoover, Al and numerous other players that came right out his backyard.
They are running what amounts to the 60's Alabama offense the Split "T".
So if Alabama is running an "outdated" offense and winning with it how can the offense we have run at Tennessee be out of date?
The problem is personnel and it will only be corrected by better recruiting which we have evidence is occuring or by maturity in the case of Nick Stephens and some of our younger offensive linemen whatever offense if run.
The problem right now is we are stuck between trains. We can't get some of our better talent on the field due to lineman learning their game and current players are good enough to play well only when supported by above average quarterbacking like we had with Ainge last year.
In my opinion whoever coaches next year we will see improvement.
Those who wanted Fulmer gone have won the day. Lets hope they are right because if they are not we could slip to the level we were at from 1975 through 1988. Which with the exception of 83, 85 & 87 saw no conference championships, one 11 win seasons, two 9 win seasons, one SEC championship, 10 seasons of 7 wins or less, and 3 losing seasons.
Fulmer had a huge role in making us what we have been since 1989 and has gotten little respect for it.
The critics have had their day hopefully they will be proven right.
GoVols!
Colliervol writes:
Doubtful. He'd have to venture out of his momma's basement to have that happen.
Suggest the KNS permanently remove him.
Colliervol writes:
"YOU are the embarassment of all VOLS fans."
I would agree with that about hiresanders IF he was a Vol fan. It is obvious he never has been.
dfreeman writes:
I am sick at what I am reading. Fulmer is gone and yet the classless idiots are still on here name calling him! The man that gave 30 something years of his life to our beloved Vols! The man that brought us a NC! The man that would still outreach to the very idiots calling him names and thank them for being the fans they are! Those same idiot "fans" by the way that would kiss his butt when he did so! Please for the love of God leave the man in peace! He just had to walk away (forced) from his only passion in life, the one thing he loved and part of the one thing he loved can't show him the respect he deserves! Classless people!
DennisVols writes:
It is a sad day for UT. As much as change is a necessary componet in life and I truly believe that Fulmer needs a change as much as UT needed to make one.
You can not take away all that coach Fulmer has accomplished during his time at UT.
Most of us will never be as successful in our chosen field as coach Fulmer has been nor will we have the opportunity to live a dream and impact so many in a positive way.
Fulmer was not just a coach he was a great representitive of our university.
Spokesperson for the Jason foundation which is trying to end the epidmic of teenage suicide in this country. Wroking in our community with other groups with under privildged youth.
*Selection as National and SEC coach of the year in 1998.
*The first Tennessee team to post 13 victories in a single season, a record in 1998 that included an SEC championship and Tostitos Fiesta Bowl win for the national title.
*Back-to-back SEC titles in 1997-98 and five Eastern Division crowns in the last 10 years. The Vols have won or tied for the division title seven times under Fulmer.
*A record of 45-5 from 1995-98, the most victories over a four-year span in school history.
*Six seasons finishing in the top 10 nationally and 13 seasons ranked in the top 25.
*Seventeen Tennessee players have earned first-team All-America honors, including offensive tackle Arron Sears and wide receiver Robert Meachem in 2006 and placekicker Daniel Lincoln in 2007.
*Sixteen first-round NFL selections since 1993 and a total of 90 players selected overall. The team's five first-day 2007 NFL Draft picks were the most of any school and UT has led the SEC with the most players on opening-day NFL rosters each of the last two seasons.
*Fifteen bowl games have welcomed the Vols, including 12 January bowl invitations.
*In two of the last three seasons, Tennessee football has led the SEC in Academic Honor Roll recipients.
Unlike some coaches, Meyer and the visor thrower, that we see today Fulmer won with class. You never saw him trying to run up a score on a team he had beat in the final min.s.
It is sad that coach Fulmer could not go out on a winning note, but in a few years we will only remember the good he has done at our great university.
The shoes that the next coach will have to fill are big. He will not only have to produce a winner on the field but also be a person of great character off the field. He will need to build champions of players and of character in the men intrusted to him. The bar is set high because of coach Fulmers success and we will accept nothing less from the person hired to fill his shoes.
GoodOleRockyFlop writes:
What a fitting end for a man who came in and ursurped the position while the usurpee was recuperating from open heart surgery.
99gator writes:
55vol
you know nothing about urban meyer, so stop.
by the way, you are basically saying (whether you believe it or not) that meyer has to scrap his entire coaching strategy (the spread offense) because it does not prepare people properly for the nfl.
therefore, every coach running a sread offense is guilty.
meyer's players are going to get drafted (and a lot have been already). some will become good pro's, some won't.
by the way, most of the successful pro's steve spurrier produced.....play defense. last i checked....florida qb's and rb's did not set the nfl world on fire with the lone exception of fred taylor. florida has wr busts galore from the spurrier era. florida produced more quality pro offensive lineman under spurrier than any of the skill positions.
OMike writes:
Great points Leeds, I hope we get a good man and coach. I obviously was one that thought a change was needed. I do not pretend to know all if little, just appears a lot of the players don't show the fire and excitement you used to see, even during better times. Maybe my view isn't warranted, but this is the feeling I get from observing the team over the last few years. I have no idea of the HA's and hours involved to be a HC at this level, but expectations must follow such ludicrous amounts of money and buy out clauses. I think Fulmer may get more respect than you think, it's just that negativity is always heard louder. Wrong or right I think Fulmer was treated justly today - walks with six and was asked to stay on in some capacity. (Probably a handsome salary with that offer also). Probably not as well thought out as your comment. liked your read. To be honest what I desire most is the rah-rah atmosphere with good morale people attending the games. Nothing against a good tailgate, but losing my taste for the atmosphere due to adults who can't handle two beers and act like there eighteen again. Poor judgement on the University charging extra for the students this year. Sorry for the rant. Omike
BGVOL writes:
Let me ask you this Omike??Are you from the Knoxville area did you grow up there?? Did you play ball in the Knoxville area?? Were you a boy wearing a UT backpack all thru school thinking about how cool it would be to go to UT and play ball?? Did you go to a school that had 3 of your team mates go on to UT?? 6.5 half years could never match up to a life time growing up a UT fan in that area yes I dont live in Kingston any more but I never miss a game on Tv nor when I go back home dont leave a game even if we are losing. If I had kids and some one was cussing Id probably just move seats or go tell an usher. And do you think the money is really important to the Coach??? He has more than enough money Im sure and if he didnt it wouldnt be hard for him to get a job. He has a true love for this team and this school and it embarassing to see fans act like this. Im embarassed for anyone who thinks this is a good thing and you should really look into yourself and ask are you really a loyal fan?? Logic huh you seriously just dont get what it is to be from that area and what it is to be a TRUE FAN!!
hooverd283#563729 writes:
55VOL Man don't waste your time...hiresander(sissy),golfnut(sissy) and jwright13(sissy) are 3 big ole pus___s! They probably wear t shirts that say" REAL MEN TALK BAD ON THE WEB FROM MAMA'S BED".
faithfulvol writes:
Former players comments.....that is all Phil Fulmer and his family need to tune into. That is the facts not ignorant fan based opinions.
It is a sad day!
Go Vols.....Go Phil
OrangeOz writes:
You know, you've done your best here to pick a fight. but it won't work. Maybe from my name you think i've got some kind of alter set up to Phil... but i don't. I actually believe this may be the time for a change. I've been pretty disappointed the past few years... The name I chose... AsOrangeAsPhil... is just because of the respect I have for him as a fellow alum with love for my University.
The only thing you've done for 30+ years is be an idiot...
Phil Fulmer has come every morning to a school that he loves and tried to make it better. Successful or not. I'm proud to be alum of the same place.
If he has passed that love for UT to his players, staff, students, fans. We can't measure that for repayment. It's these people who continue to throw personal insults at him even after he's given in to their pressure that really make me angry.
He said this evening that he considers millions of Vol fans like family... I believe him. I've never heard of him treating any other Vol with the disrespect he's been given by some.
I don't believe I have the power to decide who a fan is. I don't believe I own the team. And frankly, I think you're a bit of a moron for saying it. My point was to get them to take a look at themselves and move on. But it was too much for you.
I am a Vol, I am a Vol fan, Phil is my coach, he's a Vol, he's a fan and if he considers me family, I consider him the same. But that's how I roll.
There's nothing better than being in a remote corner of the world and spotting a Power T and having instant family. If you don't feel that way... you're not the same kind of fan as me. Sorry...
It's great to be a Tennessee Vol...
OMike writes:
BGVOL, Yes, yes, yes etc. Thats 6.5 yrs as a student at UT and yes I got my masters, it did not take me 6.5 to get my Bachelors. Went back in my late thirties for my masters. Oh yeah cheered for four years from Ft. Bragg after highschool in Tennessee before coming the first time to the University. So according to you I'm just an idiot and not a True fan. Never booed my team or coach, actually I don't boo the other team when they come on the field - just a bunch of kids playing for there school. I did not leave the game because we were losing, I told you why and there were more details I'm not going to bother with. Would I have cheered for Fulmer Sat. if this did not happen, yes. Sorry need to sign off. Oh and by the way how am I acting???? Have a good night BG the sun will rise tom.
DaddyO writes:
Coach Fulmer is a good man - and a good coach. He did a lot for the University - and the University (including us fans) did much for him. I have no doubt that Coach Fulmer will land on his feet at another program with lesser expectations - and he will again enjoy success and will build a football family.
That said, today's decision by the University was the right decision for both the school and the football program. Like most "right" decisions - it wasn't easy to make - and it doesn't come without tears and pain.
I have no doubt that both Coach Fulmer and the University will be better off now that the decision has been made - even if that's not evident to either party today.
thepowert writes:
I hope that everyone is happy now, to get rid of a great coach and man with all of your negativity. This is just not right, our so called fans just suck and karma will come back to haunt you, because you have a couple of bad years. We have a divided fan base because a few so called fans think that we are always better than everybody else. It does take time to get back on top and we as fans of UT should be happy with all we have accomplish so far. We have become a bunch of spoiled brats and if we never get back to a NCAA Championship game, we know who all to thank. So thanks to our called agenda fans for getting rid of the best coach that we have ever had.
BGVOL writes:
Did I ask about your masters personaly I dont care. Yeah you wrote what was going on with the guy in the stands. Did I call you and idiot?? Those are your words. But when you leave games and you make statements of not cheering for your coach you really need to think about if your really a fan Im sorry Tn football is a tradition do you really understand what that means??? Just because you went to school there doenst mean you are a fan..
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