Dave Hooker audio
ATHENS, Ga. — It was beautiful.
Tennessee’s quarterback dropped briskly in the pocket, masterfully executing ball fakes drawing in the Georgia linebackers, and throwing darts to receivers who didn’t drop anything.
And the Vols’ running backs hit holes hard provided by an offensive line that gashed Georgia’s defensive front time and again.
Of course, this didn’t happen Saturday.
I was referring to a 30-27 Tennessee victory over Georgia from 1995 that I saw on ESPN Classic on Friday. Man, it was fun to watch.
Which brings me to the sad state of affairs of Tennessee football after the Vols remained 0-for-the SEC (0-3 in the Eastern Division, 2-4 overall) this season with their 26-14 loss to Georgia here at Sanford Stadium Saturday afternoon.
There was the Vols’ offense that’s a jumbled mess, an attack (and I use that word lightly) that gained one stinkin’ rushing yard. The dead guy from the old comedy “Weekend at Bernie’s” can gain that much by falling over.
There’s a defense, that despite making two interceptions, let Georgia receivers run wide open. Hint for Vols’ defensive guru John Chavis: It might help if your defensive backs started plays lining up closer than 8 yards off receivers.
Then, there’s just the plain lack of discipline. The Vols had four personal foul penalties, three for late hits. Better late than never, huh boys?
So here’s a question for Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton and all the Vols’ deep-pocket boosters. How long does this mess have to go on before you realize that Phillip Fulmer isn’t going to raise this sunken ship from the bottom of the SEC East?
Are Fulmer and his staff worse as coaches than they were at the start of this decade? Probably not. But Tennessee’s recruiting has been on a downhill slide for several years, and it’s showing up big now, especially with the addition in recent years of aggressive recruiters such as Alabama’s Nick Saban and Florida’s Urban Meyer.
You can’t fool the consumer. There are vast amounts of empty seats at the non-conference home games. And check the message boards. Even the fans who like Fulmer personally are almost apologetic when writing they’ve lost faith in him and his program.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the school needs to offer Fulmer his $6 million buyout, but he didn’t sound after Saturday’s game as if quitting is in his vocabulary.
“I told them (his team) that ‘everybody in the world is going to talk about me, about the staff, about themselves and about what kind of backbone we’ve got,’” Fulmer said. “We need to look them in the eye and say, ‘I’m not quitting.’”
Defiant words? I wouldn’t expect anything less from Fulmer. He’s coached relatively well for 16 seasons, and at age 58, he could coach for at least 10 more years.
But it needs to be somewhere else. He needs a fresh start, and so does Tennessee.
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Vanderbilt 65, Tennessee 47, Jan. 24…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
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Comments » 213
Volsfan75 writes:
1st
98memories writes:
Please quit, I'll buy you a dozen donuts.
TNVolsFan writes:
I agree!!!! Tennessee needs a fresh start and I mean an entire fresh start. The entire staff needs to go from offense to defense and Hamilton needs to go also unless he answers the cry of the fans and waves goodbye to Fulmer. It is so easy to see that a change needs to be made, so what is taking so long.... it is time to pull the plug. The only way to win the fans back now is to do the obvious and make a change. For some reason I still do not think Hamilton will do it.
TNVolsFan writes:
Make a change... it's time!!!!!!!
MrBamSeydu writes:
Amen!
anyonebutfulmer writes:
Yes, praise jeebus.
LifeTimeVOL writes:
I admire with Coach Fulmer has accomplished during his long tenure here at UT and have been a long-time supporter of his (even in his more recent unpopular years). However, we are just not performing on the field, and who else can you blame but the coaching staff? He seems to be a nice guy and had his share of success, but I am afraid it might be time for him and his crew to hang out up the headset, and head for the golf cart. I'm sure Phil could develop quite a shot off the "T" in his retirement, and can watch the games from the Skybox he can buy with all that contract buy-out money he will receive.
snowvol writes:
Fulmer needs to go. Chavis needs to go. The entire program has not only sunk to levels no one around Knoxville has seen in decades, it's become a national laughingstock. For those who think that's hot air, do a little honest searching online. The reality isn't pretty. Unfortunately, too many UT fans think it's just those mean and nasty writers from Memphis. It's that outsider, John Adams...why, he's never liked us. Whatever.
Read a little further. Are writers in other regions of the nation also part of The Master Plan Against UT? Are the folks on Fox Sports Radio, ESPN Radio and talk radio in places like New York, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles - are they part of the Bring Down Phillip Fulmer plan, too?
UT Football is a disaster. It's time for sweeping changes. I use to be a huge Fulmer supporter. But I've seen enough. Apparently, so have many others. The patches of empty seats got bigger from UAB to NIU. How many will be in the house for Miss. State? 80,000, tops.
jcherrie#219531 writes:
VolnFlorida - Quit being so beligerent - about 85% of Vol fans think Fulmer should go.
I've supported Phil and I don't want us to go through the revolving coaches door but the end is near. Anyway, the program is a lot worse off than it was when Johnny left.
leepevey writes:
I'm willing to sacrifice and accept any tickets that are going to go unused. I have spent many seconds thinking this over, and I am willing to suffer so one of you won't have to. No offense to any of you intended.
utchris writes:
I personally like Coach Fulmer as a person and am thankful for all that he has done in over 30 years on the Hill. I am however disappointed with the current state of affairs. I have heard some whispers from people that would be considered "the donors with deep pockets" that the money may already be raised to handle the buyout clause contrary to what the writer from the Tennessean said. They also say that there will be no firing, but rather a retiring...to a athletic department position.
DekanGator writes:
It was clear to Jermey Foley, that it was time for Ron Zook to get the Hook. Jermey made the decision just past midway through the season.
It's time for Mike Hamilton to make the same decision to release Phil at the end of the season, and let him leave with dignity, and grace.
The Vol fans will treat him the way he deserves to be treated,
The team will play hard for him and try to make a bowl game for him.
He has done well for your team, If not for Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer Phil may have 10 SEC championships.
tnbigg writes:
Fulmer and Hamilton need to go. Haslam and Thronton have disgraced themselves...
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Well said Dekan,
I have finally shifted my point of view. I would like to see a coaching change. However, I still retain the highest respect for coach Fulmer and hope that he is able to "step down" at the end of the season and receive the thanks that he deserves from the fans instead of belligerent rantings .
FedUpVolFan writes:
Yawn!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Incidently, it sounds like Trooper Taylor is having fun. Also, has anyone ever noticed we almost exactly mirror Michigan in success or lack there-of?
ORANGEAND2 writes:
i have always been "last" to call for the coach's job after a poor start, year whatever -- @ one time coach fulmer had the right people around him & obviously players to be "WINNERS" -- i'm afraid it's very appropriate that in the best interest of the BIG ORANGE & himself -- it's time to go i mean GO! i'm even of the mind he should go ahead and resign NOW -- in mid-season & go ahead and and just let clauson & chavis take over, but i'm sure he'll wait for hamilton to fire him & bascally BAIL him out-- buying up his contract. if resigns, we wouldn't have to BUY his contract right? yea, we need some new ORANGE-BLOOD & maybe, we can even pull off a upset of BAMA-- YEA!! to help with the pain GO VOLS!!
mattnchatt writes:
Watching the ESPN higlights every announcer makes sure to mention we got 1 measley rushing yard. The only way Fulmer goes anywhere is if Hamilton grows a pair and pulls he trigger. I don't care if we have a revolving door at head coach until we find the right person. At least I know we are trying to improve.
AppStVol writes:
We need some new blood in the program. Someone that will come in and shake things up and put to rest this total debacle we have called a football season thus far. Phil im very thankful for the national title in 98, but your time has surpassed you. If you actually care about the program it's time to step down. You carried your .826 winning percentage for quite a while which is impressive. Regardless we need to start looking for the replacement soon, if we wait to long people like Will Muschamp will be lost memories. He's our man in 09. He coached up U of Texas today, not to mention what he did at LSU and Auburn. THE GUYS A F*&%ING ANIMAL AND THATS JUST WHO WE NEED.
madisonvillevol writes:
buzz and jerry might help with the buy-out. like jed use to say piteeeful, just piteeeful.
AlphaVol writes:
Glad to see there's not much name calling of Fulmer in these blogs. Fresh change of pace.
Fulmer's a good guy, he's trying his best and he loves the university.
Still, by season's end he needs to announce his resignation.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Go check Steve Carlton's stats, go check Terry Bradshaw's stats. A lot of people expect perfection from everyone except themselves. The Fulmer haters and boo birds are just wrong. Sorry. Winning is not everything, staying loyal to your team is. Go Vols , win 'em all or lose 'em all, we still love you, and that means you too Coach Fulmer. We wouldn't have anyone else. Fulmer could go anywhere else in the country and garner a winning program. We are lucky to have him, just because he were to be replaced doesn't mean that would automatically transalate into victories. Just look at the likes of Michigan. Carr just wasn't cutting it anymore, Michigan football was going downhill. The fans were not happy, money was being lost. It's a bunch of baloney. If you want change vot e obama. You'll get about as much from him as you will from another coach.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
It is looking more like Trooper should have been the OC instead of Spiderman from Richmond!
cphil writes:
"The Fulmer haters and boo birds are just wrong. Sorry. Winning is not everything, staying loyal to your team is. Go Vols , win 'em all or lose 'em all, we still love you, and that means you too Coach Fulmer. We wouldn't have anyone else."
That's pretty much what some of the crew members of the Titanic said that decided to stay on board with Captain Smith instead of getting in the lifeboats.
vol52 writes:
Fulmers need to demonstrate his love for Tennessee and step down. What ever respect I have for him will be gone if he demands 6 million to go. He has the state of Tennessee football lower than Bill Battle or the Wyatt era. In fact he has taken us back to pre Neyland. Coach do the right thing for the team and University and step down.
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
"I’m not quitting.”
That is what Hillary said.
However, I believe him.
Clawson will be chosen as the sacrificial offering.
gavol writes:
We're not anywhere near perfection. We are talking about poor coaching and poor playing. To build a National Powerhouse of a football team, it takes more heart than Fulmer has in him. If he wants to coach where winning is not important, he can go up the road to Tusculum College. He no longer belongs at UT. No other place in the country would take Fulmer. He is a dinosaur in the coaching ranks. He is through.
ozoney#235138 writes:
Wow....I mean, Wow.....(long pause while contemplating whether this is a serious post, and unfortunately decideing that it is)...Wow
volunteer_cowboy writes:
GO GET Al Borgus
volunteer_cowboy writes:
Tennessee is off to its worst start in 20 years. That’s not good news for Phillip Fulmer. Saturday’s game at Georgia was billed as a “must win” for Fulmer. His Vols fell to the Bulldogs 26-14, are now 2-4 and in danger of having their second losing season in three years. The future for Fulmer does not look good. One more loss probably does the Fat One in. Barring an upset of Alabama and a running of the table, it’s very likely the Vols will have a new coach in 2009.
Early names include Duke Coach David Cutcliffe, Tampa Bay Bucs Coach Jon Gruden, North Carolina Coach Butch Davis, UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel and Wake Forest Coach Jim Grobe.
South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier and Auburn’s Tommy Tuberville are two names that have been tossed around over the past month. Both seem to be extreme long shots at this point. Spurrier seems to have fallen out of favor due to his age, although he is still younger than Bobby Bowden when he won his first national title. Tuberville has his own problems at Auburn. The Vols are trying to escape mediocrity – not make it a permanent situation, which would seem to eliminate Tub.
volsfannsc writes:
Being an admirer of Fulmer for years (and years to come) I have to say that recruiting (or lack there of) has hurt prospects of any future season. Lately the team is not prepared early in the season. Seems as though it takes coach a handful of games to figure out what direction the team needs and what the SEC has in store for him. Bottom line....it's time. In the SEC it's 120% very Saturday or it's nothing. Yesterday I watched offensive lineman stand around and watch the backs get hammered. Stephens has been an improvement, too little too late. Had he started against UCLA he may have been seasoned enough to compete against GA. See ya later Phil!
As for those who are calling for Chavis to leave...you need to take a hard look at the numbers and start believing in them. This defense is for real and their stats back that up. Special teams is a travesty and only God knows what happened to the "O" line. I say bye to Phil but lay off of Chavis, you won't find anyone better to come in and have a defense this stout. If we had followed Cut's rule of 31 pts. per game, we would be leading the SEC east.
chrisforliberty#209518 writes:
I get the feeling especially if Hamilton hasn't even thought about whom to hire as the next head coach, that an eventual search would end badly for UT. Some names being thrown around as possible replacements are recently fired Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin, Cincinnati's Brian Kelly, Missouri's Gary Pinkel, USF's Jim Leavitt, and Boise State's Chris Petersen. Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen is another one.
http://chrisforliberty.blogspot.com/2...
VOLFORLIFE writes:
I, like many others have stated previously, have been a supporter and maybe even an apologist for Coach Fulmer. But I've finally come to the conclusion that he isn't going to be able to turn this thing around. Like most of you have said, I respect Coach Fulmer for the kind of man he is and what he's done for the program. He (or Mike Hamilton) just needs to suck it up and do what's best for the program, and that's to get some new blood and ideas pumped in. I really thought Clawson was going to be the answer, but I obviously was wrong about that, too.
We love you Coach Fulmer, but your time has come and gone.
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
nola_vol writes:
Change coaches? Change to whom? Unless you have a legitimate, do-able now alternative (remember what "change" did for our basketball program all those years between Mears and Pearl) I ain't listening--and would strongly recommend you guys stop pulling your dresses up over your heads in public!
If you want to discuss a coaching change, wouldn't it make sense to start with the offensive line? Remember, that's why Peyton chose UT... he said the Vols always had a good O-line that would protect the QB and make the defense respect the running game. That's the area where improvement would have the most beneficial effect today--but is it coaching or recruiting that's the problem there?
imnotwithphil writes:
We need to fire Hamilton as well... we need to conduct a nation-wide search and hire a credible AD and a credible head football coach.
PS - I agree that we should keep Chavis - he is a really good defensive football coach - and is the main reason Tennessee won the 98 NC.
BigVolOnBoard writes:
If you'll remember, Coach Fulmer gave 1 million dollars to the university recently.
Maybe he'll be good enough about it to take his 6M payoff and give half of it back to the athletic department.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
Real nice, TDTN. Is it okay if we don't make derogatory marks toward you just because we don't agree with you? And is it okay, now that maybe we've come to the same conclusion that brilliant guys like you have had for years, that we don't lower ourselves to name-calling when it comes to Coach Fulmer? Just asking. Want to stick with protocol and all that don't you see.
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
newtonrail writes:
I am a Majors fan, and what goes around comes around. That's old news. Everyone screaming for Fulmer's head and calling for "Deep Pocket Boosters": Do You realize what was $10 Million to buy out coach and staff would be at least $15 Million in this Global Economic Meltdown. Additionally, another $5-7 Million to hire another staff. Do you think Thornton, Lawson, Allan Jones, Haslam,etc. are going to do that?
BigOrangeVol29 writes:
First, what this team has become is truly saddening. Tony Barnhart told John and Jimmy on the radio the other day that the other SEC programs want us to keep Fulmer because they see us as a sleeping giant capable of so much more than we have shown. But, let's be realistic about this Philip Fulmer will not resign and Mike Hamilton will not fire a close friend so we'll be right back here again next season.
shipperman#280095 writes:
I actually could go for hiring Phil as AD. He has done a lot for the University and is a good man in general. The game has just passed him by and he refuses to change.
shipperman#280095 writes:
The other SEC programs want us to keep Fulmer because they know they can beat us
WhitePineVol77 writes:
Best post so far...right on.
OldNumber7 writes:
Go away loser.
graphpro#231211 writes:
Lets take a pole. Who will be thrown under the bus (fired) first.
1. Hamilton will fire Foolmer
2. Foolmer will fire Clawson and blame it all on him
3. Chavis will fire Slade
4. Foolmer will fire both Clawson and Slade
TommyJack writes:
Wow Nick. Must be snowing down there in the jungle.
TommyJack writes:
You just joshing, right?
pms151 writes:
I think that I am going to read the Commercial Appeal exclusively. Finally a guy that tells the truth and admits that he actually reads the posts.
jimr07 writes:
Sadly, I agree. I do not think a change is imminent. I have not watced a Tennessee game since the first half of the 2005 UAB game. Hate to say it because no one loves the Vols more than me.
JayTee writes:
IN RESPONSE TO cphil:
"You wrote winning isn't everthing".
You are wrong it's the only thing especially when you goal is to win the SEC and a possible National Championship. You sound like a Vandy fan. They've hit the meat of their schedule maybe they can make you feel good about losing.
richvol writes:
Slade should have been replaced years ago with a coach that can teach man coverage...if Chavis can't see that then he needs to go as well.
When UT had Georgia backed up on on the goalline and it was 3rd and 6, guess what? The secondary was lined up 15 yards off of the receivers. That 1st down and the ensuing 97 yard drive was the ballgame. I just can't accept that yet it happens over and over...amazing that we are that stupid.
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