Dave Hooker audio
Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer thanked those who have been supportive during UT’s 2-4 start, including athletic director Mike Hamilton and members of the Board of Trustees.
“Mike has been very supportive,” Fulmer said Wednesday. “We meet every so often, scheduled, to talk about different things and stuff.
“Obviously we’ve got problems that we’re working through,” Fulmer said, speaking of his team, “but he’s (Hamilton has) shown great confidence and … looking forward to the future.”
Fulmer said those talks involved the ongoing plans for a new football practice facility.
“We talked about our new building that we’re raising money to build,” Fulmer said.
Fulmer went on to say that he’s concerned with UT’s rocky start, but that he hopes to turn things around in the final six games, beginning Saturday against Mississippi State.
“There’s concern. I’m not going to sit here and say there’s not,” he said. “There’s concern by everybody who loves Tennessee football or Tennessee athletics about where we are and having an opportunity here to still turn the season around and so on. I just couldn’t have been more pleased, and also with some of the friends that I have that are at the trustee level. Those folks have been really good.
“Contrary to what you might read sometimes.”
Step Back: Center Josh McNeil said he was surprised that Georgia didn’t back a safety out of the running box after Nick Stephens hit receiver Denarius Moore for a 60-yard gain.
“It was a little surprising to see they still had nine in the box on the next drive,” McNeil said. “We have to show that we can consistently pass and really hurt teams with the pass before they’ll back up and respect the pass more than they have been.”
Injury Update: Defensive tackle Walter Fisher (toe) did not practice again, although Fulmer said the senior remains doubtful for Saturday’s game.
On Tuesday, defensive coordinator John Chavis said he was hopeful Fisher would play.
If Fisher, who wore a walking boot, is unable to play Saturday, reserve Victor Thomas and converted defensive end Andre Mathis would likely see more snaps.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Notre Dame beats Tennessee 72-44…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 234
JeepJeep writes:
Hire Bill Cohwer!!!!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
JeepJeep writes:
hahah... typo!!! Cowher!!!
mdvol writes:
Sounds like the beginnings of a resignation speech.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
"McNeil said he was surprised that Georgia didn’t back a safety out of the running box after Stephens hit receiver Denarius Moore for a 60-yard gain. 'It was a little surprising to see they still had nine in the box on the next drive,” McNeil said. “We have to show that we can consistently pass and really hurt teams with the pass before they’ll back up and respect the pass more than they have been.'"
Why is this a suprise? We can't run the ball...and everyone knows it.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Foolmore had to throw in the trustee friends line. Too bad they won't be able to save you at 6-6 or worse. "Best week of practice yet" ROTFLMGDAO!!!!!!! VOF day is coming soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wally writes:
“It was a little surprising to see they still had nine in the box on the next drive,” McNeil said. “We have to show that we can consistently pass and really hurt teams with the pass before they’ll back up and respect the pass more than they have been.”
Somebody please put McNeil in charge of play calling and game planning. Phil's fingerprints are all over "we have to run no matter what." If they keep stacking 8 or so in the box, throw on every down until they back out. otherwise, we'll never be able to run. for some reason, our braintrust doesn't understand that.
Also, it's not just the offense. GA moved the ball inside our 20 on 8 out of their 9 first and meaningful possessions. It's not just the offense, it's the whole ball of wax.
CoverOrange writes:
Regarding McNeil's statement, then why the heck didn't you throw that bomb a few dozen times until they did? Did you think to maybe point it out to them. "Excuse me, Mr. Big Scarey guy dressed in red, did you see what we just did? Hmmm? Would you mind sending out one of your friends back there to check up on our receiver? Hmmm? Give us a wee bit of room over here?
utwick writes:
The people who are the critics are big supporters also, but of the University of Tennessee and not just Coach Fulmer. Some of you are getting sentimental about the "end of an era" if Fulmer steps down. Remember that UT is bigger than a Fulmer, Dickey and even a Neyland. All contributed in their own ways to make it what it is (for good and bad). Don't feel too bad for the coach. Due to the generosity of his employer he has made millions, been wined and dined, and treated like royalty for some of his successes. Few of us will ever experience that. Reassign him to another position in the athletic dept so he is still connected with the program and can use his PR skills to connect with others and provide the link between past and future.
P.S. Turning the program/season around now is not so meaningful when you reach the traditional weaker part of the season (excluding Bama of course). In fact, I wouldn't consider that a turn around at all.
FWBVol writes:
Cowher has no experience coaching the college game. There's no doubt he's a good NFL coach, but having a personel and scouting staff to go out and look at and draft players, but recruiting is another matter.
If we hire a coach with NFL experience that person should also have college experience at least as a coordinator because the two games while similar, are vastly different.
ect1983 writes:
Seriously....please announce you are resigning , Phil. Please. The "Thanks for the Support " is pandering......we are so tired of this. You did yourself fine....stay involved, raise dough (pun intended)for UT.....but no more Thanks....just resign....PLEASE
UTME06 writes:
After reading the account from Hamilton's interview, I think we're set for a new staff at anything less than 8 wins. So, to me, that means the writing is more or less on the wall.
I'll be here b|tch|n if Bama blows us away, or if Miss St gets us this weekend. But remember that having Phil as a friend of UT will be important, and I know that is what most will want in the future. Someone here touched on this yesterday... our expectations are partly so high because of Phil, as he will be happy to remind you, he's won a whole lot more than he's lost.
End the end, he's trying and all the coaches are trying... the chemistry and energy just aren't there anymore. My point is this... I was still in School when Sanders got the boot, and as much as I don't want to admit it, I did briefly take part in some sort of Fire Randy chant (dam you Jack Daniels). For those of you who remember his exit media interview, I felt terrible afterward, because frankly, these guys have more passion for the results than any of us do.
Support the players, they will be who we look to to carry us back up the ladder. Continue to call for change, because we need it baaaaad.
IMHO.
gohawks1 writes:
It kinda has that ring to it, doesn't it?
CrankE writes:
"We meet every so often, scheduled, to talk about different things and stuff."
Like who to start at QB? No joke Mike's been very supportive. I guess you were referring to that 8-4 extension clause in your contract? Yeah, great support.
Glad the trustees are good to you because the rest of the Vol Nation, not to mention the United States, have become convinced that you are a laughingstock. Stay the course big guy, wake me up in another 10 years when you pass Neyland.
ncvol writes:
I thank you Phil for all that you have done and I appreciate the fact that you are a true Tennessee Vol thru and thru. I just want to watch our guys come out of the T and give it all they have for Tennessee. I want to be proud of our team and the coach. That seems to be lacking right now. I ,for one, will continue to cheer on our team and hope you will be able to turn things around for the remaining games this season. I will always give my support to Rocky Top......
Go Vols !
ect1983 writes:
Randy Sanders had a 3.7 GPA in Econ....he was ...and is....a great recruiter (everybody we got out of Louisiana),and a damn good coach. He never got to do what he wanted to do offensively here, and was one of many thrown under the bus (we need a new phrase)by Philbert. I honestly think he would have been our next Coach.....however, we need NEW blood, outside UT....badly.
creepykev#228270 writes:
Phil must not have read the article where Hamilton bascially said fired almost definately later but a good chance fired now as well. Hey, Heyyyyyy goodbye.
leedsvol2007 writes:
Has Cowher ever expressed any interest in Tennessee or returning to coaching?
I don't think he has. And he has as far as I know has absolutely no ties to Tennessee.
Cowher was a great coach but consider that he works on television, made major money for a number of years, and has an NFL pension.
Why would he want to return to coaching at the college level where he would have to recruit and fund-raise year round for less money than he made in the NFL?
I doubt seriously we will ever see him coaching at Tennessee.
tnbigg writes:
---------______________________________
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
“We meet every so often, scheduled, to talk about different things and stuff."
I had a teacher who would KILL someone for using the words "Things and stuff"... the things and stuff are what we would like to know more about!!!
DarthVol writes:
The students at the Helen Keller School for Sports Fanatics says "You're welcome", coach.
DennisVols writes:
OK in one day we see a report from MH saying he is not afraid to make a change in coaching. And no where in the article did I see the word "support".
Now we have a report involving Fulmer stating he is happy with the support he is getting. Notice he did not say excatly who was supporting him. Kind of like the political canid.s running for office read between the lines. Fulmer is trying to keep from losing control of this team. I truly hope he is able to do that. A coaching change is probably in the works and will happen unless this team wins out and may still happen then depending on the type of wins.
I don't want to see what I have seen coming out of Clemson with the players bad mouthing coach Bowden. Top rated recurits de-commiting. Needing a change needs to be done with class and what is happening at Clemson is going to cause a longer time to rebuild. UT needs a smooth transition so that we do not lose what we have but are able to build off it back to the competitive team we should be placing on the field.
fltapout writes:
not yet biggie, not yet. We can still win. I have been orange for so long. I know nothing else.
oldbasshead writes:
Can Fulmer claim that he has turned the year around if he loses to Alabama, but defeats the rest of the remaining schedule? I think not. Traditionally, the rest of the season (Alabama excluded)is the softest part of the schedule. Vandy is having a good year, but there's plenty of time for their annual collapse. Yes UT should win the softest part of their schedule, but they shouldn't have to struggle to do it. We will see if there is any real evidence of a turn around.
Colliervol writes:
Did Phil just say that he got the dreaded "vote of confidence" from Hamilton and the trustees? If so, as everybody knows, that's the beginning of the end. Pretty coincidental that we get this and Hamilton's article within 24 hours.
Sounds like Dandy Don Meredith is warming up in the background: "Turn out the lights, the party's over...."
I just hope they do it in as classy a way as they can because Fulmer deserves it. I'd hate to see it get ugly.
fltapout writes:
UT WILL BEAT ALA D!!! BAMA!
BEAT BAMA!
I sat through too many empty , rainy stadiums, and watched UT lose.
Beat Bama. WE CAN WIN. RUIN THEIR DA!m SEASON. DO IT!
scvols writes:
I think Phillip is going to turn things around and they are going to start Saturday. We should go 5-1 or 4-2 in our next six games. I thought we would go 7-5 or 8-4, but this has been a year of everything going wrong.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
Can some one please tell me why they think Bill Cowher, a successful Super Bowl winning NFL coach that has never coached in college, would waste his time coming to Tennessee?
I love how people seem to think we can just hire who ever we want like its just a matter of extending the offer.
gwvolfan1#234788 writes:
Hire T Martin for QB coach and Peyton for HC
TommyJack writes:
scvols: I believe you are right. I also believe Travis Henry likes trojans.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Pls be reminded that not all understand odd ogg speak.
gwvolfan1#234788 writes:
Better than that Pay Spurrier Saban's salary . That will be the only way he leaves SC and hire Peyton for Offensive Coordinator and T Martin for QB coach
TommyJack writes:
GWVOL.. With all due respect. None of that makes a lick of sense.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Does his bond arrangement allow him to see USC play?
Or is it only if he brings all the kids?
thevoice writes:
Agreed. Much to my disappointment, the presidential debate didn't have time to discuss the turmoil of the UT program tonight. Probably because they both agree in cleaning house on the hill.
eduardo writes:
Word on the street former players are going to place another full page ad this weekend. I don't think this support will save CPF. I think the decision has been made. I have also heard that he is going to announce his resignation the Monday before Alabama game. Retroactive at the end of the season. Something like this would bring fan base together before the Tide comes in. Would be a brilliant idea! Do it coach! Do the right thing!
thevoice writes:
Whatever you're drinking or smoking, I would like some of it. Sure seems like it removes one far away from reality.
cjraney writes:
Nice. Demonte Bolden finally makes a big play. Too bad its in practice on our starting QB.
cjraney writes:
Also, the answer is Will Muschamp. Check him out.
http://muschampforut.wordpress.com/
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
Why don't we go get Bill Bilechik s head coach, Bill Cowher as d coordinator, Mike Leach as off coordinator, Ray Guy as punting coach, and Warren Buffett as "recruiting coach".
darbhoo writes:
“You probably have some guys that complained about it,” defensive end Robert Ayers said of UT’s physical practice on Tuesday, “but I can’t comment on that.”
The guys who complained about the "physical practice" are the same guys that run out of steam and guts during the game.
"Shucks, do we actually have to HIT someone?"
txsvol#372416 writes:
J. A Adande on PTI said that Fulmer has been 'dead man walking' ever since the UCLA loss, which compounds with every additional UCLA & UT loss. What does he know? SAVol
bobbyutvol writes:
I AGREE GREAT PICK
Volalumnus writes:
Sounds like Fulmer is asking for help to me.
I said it before and will say it again.
It is/was the Fulmer supporters that brought him down.
The insistance to not be criticle of Fulmer and what he was doing, years ago and now, gave him a false security and the blindness to not see the need to change some of the things he was doing.
Instead the same wrong things were tolerated and repeated and repeated again until it has gotten to the point of no return.
On this one Fulmer can think his loyalist.
West10VolNHouston writes:
Wow looks like CPF is hoping the traditionally weaker back half of the schedule comes to the rescue again! Can't wait to line up against the league doormats! Oh, thats what everyone else is saying about us!
bobbyutvol writes:
WHAT SUPPORTERS PHIL. I HAVE NOT TALKED TO ANY VOL FAN WHO WANTS YOU TO STAY...
Volalumnus writes:
Fulmer should have done more fighting for his job on the field starting at least 5 years ago. Instead arogance and blindness to reality(thanks to his followers) lead him to his own destruction.
cainclifton23 writes:
Here are the best coaching prospects.
Steve Sarkesian- Southern Cal O-coord
Will Muscham - Texas D coord. former aub D coord
Lane Kiffen - Raiders, and USC
John Gruden - Lives in seveirville < :)
UT_VOLS75 writes:
LOL! Dude your awesome.
dvols writes:
looks like slim pickings
rumor has it there will be a press conference on monday
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