Tennessee Stat Book
That has to be it, right?
Tennessee can't bring Phillip Fulmer back now.
Put aside the losses for a moment. Put aside the inept offense. Put aside the decade that has passed without an SEC title. Put aside the utter inability to compete with Nick Saban and Urban Meyer in recruiting or on the field.
Just look at the empty seats in Neyland Stadium. Look at the uncommon number of fans dressed in red.
Look at the man, standing on Phillip Fulmer Way, holding two tickets in the air.
"Where are they?"
"Lower bowl."
"How much?"
"Fifty dollars for the pair."
So that has to be it, right? When $50 can buy two lower bowl tickets to the Alabama game?
Tennessee fans aren't buying Fulmer as the head coach of the Tennessee Vols any longer. After Saturday's emphatic 29-9 loss to Alabama, why would anyone?
This was supposed to be the game that would save Tennessee's season and the head coach's job. It was going to be like the Georgia game last year.
Fulmer might have certain deficiencies, but he would rally his lads for a mighty effort against Alabama.
"We absolutely must play well in this ball game!" said Fulmer.
They absolutely did not play well. They played like a team that badly needs a new football coach.
They played like they played against UCLA, like they played against Florida, like they played against Auburn and Georgia and you know the whole depressing list.
First series: 9 yards.
Second series: -9 yards.
Third series: 4 yards.
Fourth series: 2 yards.
Way to rally around the ball coach, guys.
Or maybe that's not fair. Maybe the players did their very best. Alabama hammered Tennessee Saturday night for the same reason Florida hammered Tennessee earlier in the season. They have more playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Remember Fulmer's quote when Tennessee came in with the No. 36 recruiting class last year?
"I don't concern myself with it," he said.
Alabama had the No. 1 recruiting class. Think Saban concerned himself with it?
For the record, Tennessee finally got a first down with 13:42 left in the second quarter, which sparked the sort of ovation that some crowds reserve for touchdowns.
The Tennessee crowd knows better by now. They've seen how this movie goes. The Vols got a break when Alabama's Javier Arenas unaccountably fielded and fumbled a punt away at the Alabama 5-yard line. If the Tennessee offense could just punch it in, who knows how this one would turn out?
That's what you call a hypothetical question, of course. The Tennessee offense promptly threw it in reverse, losing 9 yards to the 14 to set up a dispiriting field goal.
The Vols wouldn't score again until halfway through the fourth quarter, by which time Alabama led by 26. The seats were mostly empty at that point. A couple Tennessee fans wore bags on their heads.
And, no, there can be no joy in this moment, in watching what has to signal the end of a distinguished coaching career.
Saturday's game was Fulmer's 200th as head coach at Tennessee. He's won 150 and a national championship.
But the national championship was a decade ago. Tennessee has lost its last four games to Florida and Alabama by an average of more than 26 points.
Fulmer said all the right things after the loss, of course. He said he'd get it fixed.
But inside, you knew what he was thinking: That has to be it, right?
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 146
TommyJack writes:
Sounds about right.
GREEKDAWG writes:
Sad that it come to this
pdhuff#552644 writes:
We have bumbling down to a fine art.
I like Dupree's t-shirt -"Tenn Flounders".
Let the shoe drop.
blitzshoot writes:
Fulmer's laughing all the way to the bank. He knew last year this was his last year. He was thinking of himself and a paycheck, not the university. Told his boys to go out and find jobs elsewhere, and they did. Cut Fulmer now and start looking. Give the greedy guy his retirement fund that's he's been holding onto and let him move on.
Don't let the door hit you, Phillip paycheck.
tnbigg writes:
WE ARE A JOKE.
Thank you Coach Fulmer and all his clingon supporters...you wanted to wait and look where we are...THE BIGGEST JOKE IN TENNESSEE FOOTBALL HISTORY.
No longer can anyone with a straight face belittle any former coach...because we are now in the midst of the worst coaching job ever here at Tennessee...
You all were so smart! Raises...contract extensions...
CONGRATULATIONS...the end...
rockitwithrespect writes:
is it just me, or is phil looking a little older and a little more beat down after every loss?
COVolsFan writes:
No this isn’t it. The game wasn’t pretty and this season hasn’t been pretty but a lot of us still stand behind Fulmer. We understand that football is cyclical. We have realistic expectations. And we know Fulmer gives us the best chance and the quickest opportunity to return to the top. We don’t want to go through our share of Ray Goffs, Jim Donnans, Mike Prices, Mike Shulas, Ron Zooks, etc. With that said, let the peanut gallery start with their oh-so typical “Fire Fulmer” junk.
tnbigg writes:
"Put aside the losses for a moment. Put aside the inept offense. Put aside the decade that has passed without an SEC title. Put aside the utter inability to compete with Nick Saban and Urban Meyer in recruiting or on the field."
Tennessee Football: Committment To Excellence!
blitzshoot writes:
and take your offensive line and Briscoe with you.
TommyJack writes:
Has the CPF tv showed aired yet? Did he have any wisdom for us? Inquiring minds want to know.
blitzshoot writes:
Good thing Florida didn't take you advise. I think they have an upside to their decision.
krheavol writes:
I don't think it was Phils coaching ability that won that National Championship in 98! Looking at the talent of that team and how many ended up having successful NFL careers granted some did prison time! I personally think Phil has always been a mediocre coach but in the past an exceptional recruiter, however since the entrance of Urban, Saban, & Richt his recruiting prowless has been negated. If he geniunely cared about the program he would resign so we don't have to buy him out, but I don't see that happening with 6 million on the table.
asleep#212036 writes:
It is somewhat sad for Fulmer but I'm a firm believer that after about 10 years at a program, it just gets harder to win, especially with many of the same assistants. The other coaches learn your tendencies, learn your offensive and defensive sets/plays, and there is always some new, trendy hotshot coach in your conference to steal your recruits. Fulmer's 10th year would have been 2002. Had he quit then, look what his record and legacy would have been! Kenny Rogers said it best: "...know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em..." Unfortunately, coaches never seem to get it. Tuberville is in the same boat and his ice is probably even thinner, if you can imagine. I think this does it and looking at him last night, I think he knows it. Sad. Go VOLS!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
Even if he resigns, he will get a ton of money. Jimmy Sexton, his agent, would have made sure of that. Every resignation of this magnitude is brokered anyway, regardless of the contract. Beyond that, I think Hamilton gave him the raise/extension to ensure that Phil wouldn't fight too hard to stay when the time came. If I were a multi-millionaire his age and things were going south, I'd call Hammy, give him a number to put on a check, pick up the wife on a private jet and head off into the sunset. It's a no-brainer Phil. Go Vols!!!
TommyJack writes:
What is AMAZING is that there are still some CPF acolytes out there. Stupefying.
JacksonvilleVol writes:
I don't care if he gets a lot of money in his buyout. I just don't care anymore. Like a band-aid, it will hurt, but sometimes you have to clean the wound in order to heal up.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
The Clydesdales are nervous and twitching in Swayback this AM.
One news report said a herd of little rodents with white sweaters on rushed by a sheep herder headed toward the coast.
asand211#361548 writes:
You are in the same denial that Fulmer is in. You and he think that because he was once at the top he is still in the game but, unfortunately, the stats say you are wrong. We can't compete any longer and last year's trip to Atlanta was a fluke. If you believe differently you should avoid the Jack Daniels. We might have to go through another coach before the right one comes along but why not get that process started sooner than later? You can stay on the Fulmer train but it is going to be a lonely ride.
ect1983 writes:
I really hope you are kidding.....a mind is a terrible thing to waste.....please resign TODAY Phul Philmer...
douglittle#667249 writes:
Sure hope that my 401 doesn't stay as "cyclical"!
Did I hear the tickets in the 'bowl' area were $50? Hope that stays cyclical.
Give me a break!
I vote for Herman Munster for the next coach and Bart Simpson for AD
shipperman#280095 writes:
The Ole ball coach is licking his chops for Saturday to get here
jobrando#216494 writes:
Fulmer Mr Excuses on his show this morning. If the officials had only been on our side. If colquit had not got drunk and missed the first five games. Ironic the old ball coach may get to nail the final one his tenure this next weekend. Let's all hope Spurrier gets this done.
johnrus1 writes:
It started going down hill when John Ward retired. Phil take Bob with you.
grogpaw#362163 writes:
After 2005 I was calling for Coach Fulmer's termination. At that time I felt as though he had accomplished everything he could and that his system was outdated. Even with that, I continued supporting the Vols. But now I've decided to quit going to the games, to quit buying Tennessee merchandise and I've decide that I'm not going to renew my season tickets as long as Fulmer remains as the coach. I don't hate Coach Fulmer nor do I hate Mike Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton has a difficult decision to make. If the boosters want to retain Fulmer and Mr. Hamilton fires him, then he faces the good chance of losing the donations used to pay the next coaching staff. In reality, the only real chance of Hamilton replacing Fulmer is with the backing of the major contributors to the program. In conclusion since I only make small donations to the program, I have no input what-so-ever to the program. But I do know that even as musch as I love the Vols, unless Coach Fulmer is replaced I will stop any future involvement with the program. I'm just too old to care anymore. By the way, hate blogs on either side of this issue only show immaturity. Calling each other names does nothing but belittle yourself.
Mr_Brownstone writes:
If a storied program like the Cowboys can cut ties with a coach that gave them 2 Superbowl victories and 5 appearances, then surely we can cut ties with Fulmer. Bring in some fresh blood and reawaken this program.
HoustonVol writes:
I am not the fire fulmer camp. For all of the new hire - instant success stories, there are hundreds of lets can the comfortable old shoe and get the new hot coach that flames out success story. The reason the recruiting was so lack luster was because it was hard to recruit against all of the negativity surround the program. There is a group of very vocal fans that will not be happy until Fulmer is drove out of Neyland. It was the same situation in Arkansas, and look what has happened there. The same as Michigan, that program appears to be on the right track now. They called for Joe Pa's head for years, and he is on the verge of playing for yet another national title barring a choke job. Fulmer is in the middle of building a great recruiting class, top five. The program is not far from competing. I wonder why it seems this year that every time we get a momentum building offensive play that there is some phantom penalty undoing it? It was that way against UGA, and especially against Bama. Our Defense is great this year, but when our offense cannot gain more than 9 yards in a series, they are going to wear out. There is only so much that they can do. I have hope that we can pull out the rest of the season. There should not be any games that the SEC/Powers to Be wants to make sure that UT does not win. If we run Phil out of town, we will purge ourselves into a decade of being average or worse. I look forward to laughing at everyone when that happens.
OIFvol writes:
I agree on both accounts!
shipperman#280095 writes:
WE ARE ALREADY IN A DECADE OF BEING AVERAGE OR WORSE. CHANGE NEEDS TO HAPPEN
shipperman#280095 writes:
And Fulmer is NO Joe Pa
coltvol33 writes:
Phillip????????????????? Is this you????????????If so, I can understand the post. If not, then if we are are from the peanut gallery, you must be from the fruitcake cupboard. The record speakes for itself. It is time to go. Period
murrayvol writes:
The "Decade of Dominance" memory is fading fast. No joy in this for me.....at all.
murrayvol writes:
I'll be awaiting response as well. Can't fathom why Channel 2 Nashville doesn't feed the show into border areas of KY.
GREEKDAWG writes:
So what did those recruits think of a booing, empty stadium ?
murrayvol writes:
Let's see Bush is at 20 and change and Congress is in single digits.......Fulmer's surely got more support (of the Vol fan base) than that....right?.....worng?
MrBamSeydu writes:
Amen.
murrayvol writes:
Thanks for the rundown. Did he mention why Stephens didn't realign or audible when Bama showed blitz on the 3rd down prior to 1st field goal??
bdub77 writes:
Phil please setp down and let us celebrate your contributions to the university the rest of this season. Then we can get on to finding our new coach. Love ya but the time has come to move on.
gatornkazoo writes:
Is it official? THE university of Tennessee IS Vanderbilt!
TommyJack writes:
Thanks for the report, Hatchie. Agree with your thoughts, too.
DennisVols writes:
It hurt watching an offense start at the 5 yard line with 1st down and go backwards instead of forward. It was more than a set of downs it was the story of a whole season for these UT Vols. The season started with much promise just like that series of downs and has continued to go backwards just to get a small portion of the points they could have obtained.
It is time for a change. Not because Fulmer is a bad coach. His record and accomplishments at UT will forever be a great part of UT history. It is time for a change because that fire has been put out, not just in the team but in the coach’s heart. Gimmicks on offense will not win you games or produce championships. This team lacks more than fundamentals, execution, and technique. It lacks leadership, heart, and desire to be better on any given Saturday at any given stadium. Losing to your biggest rivalries is bad enough, but no longer being competitive in those games is a deal breaker.
I won’t pretend to know who the best replacement would be for Fulmer. It is a process that needs careful examination and consideration. Change does not need to happen for the sake of change but rather for the sake of a proud and tradition filled program. We do not need the decade of hiring and firing that other schools have gone through due to not taking the time to find the right coach that not only knows the game and how to produce winners but has the character and intestinal fortitude of a champion.
rubbervol writes:
Well hear this---try being a volunteer living in Bama.
We are catching hell down here but at least we are not Crimson Turds!!!
Volunteers forever!
tennisvol writes:
Good article and spoke the facts. The rest is up to Hamilton and the big donors. I think the fans have let their wishes be known.
tnbigg writes:
Although it wasn't shown online...The News Sentinel had a picture of two "bag head" fans. Priceless! The "bag head" movement will grow by leaps and bounds after last nights bebacle...great job Phulmer! I'm wondering if the situation is still "almost laughable" at Tennessee? Anyone know?
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/n...
Check the National media...it's not only "almost laughable"...it's a bloody riot...
mtnsvol44 writes:
Hey Phil, how about putting some 1st team members,who are lazy/dumb/bumbling fools, azzes on the bench and at least let the new guys get experience.
Yes, what a huge embarrassment when you have 3 tries from the FIVE YARD LINE and lose 19 yards. Hello, any high school offense could get 7 points from thaer!!!!
"The Tennessee crowd knows better by now. They've seen how this movie goes. The Vols got a break when Alabama's Javier Arenas unaccountably fielded and fumbled a punt away at the Alabama 5-yard line. If the Tennessee offense could just punch it in, who knows how this one would turn out"
hilltopper writes:
Time to walk off into the sunset CF when you let Trooper Taylor go it showed you no longer had an idea of how to keep what you needed. Thanks coach Chavis you have done a pretty good job at times and you will find another job and do well if the team has an offense that is not so offensive. Coach Clawson, sorry we took you away from the mighty Richmond Spdiers hopefully you can get another head coaching job at a D2 or D3 or NAIA school. Tennessee Tech will be looking for someone because it is clear that Watson Brown no longer cares about coaching so you wouldnt have to move far. CF I hope that you like to play golf cause you are going to have plenty of time for it Good job for the first 13 years. There is no fire in the gut anymore or recruiting ability that once was there.
asleep#212036 writes:
I gave up my tickets too. I live in Alabama (god help me!) and it's just too far and too expensive to go and watch the carnage in person. I just had a feeling before the season that we would flop and thankfully I didn't pony up several thousand dollars to confirm it in person. I love my Vols, don't get me wrong, and I'm as sick about this season as anyone, but I won't pay that kind of money to watch that kind of performance. We are at the point where at the beginning of the year, we are not even a scary game for the elite teams in our conference. In fact, we actually hurt Alabama's BCS strength of schedule score - so... take that 'Bama! This isn't change for change's sake - it's needed and needed now.
Let's give Phil a $6 million dollar hug and send him on his way. Go Vols!!!
stormblast writes:
The players have failed Fulmer and this coaching staff...
But...Fulmer and this coaching staff have failed these players too.
This has been a reoccurring theme for 7 years. This is just the coup de grace though. This is final culmination of what we all know. The coaching has been subpar. The players have been subpar. The program - subpar.
To the fans, boosters, UT supporters, Fulmer bashers, Fulmer supporters...I say this to you all:
Is this what you want to see now and for the future? Is this a program you want to spend money on? The gas to get to the game, tickets, beverages, food, programs? Season ticket holders - donations, then ticket prices? Is it worth it?
I'm not saying to stop supporting the Vols. I will never, myself, stop wearing the orange. But...is a program like this, at this time, worth doing all of those things I mentioned above?
givehim6 writes:
I had a funny dream, I dreamt UT had Dave Cutclift as head coach, Troup Tayler for OC, and Al Wilson for DC.
Pullingguard writes:
No doubt there will be a change and it would probably be best if Fulmer would resign now effective at the end of season giving Hamilton time to find a replacement in effort to salvage the recruting class... Fulmer just may become bull headed unless he gets everything he wants, entitled and more for he know his coaching days are over and its time to be a country farmer. How this is handled in next couple of weeks will tell all of us important information about how much harmony there is within the powers to be at UT/// Clemson and Bowden probably did it about good as could be done...
clj828#379078 writes:
I think Fulmer has done some great things at UT, but his time has passed. Our coaches are not getting the job of training, preparing and disciplining these kids done. Since 2005, were are 15-15 in SEC play and 4-12 against the upper tier SEC. That is abyssmal! If a company exec did his job with that degree of mediocrity, he would be fired. The same should be done here. I feel sorry for the kids who are trying hard. They deserve better than this, and I don't mean just W's and L's!
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