By and by, hard times come a knockin’ at the door. So the song goes.
This is true in life, for us average folks: for you, Joe the Fan, and for me, Joe the Sportswriter. It’s true for Donald Trump or Madonna.
It inevitably applies to college football programs as well.
No school is immune. The only variable is the degree of difficulty. Sometimes it’s a blown engine that can be overhauled. Sometimes it’s a head-on collision with a dump truck.
Listen to any coach long enough and you’ll hear him say it’s not the adversity that counts. It’s how you deal with it.
Tennessee is up to its shoulder pads in hard times. As Halloween 2008 approaches, trick is a 25-to-1 favorite over treat.
From 1989 until somewhere in the 2000s, the Vols had it good. No, make that great. But it was bound to happen. It happens everywhere.
Depending on your loyalty to coach Phillip Fulmer, you can debate when the decline became alarming: 2002? 2005? A 29-9 loss to Alabama on Saturday night?
The current state of the program wouldn’t have seemed possible in the late ’90s.
But look around at the landscape.
When Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer were rolling up wins and trophies at Oklahoma all those years, Sooner fans couldn’t have envisioned the program sinking to 23-33 from 1994-98.
When Tom Osborne stepped down at Nebraska in 1997, the Cornhuskers seemed invincible. They haven’t been, though, not for a decade.
Southern Cal was a national powerhouse for years. But for most of the 1980s and ’90s, the Trojans were mediocre. It took hiring Pete Carroll in 2001 to restore the glory.
Notre Dame’s luster faded unthinkably as Gerry Faust, Bob Davie and Ty Willingham all failed to win 60 percent of their games. The jury is out on Charlie Weis.
Texas, with its unmatched resources, sank into a confounding slump from 1986-97. Penn State had four losing seasons in five years between 2000-2004.
Sizzling Florida State cooled off to 22-17 from 2005-07. Mighty Miami is 16-16 in its past 32 games.
Ohio State has kept the wheels on better than most. But when John Cooper went 14-10 in 1999-2000 — after going 43-7 the previous four seasons — he was gone. (A 2-10-1 record against Michigan was a mitigating circumstance.)
As for Michigan, the Wolverines have come closest to being bullet-proof. Currently 2-6, they’re likely bound for their first losing season since 1967.
Standards are higher nowhere than the SEC. Going 23-15 got Ron Zook fired after three years at Florida. His successor, Urban Meyer, is 37-9.
When Vince Dooley stepped down at Georgia in 1988, the Bulldogs waned for more than a decade before hiring Mark Richt.
LSU struggled for the better part of two decades before Nick Saban restored order. Now he’s famously doing the same at Alabama, which had been in a funk since Gene Stallings retired in 1996.
Put in perspective, Tennessee’s fall hasn’t been as hard or as prolonged as a lot of other marquee programs.
At least not yet. How UT handles its adversity will determine whether the Vols are in a mere slump, a recession or headed for a full-blown depression.
Virtually all of the proud programs mentioned above addressed their hard times in like manner. They changed coaches.
Often, they didn’t get it right the first time and changed again. For every Meyer or Carroll there’s been a Ray Goff or a Curly Hallman.
Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden are two notable exceptions who had the clout to survive a downturn. Both are icons, apparently with coach-for-life status.
In 16 years, mostly very good years, Fulmer hasn’t attained that kind of immortality.
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strangem@knoxnews.com.
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Vanderbilt 65, Tennessee 47, Jan. 24…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 104
ect1983 writes:
Please.......the product is a reflection of the coach...and athletic director....BORING. We are sick of it........HAMILTON.....MESSAGE>>>>>>>URGENT.......WE ARE CIRCLING THE DRAIN AND THE LAUGHINGSTOCK OF THE COUNTRY>>>>>Make Philbert resign...or make it ugly......
olozbal#646632 writes:
It's not the stats that makes me say we need a change. It's the look on the players faces when they laugh at these coaches. I've seen it now in every single game, no respect, a bunch of thugs with no passion. They've lost it, they've lost their team, and the only way to get it back is wipe it clean and start over.
There are exceptions I see out there, the obvious one is Erik Berry of course and a few others. You wouldn't see Berry smiling after screwing up like Briscoe did Saturday night.
We need to "do a Rich Rodriguez". Spend a ton of cash getting rid of Fulmer and hiring a name coach that gets recruits excited, gut the program, take our lumps for a few years, and climb back out of it. We won't pull a Nick Sabin and be good in year but we'll see the light at the end of the tunnel.
vol4good#206163 writes:
One thing that sticks out about last night is the scene on the Alabame Sidelines when an Alabama player got beat on a pass play, Satan was chewing his tail out, and he was winning 23 to 3 at the time. On TN's Sideline, directly following a roughing the passer penalty , Fullmer is clapping, like it's o.k. dont worry. Phil has lost this team and its really time to try something different
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
We are all excited to see a change but in reality do you really want to go 10 years of 5-5 seasons through 2 coaches?
I am ready to jump out the window over the internal conflict I have.
gwh1947 writes:
A UT grad from many years ago, I live in Big Ten territory now and I remember a few years ago Penn State fans calling for Joe Pa's head. They said much about him then as what is being said about Fullmer now, including his offensive scheme as being too predictable, his being out recruited by other Big Ten schools, including Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Illinois. Fullmer needs to look at his coaching staff and his recruiting network. I praise him for suspending his punter for a DUI. Southern Cal suspended one of their key defender one game for the same offense. These are young "student" athletes first and foremost who need discipline. That is what prized coaches do. Having a team of prisoners, cellmates, etc. is more embarassing than a losing record. Frankly, I rather see rankings tossed out the window and teams play for pride and trips to their conference's major bowl games (SEC and Sugar). I hope the NCAA addresses the issue of grades and graduation ratios relating these to the number of scholarships that can be offered. Graduating 18 percent of your players is more embarrassing than a losing record. These student atheletes are being paid upward to $20,000 a year in free tuition, room, board and text books. Freshmen should not be allowed to play in a game during their freshmen year, and upon completion of their sophomore year their GPA should be reviewed and if it is not 2.0 or above, they must be held off the field for one year to bring their grades up. If they do, they continue to play for two more years. If not, they are dismissed from the team. If after their eligible years of playing (three) and they do not have sufficient grades to graduate, the student is given one more year to complete their schooling. That's up to six years of paid education for three years of playing. This would be a win-win situation for the institution and the student as, hopefully, the graduation rate would come closer to 100 percent than 0 percent.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Good job Mike. We can all use some perspective right now.
rabidvol1998 writes:
SURVEY
What is your favorite era of TN football that you have witnessed and who was the coach?
I say Fulmer and the Decade of Dominance (90's)
steve22043#233791 writes:
Agree with olozbal's comment above. Yes, a number of major programs have gone through years in slumps, but there's been a problem with attitude that I think first became evident with Kelly Washington and, I forget the other guys name, and it goes on and on from there. I was patient when other people started calling for Fulmer's head three years ago, thinking look at his "body of work" and don't make a decision after just a couple of poor seasons, but enough is enough. And think about it--how can a coach who can't keep his own body in shape hope to inspire young athletes--look at who the successful ones are--Saban, Richt, Carrol, Myer, . . .it's embarrassing to have a coach who's a fat slob. If Hamilton doesn't get rid of him once the season's over, then Hamilton needs to be fired.
steve22043#233791 writes:
BTW, I think Fulmer, the Maryland caoch, and the Kansas coach should have a pie eating contest when the seasons over. Should draw a good TV crowd and they can donate the money to charity. The rest of us will look forward to basketball season
Alwaysthinknnextyear writes:
Fulmers ego is too big for him to turn things around. He cannot adjust to the changes in College ball. He still wants to play smash mouth ball. He can't understand why you can't block eight in the box with six players. He can't understand that linebackers run 4.4s. So he keeps saying my way or the highway. He goes and hires "his" guy. "His" guy installs an offense that is 80% bunch formations. No spreading the field here at the power T says the big guy. My way or the highway. So here we go down the toilet. My way or the highway. Hey Hamilton how about the highway for the big guy.
MidTennVol writes:
gwh1947, before you went off the edge of the paper with your rant, you made a good point about Paterno.
For those of us who have argued that the game seems to have passed Coach Fulmer by, we also point no further than Joe Paterno and Penn State -- currently in the hunt for another national championship.
How can Paterno, at age 82, field a competitive team at his age and Fulmer, 58, can't?
Is it recruiting? Coaching? Staff? Discipline? Practice habits? Something else?
Has Paterno kept up with the game, adapting in the 21st century, and Fulmer hasn't?
Yes, just a few short years ago, they were calling for his head at Penn State. But he turned it around. How? My guess is that he changed his approach to the game and adapted.
I just can't see Coach Fulmer doing that. He's probably still arguing "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
And I would put good money on the suspicion that he brought Clawson in to run Fulmer's own offense -- not turn Clawson loose with his own ideas.
I will be enraged beyond measure if Fulmer throws Clawson under the bus, a la Randy Sanders, to again save his own skin. From what I've seen, Clawson deserves to be on the list as Fulmer's replacement.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Paterno is indeed a curiosity. I was embarrassed for Penn State as they didn't have the fuzzy's to fire him a few years ago (and they shouldn't, have. He deserves to leave on his own terms.)
I personally, with deep regret, feel that Fulmer needs to step aside for some young blood. More importantly, I hope that Fulmer completely proves me wrong and goes "Paterno" on all of us who have withdrawn support.
I believe any "true" vol fan would agree with that. Any other opinion to me just communicates blind hatred towards CPF.
mpm80#1357758 writes:
WAKE UP !!! YOU MUST LIVE IN A FANTASY WORLD
mpm80#1357758 writes:
the other guys name ? was it james banks you were thinking of ?
wkjq#213863 writes:
I feel your pain, 1 minute I'm ready for change, the next I'm thinking maybe Phil can do it. We're in a tough spot, to say the least. Some think it's simple, with all these lists etc. Fact is, we don't know if we can get Peterson, Davis, Cower, or any of the others that have been mentioned. It's just a tough situation.
tennisvol writes:
A team that improves is usually the mark of a good coach. A team that doesn't on the other hand, is usually the mark of poor coaching. Look at the UCLA game film and the Alabama game. It is obvious that this team is getting worse on offense. Lack of discipline all the way through this season on offense. Unnecessary penalties time after time. No improving in the QB situation and the offense is probably the worst in the SEC. Time for some changes in the UT program, Hamilton.
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
Pat Head Summitt: not happy with the girls last week so she had them do an additional 6:00 A.M. practice the next morning to see "who really wanted to play at Tennessee."
Coach Phil: the boys had a tough week so let's give 'em a day off.
Pat Head Summitt: sits atop her perch with those steely eyes. Suddenly a player missteps and she swoops down with great haste and clutches that players shoulders in her razor sharp talons, shakes her violently, gets her attention, and let's her know she ain't happy.
Coach Phil: attaboy, we'll get 'em next time. clap, clap.
Coach Summitt: Past national championships? That's ancient history. The next game is what you better be concerned about and we better win it, or else.
Coach Phil: We are only 768 fumbles/interceptions/bad calls away from being the greatest football team of all time.
I could go on and on but the point is clear. Yes, I am comparing ladies basketball (and I use "ladies" on purpose because they are a classy bunch too) with men's football (being generous when I use "men's") but I believe the type of coaching philosphy espoused by the legendary Coach Summitt is just what the football team needs.
By the way, Kelly Washington's self proclaimed nickname, "The Future," has been eeriely prophetic.
99gator writes:
a few things
1. joe pa is not really coaching penn state anymore. penn state has come back to prominence because he let other people (and chose them well) take over most of the control of the program. the cost has been the discipline problems at penn state which never occurred when joe pa was truly running the show. the same is also true at florida state. their turnaround is due to two things. new assistants who know what they are doing and an absolutely horrible league that they play in. but, bobby bowden doesn't run that show anymore either.
2. those two coaches are in their 80's. if tenn is dependent on assistants to carry the program while fulmer still is not 60 years old, then why the heck is he the head football coach?
3. the awww shucks, the sec is tough, attitude needs to take a hike real quick. to quote from the godfather....."this is the business we have chosen". florida, georgia, alabama, lsu, auburn, etc, etc, etc.....play in the same tough league. find a way to win, because no one is going to feel sorry for you when you lose. i don't think the people supporting the university of tennessee should settle for "it's ok to lose to florida, alabama, and georgia because they are really good teams garbage". why can't tenn be a really good team too?
4. if tenn loses another game this season......fulmer will have two seasons in the last four that were worse than any season ron zook had at florida.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
I would say 2010 through 2019 and our new coach restoring respect to Tennessee Football.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
And Paterno and Bowden have won how many NC's lately?
JoePa is the coach (not coaching) equivalent to Larry Munson
in broadcasting. Time comes to end all things, except for faith.
GerryOP writes:
DenmarkVol on October 27, 2008 3:33 a.m.:
"I will be enraged beyond measure if Fulmer throws Clawson under the bus, a la Randy Sanders, to again save his own skin. From what I've seen, Clawson deserves to be on the list as Fulmer's replacement."
Amen Brother, amen.
Volgrad777 writes:
Joe Pa is a little different story. Hes a bit more of a legacy than Phil. Secondly , college athletes are going to make mistakes , the whole sit out freshman year phooey will never work. This situation and debate are as good as over. Rivals word is Fulmer is resinging at years end , or will be give the option to retire , or canned. According to Rivals and an inside booster we are in negotiations with Lane Kiffin already , basically because hes already available and the Admin. feels like he can hold onto most of our recruits , instead of waiting to get someone in after a bowl game. From what ive heard its an interesting thing and some of the decision has come at the suggestion of Jimmy Sexton , Phil's agent. However the funny thing is , Sexton is alsy Kiffin's agent and Muschamp's agent.
volboy81 writes:
its about time somebody realized the Texas', Oklahomas, LSUs, USCs, Penn States & Alabamas of the world were phooey in the 90s!! And don't forget, it took Florida SIXTY years to win their first SEC championship. Theyll have to win solidly for another 30 years to get rid of their "Johnny-Come-Lately" status!! The powers at Penn State didnt let public pressure make their decision for them and now look at them! If all these "expert Vol 'fans' " will let the people in charge do their job and quit whining and complaining, we'll be okay!
bigt4ut writes:
in response to gwh1947:
A UT grad from many years ago, I live in Big Ten territory now and I remember a few years ago Penn State fans calling for Joe Pa's head. They said much about him then as what is being said about Fullmer now, including his offensive scheme as being too predictable, his being out recruited by other Big Ten schools, including Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Illinois. Fullmer needs to look at his coaching staff and his recruiting network. I praise him for suspending his punter for a DUI. Southern Cal suspended one of their key defender one game for the same offense. These are young "student" athletes first and foremost who need discipline. That is what prized coaches do. Having a team of prisoners, cellmates, etc. is more embarassing than a losing record. Frankly, I rather see rankings tossed out the window and teams play for pride and trips to their conference's major bowl games (SEC and Sugar). I hope the NCAA addresses the issue of grades and graduation ratios relating these to the number of scholarships that can be offered. Graduating 18 percent of your players is more embarrassing than a losing record. These student atheletes are being paid upward to $20,000 a year in free tuition, room, board and text books. Freshmen should not be allowed to play in a game during their freshmen year, and upon completion of their sophomore year their GPA should be reviewed and if it is not 2.0 or above, they must be held off the field for one year to bring their grades up. If they do, they continue to play for two more years. If not, they are dismissed from the team. If after their eligible years of playing (three) and they do not have sufficient grades to graduate, the student is given one more year to complete their schooling. That's up to six years of paid education for three years of playing. This would be a win-win situation for the institution and the student as, hopefully, the graduation rate would come closer to 100 percent than 0 percent.
You really must be clueless, praise fulmer for suspending colquit five games, he should have been kicked off, that was his thrid DUI and not to mention his other alcohol violations.
HoustonVol writes:
I laugh at the people that say that smash mouth football is out dated and does not work. Did anyone not watch the Alabama game. They lined it up and smashed it down our throats until our defense wore out and could not stop them. They knew our offense would be lucky to score two touchdowns the whole game. They just had to keep pounding the rock until the rock broke. Then they were able to just keep driving for TD's at will. That is not a sign that our defense is weak or bad, just a sign of how bad our offense is. They they cannot keep the defense off the field and fresh, then we are cooked in every game.
JayTee writes:
Okay Mike what's your point? Are you saying Fulmer has had his 10 years of mediocrity or we just need to accept failure?
TommyJack writes:
I remember that vividly. Commented on it at the time. What a contrast in coaches, huh?
jsm67vol writes:
UT doesn't need any of those you mention. UT fans have never seen Clawson's offense. Clawson and Scott are responsible for the recruits we have commitments from. If Fulmer fires Clawson I bet UT loses more of this recruiting class than if Fulmer gets fired and Clawson gets HC position. I have always given Fulmer his greatest credit for hiring great assistants under him and letting them coach to make up for his own deficit in gametime coaching. Fulmer, in trying to save his job has not allowed Clawson to convert this team to run his offense. If UT is going to make a change, why not let the coaches who have lined up one of the best recruiting classes in 15 years a shot at teaching these players the offense that Clawson runs!!!
rusty_shackleford writes:
If the SF Niners screw up and don't offer Singletary the HC job, UT should empty the banks for the guy. What passion!
tenntallguy_29#615180 writes:
Here is the bottom line. TENNESSEE FANS ARE THE WORST! They complain at everything "If they pass to much we aren't physical enough. IF we run it to much, we are boring. We don't play Berry on offense. We don't use him in the return game. We play to soft, we play to much man. It's Fulmer's fault, It Cut's fault, its majors fault. Clawson sucks and so does Hamilton. Concessions are to much! Or they run out of stuff" Our fans always know everthing that 'should' be done but don't do what needs to be done. What needs to be done is keep your mouth shut and cheer for your team. The people that have degrees and run things around here have done a pretty good job of doing the right things. See Bruce Pearl, the improvements at the Th-Bo and Neyland, The practice gym.
jsm67vol writes:
If you can not see progress at the qb position then you are blind or a complete idiot. Stephens is in there fighting and working to make this a better offense. Only he is doing it with some guys that would rather be on the sideline playing grab-butt with there buddies than staying on the field to score-yes you Briscoe. I think that kid should be suspended the rest of the season and if he does not change his attitude kick him off the team team. He was a disgrace with his sh#$ eating grin on the sideline right after he dropped a pass for a first down. Then Stephens, acting like a leader gets in his face about his attitude and Briscoe still blows him off and continues his sideline antics. There are some players on this team that are still fighting and working to get better, those that aren't, are a liability. I can deal with losing better than I can deal with losers of which there are a few on this team. No one player will turn this around it will take a team effort and there are too many on offensive side of the ball who seem to think it is not worth their time. It is time for change, I don't think Clawson would allow much of this sh!+ if he were given the opportunity
Volsrbest writes:
One thing we must keep in mind, and I'm not making excuses for Fulmer, is that Clawson was supposed to change the offensive style to a more spread type offense. We are not playing with Dave Clawson's players, so he has to try to make his style fit the players as much as possible. I think that is one (of probably many) reasons why we don't see the all-out spread offense. The players don't necessarily match the style.
Look at what we're bringing in next season through recruiting. SPEED! You have to have speed and quickness to make the spread work.
I'm a Fulmer supporter, but I don't know what is going to happen to him. That is for Mike Hamilton to decide. I don't know what the risk really is if Phil leaves or is removed. We have to consider those recruits too. I can speculate just like everyone here, but at some point we have to decide is the risk of keeping him less than the risk of losing him or vice-versa, and make that decision. Decisions made on emotions are usually bad decisions.
I do think Clawson should be considered if Phil is gone. I also like Muschamp.
Go Vols!!
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
The simple distinction between Paterno and Fulmer in my opinion is...Paterno lets his coaches coach. Do you actually think for one minute that he makes a call.??? He has faith in who he hired to get the job done. PERIOD... Until Fulmer allows that, we will continue to get drummed. Although I think that time has gone. Way too late now.He has continually tied Clawsons hands in playmaking. The exact same offense as last year, but with a new OC. Doesnt make sense
VolsRoadRash98 writes:
Great post. Any other top tier SEC school would probably have fired him after '05.
I usually like your posts, but I've got to ask why you post on UT boards. Do you have family or friends at UT, or do you post on all SEC boards?
sbcheek: Good contrast between Summitt and Fulmer's coaching styles. Another contrast: Summitt 8 NCs, Fulmer 1.
I thought the ESPN commentators' little chart showing Fulmer's accomplishments in the first 8 years versus the last 9 was a great contrast too.
On a brighter note, it was good to see Nick Stephens show a little emotion out there. I don't think I've noticed that in any of the other games.
ect1983 writes:
Some...not all..of your post is true....but "the people in charge" have had their heads in the sand since 2001; and, as a result, the Citrus Bowl that we hated in the 90's would look like the BCS Championship game. We have consistently operated at 2d level a la Ole Miss for 7 years. Getting in the SEC championship with FAIR at best teams and not winning is like getting a trophy because you played but didn't win. I graduated in 1973...I gave up my tickets AND QUIT GOING after 2005 because of Phulmer, and I let Hamilton know why-----30 years of tickets and donations. Call me a fairweather fan if you want----but if you keep going and giving, expect the Pumpkin to throw a bunch of coaches under the bus and be back. Personally, PF by continuing to stay on with a permanenly divided fan base speaks volumes about his greed and ego.
So, Volboy, the expert Vol Fans DO need to whine----It took 10 years to get over Battle....High School grads were 8 yrs old in 1998. They have watched the UCLA, Fla, Georgia,Auburn,and Alabama games on TV and found a cure for narcolepsy. We scored 28,6,24,12, and 9 in those games.......
junder13 writes:
your first three points are excellent. some ppl on here talk sh*t cuz you're a florida fan, but you're easily one of the most logical posters on here, imo. i enjoy reading your perspective.
also, point #3 was great. i'm so tired of ppl saying "well, its the SEC, its hard to be good in this league". someone has to be! besides, the Big 12 is probably quite a bit better this season anyway.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
WE, BY NO MEANS, WILL BE OK. CHANGE HAS TO BE MADE. I LOVE UT. I LOVE PHIL. HE GAVE ME SOMETHING SPECIAL IN 98. THE LOOK IN HIS EYES SATURDAY WAS ONE I WILL NEVER FORGET. HE JUST LOOK BEWILDERED. NOT THE LOOK I WANT FROM MY HEAD COACH. SOMEONE, PLEASE MAKE A CHANGE. OUR TEAM DESERVES IT, OUR FANS DESERVE IT.
TommyJack writes:
There's nothing in stone that says a replacement has to go 5-5 for 2 years. What do you suggest? Do nothing?
ect1983 writes:
Correction----14 not 24 against UGA
JWilly writes:
This is something that I probably should leave alone but with so many falling all over themselves to praise JoPa...First, without a doubt PSU is doing better than they have the past few years. But, what have they truly accomplished so far this year, they have won two games against moderately competitive teams. Furthermore, I'm not so sure that one of those two really is a competitive team, (Ohio State, as they have only played two decent teams and lost to both of those). Their are no competitive teams left to play on PSU's schedule and they have no Big Ten Championship game to play. If PSU gets to the NC game their opponent will be drooling all over themselves. That game would likely be as easy (or easier) a walkover as the last two NC games were. I think JoPa's recent success may be more illusion than real. I'm sure the PSU powers that be are hoping JoPa bows out after this year and everyone moves on. I think a lot of PSU fans are hoping JoPa retires at the end of the season. And please God, don't afflict us with another mediocre Big Ten team in the NC game.
Anyway, Phil ain't turning nothin' around. It's over.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
IN THE SAME VANE OF BRANDON WARREN
FREE PHIL FULMER
FREE PHIL FULMER
OF HIS CONTRACT
sportsturf25 writes:
I disagree with you on Fulmer suspending Colquit for the amount of games that he should have. He should have been kicked off the team. If any other player would have been arrested as many times as Colquit has or as many times as he has stated for by the press, they would have been gone after the second time. Unless you are from a family with the history of long time for one program as well as donating to the program. But look at the picture....Fulmer donates alot of money back to the program and he is still there. YOU DO THE MATH!!!!
vol2211insc writes:
I think its become really obvious that things have gotten beyond the level of tolerance. I have been a big supporter of Fulmer this decade considering his winning percentage, loyalty to the university, and how he runs his program. With that being said I can't stand seeing people with paper bags of their heads at the third largest stadium in the nation. Its taken this vol fan living out of state a long time to say this, but they almost have to let Phil go. People are selling their tickets, the fans don't have confidence in the teams chances and boosters are angry. I think Hamilton should give him the option of finishing the season and try to get 6 wins to try for a bowl. After the season let him step down, give him the decency to actually leave with dignity..whether he wants to coach again or retire. Under no circumstances do you fire him at this point. I really see no good coming from that, and the players would be affected greatly. Heres to hoping we can get 3 more wins...
CoverOrange writes:
gator99, spot on about JoePa. A friend of mine that is a PSU grad said the same thing 10 years ago.
Phil is in the same position as JoePa, just a figurehead. Every camera shot of Phil shows him adjusting his microphone but never saying anything into it. Meanwhile, Saban chases down refs, players, asst coaches to yell at them.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Easy big fella. True, just like chocolates, we don't know what we get with a replacement... my point exactly. Personally my friend, I believe it is time for a change... and yet cringe at the thoughts of what it COULD be. What if Lane Kiffin (should he be the man) is just another bolt in Pete Carrol's machine.
Whatever you can say, after leaving USC, Norm Chow, Lane Kiffin, and Ed Orgeron have not set the world on fire.
I have no suggestion on a head coach since I can't really see a dang game over here.
VolEagle writes:
A very poor observation, judging a coach on his "physical looks" I suppose YOU are in great shape. Suppose your boss judged you on your looks. Lay off the neg insults, it just shows what an idiot you are-, Besides who whould want to coach at a place where you are told not only how may wins you have to have, but who those wins must come against, and how you part your hair?
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
VolEagle,
Right on. Phil is a former lineman for UT. At 58, he still looks like a lineman... not like a monster slob.
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
I have 0 years head coaching.
Put me at USC and I guarantee they wouldnt miss a beat.
Everyone wants to play there and why wouldnt they. Point being, quit questioning or comparing to Kiffin, Chow, and company. They are average coaches in a pool of talent.
Coaching----Is what is gonna save us. A no nonsense guy, who holds people accountable. Period. Show me someone who has come into a mediocre setting, and changed it. Not someone who sits atop and can have anyone they want, then play a pattycake schedule.
We need Tennessee to be Feared again. We need our players to know that mistakes will be made, but not the same ones over and over, and they will not be tolerated.
Give me that coach. That is who I want
VolsRoadRash98 writes:
I think he makes a good point. Pearl works out with the men's BB team. I think there's something to be said for a coach who can inspire toughness through action as well as words.
That's one of the reasons I'd like to see a young, physically tough coach come to TN. How motivating would it be for a kid if a coach 20 years older could out-bench or out-run some of his players. If I remember right, one of the BB players last year spoke about how Pearl could out-lift some of them, and it inspired them to work harder in the gym.
mattucket#231689 writes:
I have a coach that nobody is bringing up to be coach... Todd Graham with Tulsa. Former Defensive Coord. and he has Malzone as is OC. Talk about 2 guys that know their X's and O's. Tulsa has a fraction of the talnet of TN and they are putting up some incredible numbers. Granted their not playing the same teams, but they average 48 points per game...
45, 56, 56, 62, 63, 37, 77, & 49 points for all wins... Play at Arkansas this weekend and will beat them.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.