UT gives Fulmer office space in Stokely

Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer has been granted office space in Stokely Athletic Center.

Fulmer has not been hired by the University of Tennessee nor its athletic department and has yet to move into his new space.

There is no added expense to UT or its athletic department for granting Fulmer’s request for the space, UT spokeswoman Tiffany Carpenter said Friday.

Fulmer requested the office last week after being promised the privilege by UT athletic director Mike Hamilton during Fulmer’s ouster in November.

Fulmer still receives many correspondence and interview requests through UT. Carpenter said she’s unsure when Fulmer might move in.

Carpenter said the space Fulmer will occupy was formerly vacant.

Fulmer is being paid $125,000 a month for the next four years as part of his $6 million buyout.

In December, after a week of controversy, Fulmer declined a three-month appointment as a special assistant to UT President John Petersen — an appointment that aimed to maintain Fulmer’s insurance and retirement benefits.

The Vols went 5-7 last season leading to Fulmer’s ouster. Fulmer was the head coach at UT from 1992-2008. He was an assistant coach for 13 years after playing on UT’s offensive line.

Fulmer won a national championship following the 1998 season and won SEC titles in 1997 and 1998.

Carpenter said there is no concern about Fulmer’s presence around UT’s football program even though he was dismissed and eventually replaced by Lane Kiffin.

“Coach Fulmer has been great for UT and I know coach Kiffin would like to develop a relationship with him,” Carpenter said.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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