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Former UT head football coach Phillip Fulmer said he does not want to be considered for the head coaching position that has come open after Lane Kiffin's resignation.
"Recent events have been painful and an embarrassment to all of us who care about UT."Phillip Fulmer
Erik Ainge reaction
Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer said he is not seeking the Tennessee coaching job.
Fulmer made the statement this morning in a release from CBS Sports for whom Fulmer has worked as a football commentator since his firing from UT following the 2008 season.
“I am not seeking to be a candidate for the head coaching position,” Fulmer is quoted as saying.
In the release, he also talks about sharing the sense of embarrassment UT fans feel over the situation with the football program.
The release:
“Over the last 24 hours I have been contacted by friends, great fans and media members, and I feel it is important to comment, as a man who loves the University of Tennessee deeply and shares this love with millions of great Volunteer fans and friends.
“Recent events have been painful and an embarrassment to all of us who care about UT. I love the University; I am loyal to my alma mater and am ready to help as the University makes one of the most important decisions in the history of our football program. However, to prevent any misunderstanding, I am not seeking to be a candidate for the head coaching position.
“I am looking forward to embracing the next coach and have some strong beliefs about the kind of man he should be. He must embrace Tennessee’s culture and traditions, be mature and of good character, and demonstrate integrity and leadership to our young men who desperately want to be shown the way. He must deserve, earn and keep the trust of our young men -- both present and future.
“Tennessee football has been successful for so many years because it has been rooted in values and traditions. We can’t take those values for granted – if we do not guard them carefully, we will lose them.”
© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 163
CRFVols writes:
True class. However his career may have ended up or what he did....Coach Phil Fulmer is a man of true class and more so than anyone here who will post negative things....he truly loves UT and bleeds orange and white.
mdvol writes:
Translation.......
The OPPOSITE of Lane "Liar" Kiffin.
rockytopatl writes:
Sounds like he is keeping his options open to become the AD if these trustees go off like a loose cannon.
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor say thanks Phil that very classy on your behalf...Witch Doctor hold you to your word about "getting behind next coach" as we all should. Witch Doctor say Phil needs to be a supporter again and back into the fold.
Bones never lie.
Vol Nation will survive this.
Go Vols!
chad_t31 writes:
Well said.
mdvol writes:
Integrity, Class and Character never go out of style.
bkgunter writes:
14 months of Kiffie, and the trustees are loose cannons ? That's rich.
roloyo writes:
Translation: I ain't gotta chance in hell.
TommyJack writes:
Not sure I believe him about not wanting the job. His well chosen words were well though out.
iowa_vol writes:
We need to move forward and not continue to talk about Coach Fulmer or Coach Cutcliffe. While they both gave many great years to the University, we need to find a new direction. Coach Fulmer's desires for the program are dead on. Perhaps he will have the opportunity to return soon...as Hammy's replacement.
Pullingguard writes:
Fulmer a true Vol and UT dedicated supporter. Kiffin a renegade looking and lying his way to a coaching position that was in the back of his mind when he came to UT.... Question... How would you like to be under the pressure that Hamilton is today... Its make or break time for him.
spcw101#621225 writes:
You see this is exactly why Fulmer should have been made AD when he left as coach. He can look someone in the eye and tell if they are going to be loyal to the University. He has shown great class and continues to do so in his statement. Those of us who grew up around UT football and know it's traditions appreicate someone with his integrety.
DallasVolsFan writes:
He said that he is "not seeking to be a candidate for the head coaching position." But he did not say anything about the AD position. Sounds like he knows something that we don't!
MidTennVol writes:
That's exactly my read, friend. Some of us are waiting for a palace coup: Fulmer replaces Hamilton as AD and brings in his friend Cutcliffe as HC. I wouldn't mind Fulmer at all as AD but Cut doesn't excite me as HC, as we've seen that movie and we would lose Chaney, Garza, Cregg and Thompson. Cut can't bring in better than those guys.
Fulmer remembers the Dickey model. Just depends on how many trustees want it. And look at the Nebraska Callahan mess of a few years ago...
Stranger things have happened.
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor take him at his word. Witch Doctor say words sound "directed" but hey...Witch Doctor be unemployed if everyone "wrote" their own words...lol.
Bones never lie.
ChurchHillvol67 writes:
Bob Stoops will be the VOLS next head coach. This will be done by Friday afternoon jmho.
vol88 writes:
You said it mdvol.
drone#208075 writes:
Well let's look at this. We've had our Mike Price (let's bring the whole family in for the feast) & Dennis Fanchione (I'm leaving immediately for my dream job) rolled into one. It's late in the game. Let's not hire a Mike Shula or pull an unethical USC move. If the players HAD faith in the coach formerly known as Lane Kiffin, then they should have faith in his latest hire Kippy Brown. A man who opted not to tuck & run to the soon to be destroyed mecca of USC. So why not run with what we have in place and build off that. Shows even more charater on our part. Sometimes the best things in life are already in your own backyard.
jobrando#216494 writes:
Seems like Sumlin at Houston has a good resume. Anybody know if he's been contacted?
GreensboroVol writes:
I wonder what Johnny Majors thinks of all this given how he and Kiffin were becoming best friends? Honestly, I don't think it matters who is hired next, I think we are going to "wonder in the desert" like Alabama did for so long. Apparently we aren't all that we think we are on a national stage.
utfpmd writes:
Fulmer for AD!!!!!
jobrando#216494 writes:
I think his stock is growing by the hour
SCIENCETCHR writes:
Coach Fulmer:
As any have said, you are a class act. I can Fully Appreciate the pain you felt after your Inglorious Dismissal. Believe me, I have been there myself! 36 years of loyalty, and tossed out like a dirty towel. I'm hoping you will be our next A.D.
Keep the faith, and good things will come your way.
mdvol writes:
That's obviously a joke but it makes me wonder....
If we snag another program's HC, we are going to feel the wrath and look just as bad as what USC/Kiffin did.
SCIENCETCHR writes:
My last post should have read: Many instead of Any.
BrewerTL writes:
Fulmer would make a great AD, IMHO. Hamilton is hanging by a thread. If he doesn't hit a home run with this hire, he's done.
Unrelated, but how did Paul Finebaum get any credibility? I watched a little of OTL on ESPN yesterday. After a couple of comments from that moron, the host just started ignoring him. I know the state of Alabama's not exactly the pinnacle of reason or education, but SURELY folks down there are smart enough to see through THAT pile of dung!
DC_Vol writes:
Which Doctor who would you like to see as Tennessee's new coach? We really need a coach who understands the importance of recruiting at Tennessee as well as great developer of talent? We really had improvements in both areas under Kiffin and I am concerned that Hamiliton is rushing the coaching selection process? I understand we need to provide someone quickly to keep other recruits from leaving but we need to be careful who we choose because they will be here for several years.
male1stclass#462989 writes:
Corrected translation: I am not actively seeking the coaching position, but if the money is there we can talk.If you want and need me, come crawling on your knees. I can get the job done with class.
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor really not know...its bad because with such a short window Kiffin left us..its sad that it will come down to "who" is the most available. Witch Doctor support Hamilton but his back is against the wall. Witch Doctor say Hamilton was pro-active and did start the search Sunday before Kiffin "declared"....
Witch Doctor say this gonna be a bumpy ride.
Bones never lie.
allntl1#565211 writes:
I wonder what Coach Majors thought about the way his replacement usurped him? Karma sucks. I never heard Coach Majors say anything other than the team he would have had that year was his second National Championship team.
iowavol writes:
Coach, thanks for those words. You remain a class act. I do kind of wish you were in the running for AD. Hamilton has been a test program gone awry. We need a Volunteer Heart like yours in the front office.
BTW, anyone see Kiffens comments in paper today? Said he vows to run a clean program and not repeat the mistakes made at Tennessee - then says it was all part of the plan to get attention there and you don't need to do that at USC. Classic - a top notch liar par excellence. Al Davis was right - dang what an oxymoron.
ChurchHillvol67 writes:
No joke md. Several sites are reporting that Tennessee will hire a person who is already a HC and that it will shock ppl more than Weasel leavin.
williams7977#215085 writes:
Phillip Fulmer should be the AD (not HC). I said that when Bozo was elevated. Phillip possesses the DNA for that job. Go get him Trustees, before another major hiring mistake is made by this Bozo.
themerlot#227823 writes:
Translation, "I can start tomorrow as the new AD, I will do the recruiting of a new coach right, and not push it through to cover up a mistake I made last year, because I didn't make one, and I can salvage this recruiting class by letting the recruits know that Hamilton is gone, and I will be bringing in the cheese as a new head coach."
FULMER FOR AD, THE WAY IT OUGHTA BE!
rkastens writes:
There was a lot more said in this statement than simply the words on this "page." I can't say I disagree with him at all.
The_Mayor writes:
Eh hem. You are a funny little man.
tmartin writes:
Is WD an editor for KNS? Is he hinting at something here???
VirginiaVolunteer writes:
correction to that...I couldn't even get an interview at Memphis or Louisville so I don't want to get my feelings hurt again. I understand that I was one of the worst coaches in college football the last 8 years.
kd45music writes:
I would be relieved if Coach Fulmer became the AD. As for Kiffin, the west coast is not far enough away from Tennessee.
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too creative. Witch Doctor a songwriter on the "row". Witch Doctor also work in production.
Bones never lie.
balloonman writes:
I liked Mike Hamiton...Mike Hamitlon was a friend of mine....then he lucked in to the AD job and he appointed himself a genius....made promises he would not keep.....remind you of anyone?
WD.....how'd that visit with the X go?....she had you gaged there for a bit!
PhullupFilmer writes:
I think Fulmer would be a great AD. I am glad he is not seeking the HC job. However, I think we need to take our time and find the right guy. Let's face it, this recruting class has blown completely up. Start fresh with the right hire. Not Cutcliffe. Not Houston Nutt. Not Muschamp because he WILL pull a Kiffin. Find somebody we know will stay at least 5 years until Peyton Manning retires. Then, hire Peyton and watch the program dominate.
Witch_Doctor writes:
Witch Doctor try to stay clear of the "chatter" for a couple of days. Witch Doctor use "ex" as a joke..she cool she lives many many miles away...lol
Bones never lie.
The_Mayor writes:
Just as a refresher, in case you've forgotten me, I posted this on 2/14/2009.
Nah, I don't think there's anything at all dumb about CLK. He's had my full support since day 1, and this coming from someone who also gave Fulmer full support until day 0. I am for UT...period. That said, CLK started at the top of my opinion mountain (and I fully realize he doesn't care what my opinion is of him). If he should slide down that mountain, it is and will be his doing. If he should stay on top of that mountain, it is and will be his doing. I am a straight shooter. I am a little leary of signs I am seeing as they relate to charachter. I cannot emphasize enough that my priority is the University of Tennessee. I am CAUTIOUS as to whether or not CLK's priority is the same, or if his highest priority is himself. Time will tell, and I hope he puts a world class program in Neyland this fall...and many falls to come.
BrassMonkey writes:
Calhoun is the next coach. Hamilton was in Denver not with corporate sponsors, but meeting with Calhoun the day Kiffin left because he already knew Kiffin was gone. Oh yeah how about this post by me from November 8th about Fulmer....
He can come put Tennessee back together after Kif the Bozo destroys it and heads elsewhere. Nice first class of recruits, and what a horrible overall and season record.
badkarma01 writes:
Slap yourself on the back...you can probably get a job on this website reporting...
VirginiaVolunteer writes:
You people are unbelievable. Why is what Lane did so wrong. Coaches all have a dream job...USC was his. When Mike Hamilton hired him of course he didn't know that the USC job would open up so soon. Pete Carroll looked as if he would be there another 10 years at least. If that had been the case then Lane would still be in Knoxville putting together a top 3 recruiting class. Everyone of you that hate him now...loved him this time last week. Sometimes you need to look at things on the personal level...not only as it pertains to your schools athletic program. Tennessee is not a top 5 job in America. Cincinnati, at the present time is a better job than Tennessee...so are you guys also mad because Coach Kelly bolted to Notre Dame before their bowl game. Good Luck Lane in the future at your "Dream Job". Some of us Tennessee supporters thank you for putting our school back on the map!!!
Vols05 writes:
Well said coach! We will survive!
TennVolAlum writes:
Somebody mentioned it earlier, and after I've thought about it....I wonder what it would take to lure Bob Stoops away from Oklahoma? (short of a miracle of course)
hookkick writes:
Well said coach.
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