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Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer and his and his wife, Vicky, left, just after they ran through the "T" prior to the Vols Nov. 29, 2008, game against Kentucky. It was Fulmer's last game as the Vols' coach. (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL)
JOHNSON CITY — If East Tennessee State University has its way, Phillip Fulmer would be the school’s new football coach.
Richard Sander, ETSU’s interim athletic director, said Tuesday that Fulmer, the former coach at Tennessee, would be his first choice to run the fledgling program.
To read more, check out the Johnson City Press story.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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Comments » 67
Geofffourmyle writes:
Well, he's only one of the best football coaches in the history of the sport.
Walt
UT '81
Snapshot writes:
Maybe that would give Jeffy Flowers a team he could cheer for, considering his man-crush for Fulmer.
kdaff51 writes:
They can probably hire him as a consultant. I dont see Fulmer going some where for a $2-300,000 a year coaching job.
CarlChilders writes:
Just read the comments on this story in the JC Press. Someone's already talking Gruden for coach. I like it!
mocsandvolsfan writes:
Welp!!! There goes our top recruits. Between EtSU, UTC, Vandy, Memphis, and UT Martin the Vols won't have anyone to recruit. I mean all those top notch football div 1 programs and we're in trouble. I know. I didn't mention MTSU. I try to never mention them.hehe
If Fulmer wants headaches and belly aches as he approaches retirement then more power to him.
That said...well it is a salary. It is historically a good school and they HAVE had some great basketball in the past. They have some great mountain retreats up there and ok ok I got nothing else to think he could draw even 3 *s away. That's nothing against Fulmer. But if I'm a 3* player I'd choose any of the programs I mentioned over ETSU. But as a Moccasin I'm a little prejudiced there.
SummittsCourt writes:
That would be a good hire for them. I don't think money is a concern for Coach Fulmer so he may very well take the job and good for him if he does.
volnbig11land writes:
Sounds like a win win situation. CPF gets back into coaching (it seems like he still has the itch), and I'm sure he could help the Bucs start up their program again.
I honestly believe it was time for a change on the hill (just my opinion so don't bother blowing me up), but this might be a good fit for all concerned.
Good luck CPF if it happens, and Go Vols!
allntl1#565211 writes:
I would agree. Coach Fulmer could stay close to home, get the program started and not have to deal with the pressures of SEC coaching and recruiting. Kind of reminds me of Schnellenberger and his job at Florida Atlantic. Hate to see the comments bashing Fulmer that are sure to come. We live in a what have you done for me lately world.
6972 writes:
I can't see him moving from his fancy hacienda in K-town to move to ETSU. Surely, he doesn't need the money. This might settle the dust on whether he ever REALLY wants to coach again.
If he does, best wishes.
KnoxVegas88 writes:
ETSU fans would have to endure phrases like "We are working like heck" and "We need to look at the film to see why we lost 60-0."
pingkr62 writes:
Good for Coach Fulmer. I hope he takes the job.
StoneJackBaller writes:
It would be one helluva get for ETSU, but I doubt it will happen. I hope it does though. Would be a great start to the new program.
SCVFL writes:
Good Luck Coach with whatever you want to do.
I am a volunteer coach for little league basball. My grandson plays. I do it because I enjoy it. Coach would probably do great at building a program...think of all of the 0*-1* that would jump at an oportunity to get coached up by one of the greatest. And if he did find a shining *, don't you think the NFL would listen to him.
Also could be a feeder school for VOLS, kind of like juco.
GO BIG RNG...VFL(VOL FAN for LIFE)
CrankE writes:
I wonder what happens when Fulmer leads the Bucs into Neyland Stadium for homecoming one year?
I think The Mule Day King probably stays home on this one.
VOLFLIAM writes:
Walt... have you been drinking again ???? How did he do without Cutcliffe a couple of times ???? I don't think so....
pcorange writes:
Wouldn't it be funny if he built ETSU into a national power? He's too good of a coach to be coaching at such a small time school. I still think UT screwed up firing him in the first place.
rbwtn writes:
Frankly I've noticed at TN we are influenced by a very Radical public meaning get rid of them now it's almost like a Holier Than Thou attitude. We forget Humans are Humans in my opinion I wouldn't have gotten rid of The Football Coach or the Basketball coach I would ride it out with them until it is Obvious they can't make the grade anymore. Let me ask you if we kept them would things have been worse than now? I don't think so.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say it would be awesome for the school and a great step forward if Fulmer is interested and could live in J.C. (?)
Bones never lie.
creekroad writes:
Number 1 problem with UT athletics is that we eat our own.....you wouldn't recognize a good program if it hit you in the face.
Rugby2 writes:
So tired of hearing how Fulmer was nothing without Cutcliffe. How many National Championships has Cutcliffe won without Fulmer? It was a team effort led by Head Coach Phillip Fulmer; if it was so easy to assemble a team and staff capable of winning a National Championship every school would be doing it. As it stands right now Fulmer is one of twelve coaches ever to win a BCS National Championship. That cannot be minimized. He deserves credit for that Championship and the blame for the slide that led to his firing.
Give Blood, Play Rugby
keithgibson writes:
Seriously? If someone is one of the best of all time I always think of the top 10 to 15 at their given profession. You must be talking college only, then maybe top 20 of all time.
orangeman1 writes:
Well, he did say "ONE of the best" which most would agree with. If UT is one of the best programs in the country and Fulmer won UT its only NC in over 60 years, then I would think that means he is one of the best. I know it kills some UT fans to hear it because of how critical they are of him, but most people outside of a few UT fans can be objective.
HooRay_Vol writes:
Fulmer would have great success at ETSU. Get them back in the Southern Conference and give the Appy States and GA Southerns a run for their money.
EastTnVols962 writes:
As an ETSU student about to graduate in May, it kills me to see all of the negative comments on the JC Press page. One thing people not from Johnson City need to realize is that the Vols is our football team, because we don't have one. That being said, if we were able to pull him in, he would be absolutely cherished among ETSU faithful. When I heard the vote passed, I was upset that I wouldn't be able to support the program with the tuition increase. This would be huge for the school. And no need to worry about stealing recruits. ETSU would be in a conference way below UT and the SEC. No matter who the coach is, it's highly unlikely the Bucs would ever make a NC run, like 1 in a million. All us ETSU students and fans want is a program that can compete at our own level. Oh and Johnson City is a BEAUTIFUL area with lots of cush places for Fulmer to live. Plus it's only an hour and a half from Knowxville. I don't expect us to snag Fulmer, but I believe if we were able to it would be the key to making ETSU football stick around this time. My biggest fear is what to do if they face off against my beloved Vols, which is inevitable no matter who the coach is. I've never one time even considered pulling against UT, but I just can't imagine routing against my alma mater either.
KevDVol writes:
I bet there might be a coal baron willing to cough up 2-3 million for Fulmer to get things going. It's is hard to find a coach with a .750 career record and a few championships for less than a million a year.
Basketvol writes:
I must have missed the 60-0 game that Fulmer coached. Care to explain?
johnlg00 writes:
I lived for several years in JC, KPT, and Hiltons, VA. Although I grew up in K'ville and most of my family is still there, for some odd reason, upper East Tennessee is the place I always considered my "spiritual" home. Part of the reason is that I was a bluegrass musician and LOTS of great pickers and good friends of mine live around there. And of course all those majestic mountains and lakes around there have few equals anywhere. I try to visit up that way every year. If ETSU takes up football again--and didn't we all love the way the Bucs abused Terry Bradshaw one time back in the day?--they would do well to engage Fulmer in any capacity. I would be surprised if he were to actually take the coaching job, but I would wish him and the school well if he did.
EastTnVols962 writes:
It is beautiful indeed. Watuaga Lake is my home in the summer. And the bluegrass program is awesome. They're right next to the business building, and there's nothing I like more than walking outside on a nice warm spring day and listening to them pickin' outside on the steps. My biggest question is do we keep the mini dome or build a stadium? That seems to be the one thing nobody wants to mention.
illinoisvolfan writes:
I would love to see CPF back in coaching, and ETSU would be a great place for him to return. My parents are ETSU alumni and my dad lettered in football and baseball in the late 40s. There is still much admiration and respect for CPF and it would be a great chance to bring Bucs football back in the right way.
The1 writes:
Probably a good fit. Fulmer should be able to compete at the ETSU level.
romevol writes:
Spot on Rugby2...spot on.
CarlChilders writes:
As a Vol fan and ETSU grad, I'm excited about the remote possibility. I don't think it's about the money. I think he has some unfinished business left inside him. He's often stated he would be interested if the "right opportunity" were to come along. Look at the pluses here: 1)The rewards of establishing a program from the ground level 2)The absence of big time pressure to win and 3)Remaining close to his roots.
jbocap writes:
Not gonna happen!
1 - ETSU doesn't have a stadium, and the multi-purpose Dome they have used in the past isn't the best place to watch a game.
2 - Fulmer being on ETSU campus yesterday was likely more for them to get his advice & for PR - to add credibility with the locals for a football program again.
3 - ETSU will have to 'compete' for fans with UT, as most fans would probably rather attend or watch a UT game on tv than an ETSU game.
4 - Money is a big issue. With the slow economy, will be hard to garner enough fan & business support to financially sustain the cost of a football team.
arkyvol writes:
if they wiff on phil, i've got a rat-faced former a.d. who's available.
murrayvol writes:
It's a short commute if you own a helicopter.
Snapshot writes:
When he lost at home to Wyo. it was obvious to anyone watching.
Yazoo writes:
You cant win'em all Snapshot aka Snapjudgement
Yazoo writes:
It sure is nice seeing all the positive comments on here for once. Thanks for all the GREAT memories CPF.
Ayres_Hall writes:
Don't do it coach Fulmer. It's a no win situation for you. If you win the L of M will give credit to an assistant coach and if you lose... well then.
What's Sparky Woods doing these days?
johnlg00 writes:
My family went camping on the shores of Watauga Lake several times when I was growing up. My wife and I had dinner in the restaurant overlooking the lake last summer. I guess we were there at the wrong time to catch any live music, but that would surely be a great place to play and to listen.
My old band used to play a lot at a BBQ joint in JC just down the street from the ETSU campus called the Red Pig back in the early- to mid-70s. Can't remember the name of the street now--darned old age!--but the first location was on the left as you drove toward campus and the newer and larger one was about two blocks back toward downtown on the right. Our other "home" in JC was the Down Yonder Saloon. We also helped build, and played often at, the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, VA. Good times!
I kinda wondered what the status of the Mini-Dome was. I had heard that it had gotten a bit run down in the last few years. If it can't be saved, the expense of building a new stadium could well be astronomical. I just hope the powers-that-be don't let hope override practicality in deciding how or whether to proceed down this path.
volgrog#210164 writes:
Better than an incoherent mumble or an analogy to a bamboo shoot.
ProfessionalHandicapper writes:
Like when Saban lost to Louisanna Monroe at home? Should Bama fire saban for one bad defeat? Fulmer deserved better. Even today with the new bottom dweller "U" in Orange some still say it was a good move to fire him. It was great for Vandy and Kentucky. Even Randy Sanders got a piece of revenge on those "Vols for Life" bs
Geofffourmyle writes:
Coach Fulmer was in charge. He gets both credit and blame.
Walt
UT '81
jt45 writes:
Would be a huge boost to ETSU and its FB program
and I would be willing to wager they would see some drastic improvement in recruiting right off the bat. Its good to see some positive comments for a change. Some fans act like you cant be supportive of both the past and present programs and coaches of the Vols and I find that to be just ridiculous.
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
and.........
John_10065 writes:
Few seem to understand that if ETSU lands Fulmer that in itself is a jumpstart to the program.
If has absolutely nothing to do with what happened in his last years here but more to do with what he can bring as a division I coach to small school just putting their program together.
He has a lot of contacts, a name that is well known, a decent reputation regardless of the trolls and Alabama supporters and he can bring in press coverage just by being there.
Every win or loss for example would be broadcast over this site and the rest of the state/region. The good God above knows that if ETSU was fairing better than UT that Adams, Climer and the rest of the pot stirrers would make a mint on articles if they are paid by the letter.
Mboroalum writes:
And don't call me Shirley
Geofffourmyle writes:
So you yield that Coach Fulmer is among the top 20 CFB coaches of all time?
So I guess we are in agreement.
Walt
UT '81
RedBoilingSpringsVol writes:
Are there any pictures of CPF without Vicky acting like she's co-coach?
strops writes:
You Fulmer-haters are the main reason the Big Orange football program is where it is! You wanted him gone and you got your wish. Why not just shut up. You have no reason to complain.
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