After several minutes detailing his history with Tennessee, beginning as a player in 1969, Fulmer said, “I accept the university’s decision that this will be my last as Tennessee’s head football coach.”Posted on 11/03/2008 4:31:13 PM PST by SmithL
Phillip Fulmer confirmed in a 5 p.m. press conference today at Neyland Stadium that he will step down as the University of Tennessee’s head football coach. Fulmer is scheduled to receive a buyout of between $5.47 million and $6 million.
After several minutes detailing his history with Tennessee, beginning as a player in 1969, Fulmer said, “I accept the university’s decision that this will be my last as Tennessee’s head football coach.”
He will remain through season's end and may remain at UT in some capacity.
Athletic Director Mike Hamilton said the University of Kentucky game will be designated as "Phillip Fulmer Day,” and he hoped fans will pay tribute to Fulmer for his impact on the university, community, state and beyond.
"Our discussions (about Fulmer's future) did not come without great consternation or thought," Hamilton said. "It is time to treat coach Fulmer with the appropriate dignity and class that he deserves."
Fulmer's comments lasted about eight minutes, marked by pauses where he struggled to gain composure.
“This is not an easy day for me or my family. It’s not a day that I sought or accepted easily," Fulmer began. "As a young sophomore playing for coach (Doug) Dickey, that field outside is the first place I got my jersey dirty playing a game for Tennessee.”
It was 1969, he was 19, playing Auburn on TV.
“Tennessee football has been the focus of my professional life ever since,” he continued. Few people get to follow their passion, Fulmer said, but “I have been pursuing my passion since that day here against Auburn 38 years ago.”
(Excerpt) Read more at knoxnews.com ...
I’ll admit he’s had a couple of fair years, but
A) SEC is toughest conference
B) He rebuilt this program when it was down
C) He won a National Championship
D) Knoxville is in a tough area to get to for recruits
E) Academically, a child can get into South Carolina, UK, Florida and Arkansas...
Only Vandy, Alabama and LSU rank higher academically. Tougher admittance to UT.
Fulmer deserved next year as his last hurrah
I vote that the next coach for TN should be Brent Venerables the Defensive Coordinator from Oklahoma University. Please!!!!!
I am an OU fan and we desperately need a new coordinator, and I don’t see our coach firing him any time soon.
"I wish I was on ole Rocky Top, down in the Tennessee Hills!"
God bless you Coach, and good luck in the future.
What are the chances the Vols are going to hire the old ball coach away from SC and bring him home to Tennessee?
Geez...I thought the United Kingdom was about to honour Alexander Hamilton. Oh well...
The don't have a line this year or any defense to speak of at all. Tennessee will pass all over them.
Get ready for the Lane Kiffin era...
I love Coach Fulmer. I hat losing just as much as anyone, but he is a great coach and he does it the right way. TN is about to learn the lesson, I am afraid, that AL and GA learned the hard way: the next guy is not usually the right guy, and neither is the next, or the next.
“but he’s still a class act.”
Well...there was that one time when he stabbed Johnny Majors in the back...
...but their archers are top drawer.
They used to do that on Nashville radio.
I heard a UT alum mention that as a hope a couple of months ago.
and then the time he ratted out Alabama - yeah, he’s a real class act....boo ef’ing hoo....
I’ve bled orange since before my time when my grandfather was a defensive lineman for the VOLs back in 1921. The last few years have not been good to UT fans or Coach Fulmer as he appeared to have lost some of his touch in recruiting. I have high regards for Fulmer as a man and as a coach, I thank him for a National Championship and all of his years dedicated to the University, and I wish him well in his future endeavours.
The Nashville news station showed part of his announcement tonight and all of his players were in attendance giving him support. When the athletic director took the stage afterward to speak, the football players stood up and walked out on the A.D.
And as for east Tennessee native, Steve Spurrier, getting the nod .... perish the thought. One will see the 108,000 strong attendance at Neyland drop like a rock. Not a good move.
Gerry,
Sorry to inform you but the University of Florida is very difficult to get into. Not quite Vandy but light years ahead of Alabama.
www.kiplinger.com
Best public schools: UF #2. UT #64
UT loses to Florida again
Guess we have smart “children” down here
GO GATORS!
I posted this because it does show that Phil was good for TN and the progress was there. I hope he isn't too bitter.
You can't blame Fulmer just because Bama cheated. That sounds like the logic used by a corrupt Democratic politician when caught.
I was waiting for that.
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