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 ...
Yet I do know a thing or two about tradition, and it wasn't until recently I learned Fulmer had such a long history with Tennessee, and that I can respect.
Hang in there Vol fans!
If the gag order is ever lifted, we'll know if there was even anything to 'rat out', to be honest. I think his lying to recruits is worse anyway... that and Tuberville's creative stationary trick. Pretty low down.
There's BDS (Bush Derangment Syndrome) and ABS (Alabama Derangment Syndrome). It is what it is...they hate us cause they ain't us! RTR
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