November 3, 2008

Fulmer Out at Tennessee

Multiple sources are reporting to ESPN that Phillip Fulmer will step down as Tennessee coach at the end of the year. Fulmer had a meeting with school officials this morning and it was determined that it would "be best for all parties if he didn't return next season", otherwise known as the hit the road, Jack, scenario...

This is the 17th season for Fulmer in Knoxville, the longest current tenure of any SEC coach, and he has 150 wins thus far, puting him in 2nd place behind stadium namesake Robert Neyland, who had 173 victories. The dubious title of 'Dean of SEC coaches' will probably transfer over to Tommy Tuberville of Auburn, assuming he's still around to claim it come next season.

On a personal note, I am disappointed that it has come to this, especially considering that earlier in the season, I promulagted my my own reasons why I believed he would stay. Perhaps that's why I am in like 30th place in the Pick Em contest...

Attention now will be turned to former long-time Vol OC and current Duke coach David Cutcliffe. While he may be the early favorite among Tennessee fans, his closeness with Fulmer probably mitigates his chances somewhat, as he would most certainly need Fulmer's blessing to even consider taking the job.

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Fulmer Out at Tennessee
Multiple sources are reporting to ESPN that Phillip Fulmer will step down as Tennessee coach at the end of the year. Fulmer had a meeting with school officials this morning and it was determined that it would "be best for all parties if he didn't return next season", otherwise known as the hit the road, Jack, scenario... This is the 17th season for Fulmer in Knoxville, the longest current tenure of any SEC coach, and he has 150 wins thus far, puting him in 2nd place behind stadium namesake Robert Neyland, who had 173 victories. The dubious title of 'Dean of SEC coaches' will probably transfer over to Tommy Tuberville of Auburn, assuming he's still around to claim it come next season. On a personal note, I am disappointed that it has come to this, especially considering that earlier in the season, I promulagted my my own reasons why I believed he would stay. Perhaps that's why I am in like 30th place in the Pick Em contest... Attention now will be turned to former long-time Vol OC and current Duke coach David Cutcliffe. While he may be the early favorite among Tennessee fans, his closeness with Fulmer probably mitigates his chances somewhat, as he would most certainly need Fulmer's blessing to even consider taking the job.