It took me by total surprise...no, not that Phil Fulmer was forced to resign, but how hard it was for me to watch his press conference. College football has become a world where coaches come and go, but that hasn't been the case at UT. We've had 2 guys in 30 years - Phil for the last 17.Somehow, and I hesitantly post this transparent confession, I was on the verge of tears for 10 minutes watching our football coach resign. I've grown up a Tennessee boy. Fall Saturdays have been semi-sacred. I love the vols, I bleed big orange. This was the coach of my childhood team.
I didn't realize I was emotionally attached. Say what you want to about the last few years - (5, 9, 10 wins) Phil Fulmer was the ultimate Volunteer. He is Paterno and Bowden like. 30+ years at UT as a player, Assistant and Head coach. The NFL pursued him like gangbusters for 6 or 7 years, but Phil stayed with the Vols.
Some of the bullet points for his time at UT will include:
- 3rd best win percentage among coaches with 10 years of experience
- 150-51 record
- 1 National Championship
- 2 Conference Championships
- 6 Eastern Division Championships
- #1 in 1st round draft picks in last 20 years
- Dominated the Alabama rivalry
It was a fantastic run. I hope we get the right guy to succeed him. Chances are, we will not replace him.
Go Vols!
- Brad
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