Chris Low over at ESPN.com reports that Phil Fulmer will step down as Tennessee football coach at the end of the season.
(SbB Girl Alex at UT-UCLA game at the Rose Bowl)
Phillip Fulmer, who a decade ago brought Tennessee its first national championship in 47 years, will not return as the Volunteers’ coach next year, multiple sources told ESPN.com.
An announcement is being planned for later Monday at Neyland Stadium. Fulmer, who has won 150 games at his alma mater and is the dean of SEC coaches, met with Tennessee officials Monday morning, and they reached a mutual agreement that it would be best for all parties if Fulmer did not return next season.
The sides also agreed that Fulmer would coach the remainder of the 2008 season.
Can’t say that I’m surprised, after what I saw in person earlier this year.
I went to the UCLA-Tennessee game to open the season at the Rose Bowl. The Vols were god-awful in the loss to the Bruins, who then lost to BYU 59-0 the very next week.
The most alarming part of UT’s effort was the lack of adjustments I observed in the second half. Fulmer’s coaching staff failed to show the capacity to adjust to what little the Bruins could do on offense. After all these years at the helm, you would think X’s and O’s would be the last thing Fulmer would have to attend to.
If the report is true, I do commend Fulmer for stepping down. He’s showing great deal more class than some of his SEC contemporaries have in the past (see Saban, Tuberville, Petrino).
Surprisingly though, the ESPN report doesn’t included the scheduled parade in Knoxville later today.
12:08 pm on November 3rd, 2008
I'd like to thank you, Brooks, for putting up a photo of the lovely Alex instead of the lardy Fulmer.
12:13 pm on November 3rd, 2008
And so begins the chain of Coach Fulmer departing to Toledo.
12:15 pm on November 3rd, 2008
I second the photo selection. Don't need Fulmer's double-chin filling up my screen.
12:20 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Vandy:
If the Commodores don't beat the Vols this year, I think it's time for your school to drop football.
12:22 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Aw, don't leave, Phil. It was just starting to get fun kicking your fat ass every year.
12:32 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Would Fulmer step down, or waddle down?
12:39 pm on November 3rd, 2008
The Bruins must have finally spotted Alex in the stands during the 2nd half, and her presence inspired the powder blue boys to a comeback victory.
12:52 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Could Alex come to more Bruins games? We could use her good luck charm.
1:21 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Fulmer to Clemson
1:39 pm on November 3rd, 2008
That UCLA loss still has me scratching my head.
1:40 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Never mind the Rose Bowl. Pleas send Alex to Seattle ASAP!
1:49 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Sour:
No kidding. I just want a bowl-eligible-clinching 6th win for our guys. I still don't believe the Duke game.
1:52 pm on November 3rd, 2008
All Washed UP:
Alex has already been to your fair city:
http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/girls/index.php?action=dosearch&type=trip&tn=seattle&os=24
2:03 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Tennesseein' is Tennebelievin'!
2:04 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Is Alex from Tennessee? Because she's the only Ten I See.
6:23 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Fulmer will probably be "reassigned to a position in the University of Tennessee athletic department".
8:14 pm on November 3rd, 2008
Think Alex would be interested in seeing a UT team that's actually good?
8:30 pm on November 3rd, 2008
If Alex really wants to see some good LA football, I'll gladly escort her to a Trojans game.