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Fulmer Forced Out As Tennessee's Coach

The Associated Press

Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer looks at the scoreboard as his team tries to hold onto their last possession during the fourth quarter against South Carolina.

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A Tribune staff, wire report

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2008

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - An emotional Phillip Fulmer, with his wife at his side and tearful, angry players surrounding him, announced Monday that he had accepted Tennessee's decision that this will be his last season as the Volunteers coach.

Fulmer, 58, is being forced out after 17 years as Tennessee's coach, a run that included a national championship. He has a 150-51 record with the Vols, including the 1998 NCAA title - the school's first since 1951.

"This is not an easy day for me or my family. It is not a day that I sought or accepted easily," said Fulmer, his voice cracking as he fought back tears standing next to his wife, Vicky.

"Our Tennessee family is united in its goals, but divided in the right path to get there. I love Tennessee too much to let her stay divided. That is why I accept the university's decision that this will be my last season as Tennessee's football coach."

The Vols fell on hard times this season and were just 3-6, including 1-5 in the SEC after a 27-6 loss at South Carolina on Saturday.

"Many fans have been supportive, some have been very angry. All of us are disappointed," Fulmer said about this season."

Fulmer signed a new seven-year contract in the summer which was worth $2.4 million this season. He will receive $6 million as a buyout of the contract, payable over a 48-month period.

He is the nation's third-winningest active coach among those with 10 years of experience, trailing only Florida's State's Bobby Bowden and Penn State's Joe Paterno.

Dubbed the dean of the SEC coaches for his long tenure, Fulmer's teams won two conference titles and seven divisional crowns. But that wasn't enough to save his job.

"It's a tough part of the profession," Florida coach Urban Meyer said.

Florida contributed greatly to Tennessee fans' displeasure with Fulmer.

Fulmer finishes with a 4-12 record against the Gators, including four straight defeats.

Fulmer won his first game against Florida, but lost the next five and seven of eight overall when Steve Spurrier was coaching the Gators.

Fulmer's biggest win against Florida came in 2001 when he got the best of Spurrier in their final meeting.

Because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the game was postponed to the regular-season finale. It turned out to be Spurrier's final game at the Swamp as Florida coach. A win was expected to send the Gators to the Rose Bowl, but the Vols won 34-32.

Tribune staff writer Mick Elliott contributed to this report.

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