[Bamabeachlivin]

Phillip Fulmer, who a decade ago brought Tennessee its first national championship in 47 years, will not return as the Vols' coach next year, multiple sources told ESPN.com.
An announcement is being planned for later Monday at Neyland Stadium. The Vols (3-6, 1-5 SEC) have lost four straight games and are in danger of suffering their second losing season in the last four years.

Fulmer, who's 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 was not back next season.

There had been increasing scrutiny on Fulmer, who took over full time as head coach in 1993 and has been at his alma mater as a player, assistant coach and head coach for more than 30 years.
Story

[Stoney]

Uh huh see I told you guys this was coming.....

[BamaVolFan]

ESPN - Sources: Tennessee Volunteers coach Phillip Fulmer agrees to step down

[Stoney]

Now the question is did Spurrier accept the job?

[tkj24]

Commentary: Let’s move forward — who will replace Fulmer?By: Matt Wilson, mwilson@nashvillecitypaper.com
Posted: Friday, October 31, 2008 12:08 am

So here’s a list of possible major candidates for the Vols’ job and their strengths and weaknesses. WARNING! This is only me shooting from the lip. It’s pure speculation. As far as I know, none of these guys may end up interviewing for the job. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if some of them get a close look.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher. At first glance, it seems like a strange pick. Cowher is a Pennsylvania guy through and through and has no ties to the Tennessee program.

But Cowher isn’t coaching anywhere right now. He currently lives in North Carolina, so at least he’s comfortable in the South. Cowher would put Tennessee back on the map in a big way. He’s known coast to coast. He’s emotional, seems to really care about his players and hey, he has a Super Bowl ring.

Can you imagine Cowher in a recruit’s living room with his Super Bowl ring blinging, giving him the intense speech? It would be hard for a recruit to turn down.

So what’s the downside? We don’t know if coaching in college would appeal to Cowher. And if he was successful, Tennessee would have to deal with NFL teams constantly trying to steal him away.

Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden. He’s got all the positives of Cowher (a Super Bowl ring and an intense attitude) with a UT connection. He was a graduate assistant for the Vols in 1986. His wife Cindy was a Vols cheerleader and is still a huge UT fan. Gruden apparently also has property in East Tennessee.

Then again, Gruden already has a good job with the Bucs. Would he leave that to go to a college job? Anything’s possible, but it’s difficult to imagine.

Duke head coach David Cutcliffe. Cutcliffe is essentially the only coach from the “Tennessee family” that would even be considered, since there aren’t any others with major credentials.

Cutcliffe was on the UT staff for 18 years off and on. He was the offensive coordinator that groomed Heath Shuler, Peyton Manning and Tee Martin. He’s a brilliant offensive mind.

All that said, it’s extremely doubtful Cutcliffe would take the UT job. First of all, he’s best friends with Fulmer, which means he wouldn’t want to take his job. Second, he’s said to be not much of a recruiter, which is a big minus.

Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator at Texas. His strengths? Where to start? He’s been defensive coordinator at LSU (where the Tigers won the national title) and Auburn (in his two seasons there, Auburn had pretty much the best defense in the SEC). The Longhorns are now the No. 1 team in America.

He knows the SEC well (he played at Georgia) and has recruiting contacts all over the South. The only downside is that he’s never been a head coach — and that UT will likely have to fight Auburn and Clemson to get him.

Chris Peterson, head coach Boise State. He’s been a big part of turning Boise from an absolute nonentity to a team everybody knows about. He was offensive coordinator there from 2001-2005. He obviously knows how to run an entertaining offense.

Peterson’s also pretty young at 44. But could he do the same thing in the SEC? Could he recruit big-time athletes nationally? Many thought Urban Meyer wouldn’t be able to step into the big leagues of the SEC. We know how that turned out.

Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach. Leach is certainly getting a lot of attention now with the Red Raiders’ surge into the Top 5. He’s known as a brilliant offensive mind. Texas Tech is averaging 50.2 points per game against Big 12 foes this season.

Leach is no stranger to big-time football. He was the offensive coordinator at Kentucky in 1997-98, where he coached Tim Couch. He then ran the offense at Oklahoma in 1999. He’s been at Tech ever since 2000. He obviously knows recruiting in talent-rich areas.

The downside? He has a contract that will pay him at least $10 million if he stays in place through 2010. He might decide to stay put.

USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. The new ‘it’ offensive coordinator in the country. He’s been a big part of the Trojans’ success in recent years. He knows offense and how to coach quarterbacks. Also knows recruiting.

But would UT take a chance on someone with no head coaching experience? And one so young? (Sarkisian is 34.)

Whoever it is, it provides an opportunity the program hasn’t really had since 1964. Ever since General Robert Neyland came aboard at UT, either he or one of his disciples coached the Vols until that year. Tennessee made the decision that new blood and new ideas were needed, prompting the hire of Doug Dickey.

Dickey coached some Vols teams that are still fondly remembered and he brought several things to the program that are now considered essential — namely, the tradition of running through the ‘T’ before the game and the shape of the ‘power T’ on the side of UT’s helmets.

Could the coach after Fulmer have a similar impact? We’ll have to wait to find out.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by tkj24

Commentary: Let’s move forward — who will replace Fulmer?By: Matt Wilson, mwilson@nashvillecitypaper.com
Posted: Friday, October 31, 2008 12:08 am

So here’s a list of possible major candidates for the Vols’ job and their strengths and weaknesses. WARNING! This is only me shooting from the lip. It’s pure speculation. As far as I know, none of these guys may end up interviewing for the job. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if some of them get a close look.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher. At first glance, it seems like a strange pick. Cowher is a Pennsylvania guy through and through and has no ties to the Tennessee program.

But Cowher isn’t coaching anywhere right now. He currently lives in North Carolina, so at least he’s comfortable in the South. Cowher would put Tennessee back on the map in a big way. He’s known coast to coast. He’s emotional, seems to really care about his players and hey, he has a Super Bowl ring.

Can you imagine Cowher in a recruit’s living room with his Super Bowl ring blinging, giving him the intense speech? It would be hard for a recruit to turn down.

So what’s the downside? We don’t know if coaching in college would appeal to Cowher. And if he was successful, Tennessee would have to deal with NFL teams constantly trying to steal him away.

Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden. He’s got all the positives of Cowher (a Super Bowl ring and an intense attitude) with a UT connection. He was a graduate assistant for the Vols in 1986. His wife Cindy was a Vols cheerleader and is still a huge UT fan. Gruden apparently also has property in East Tennessee.

Then again, Gruden already has a good job with the Bucs. Would he leave that to go to a college job? Anything’s possible, but it’s difficult to imagine.

Duke head coach David Cutcliffe. Cutcliffe is essentially the only coach from the “Tennessee family” that would even be considered, since there aren’t any others with major credentials.

Cutcliffe was on the UT staff for 18 years off and on. He was the offensive coordinator that groomed Heath Shuler, Peyton Manning and Tee Martin. He’s a brilliant offensive mind.

All that said, it’s extremely doubtful Cutcliffe would take the UT job. First of all, he’s best friends with Fulmer, which means he wouldn’t want to take his job. Second, he’s said to be not much of a recruiter, which is a big minus.

Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator at Texas. His strengths? Where to start? He’s been defensive coordinator at LSU (where the Tigers won the national title) and Auburn (in his two seasons there, Auburn had pretty much the best defense in the SEC). The Longhorns are now the No. 1 team in America.

He knows the SEC well (he played at Georgia) and has recruiting contacts all over the South. The only downside is that he’s never been a head coach — and that UT will likely have to fight Auburn and Clemson to get him.

Chris Peterson, head coach Boise State. He’s been a big part of turning Boise from an absolute nonentity to a team everybody knows about. He was offensive coordinator there from 2001-2005. He obviously knows how to run an entertaining offense.

Peterson’s also pretty young at 44. But could he do the same thing in the SEC? Could he recruit big-time athletes nationally? Many thought Urban Meyer wouldn’t be able to step into the big leagues of the SEC. We know how that turned out.

Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach. Leach is certainly getting a lot of attention now with the Red Raiders’ surge into the Top 5. He’s known as a brilliant offensive mind. Texas Tech is averaging 50.2 points per game against Big 12 foes this season.

Leach is no stranger to big-time football. He was the offensive coordinator at Kentucky in 1997-98, where he coached Tim Couch. He then ran the offense at Oklahoma in 1999. He’s been at Tech ever since 2000. He obviously knows recruiting in talent-rich areas.

The downside? He has a contract that will pay him at least $10 million if he stays in place through 2010. He might decide to stay put.

USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. The new ‘it’ offensive coordinator in the country. He’s been a big part of the Trojans’ success in recent years. He knows offense and how to coach quarterbacks. Also knows recruiting.

But would UT take a chance on someone with no head coaching experience? And one so young? (Sarkisian is 34.)

Whoever it is, it provides an opportunity the program hasn’t really had since 1964. Ever since General Robert Neyland came aboard at UT, either he or one of his disciples coached the Vols until that year. Tennessee made the decision that new blood and new ideas were needed, prompting the hire of Doug Dickey.

Dickey coached some Vols teams that are still fondly remembered and he brought several things to the program that are now considered essential — namely, the tradition of running through the ‘T’ before the game and the shape of the ‘power T’ on the side of UT’s helmets.

Could the coach after Fulmer have a similar impact? We’ll have to wait to find out.

Well Jimmy Sexton agent to the Super Coaches says Spurrier was contacted about the job. Coach Cutcliffe has hard feelings at Tennessee but would consider the Auburn job. Mike Leech was contacted by Washington for thier job opening but he will stay at TT. Will Muschamp who knows after the TT loss his stock went down.

[TN.Marine]

Originally Posted by tkj24

Commentary: Let’s move forward — who will replace Fulmer?By: Matt Wilson, mwilson@nashvillecitypaper.com
Posted: Friday, October 31, 2008 12:08 am

So here’s a list of possible major candidates for the Vols’ job and their strengths and weaknesses. WARNING! This is only me shooting from the lip. It’s pure speculation. As far as I know, none of these guys may end up interviewing for the job. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if some of them get a close look.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher. At first glance, it seems like a strange pick. Cowher is a Pennsylvania guy through and through and has no ties to the Tennessee program.

But Cowher isn’t coaching anywhere right now. He currently lives in North Carolina, so at least he’s comfortable in the South. Cowher would put Tennessee back on the map in a big way. He’s known coast to coast. He’s emotional, seems to really care about his players and hey, he has a Super Bowl ring.

Can you imagine Cowher in a recruit’s living room with his Super Bowl ring blinging, giving him the intense speech? It would be hard for a recruit to turn down.

So what’s the downside? We don’t know if coaching in college would appeal to Cowher. And if he was successful, Tennessee would have to deal with NFL teams constantly trying to steal him away.

Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden. He’s got all the positives of Cowher (a Super Bowl ring and an intense attitude) with a UT connection. He was a graduate assistant for the Vols in 1986. His wife Cindy was a Vols cheerleader and is still a huge UT fan. Gruden apparently also has property in East Tennessee.

Then again, Gruden already has a good job with the Bucs. Would he leave that to go to a college job? Anything’s possible, but it’s difficult to imagine.

Duke head coach David Cutcliffe. Cutcliffe is essentially the only coach from the “Tennessee family” that would even be considered, since there aren’t any others with major credentials.

Cutcliffe was on the UT staff for 18 years off and on. He was the offensive coordinator that groomed Heath Shuler, Peyton Manning and Tee Martin. He’s a brilliant offensive mind.

All that said, it’s extremely doubtful Cutcliffe would take the UT job. First of all, he’s best friends with Fulmer, which means he wouldn’t want to take his job. Second, he’s said to be not much of a recruiter, which is a big minus.

Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator at Texas. His strengths? Where to start? He’s been defensive coordinator at LSU (where the Tigers won the national title) and Auburn (in his two seasons there, Auburn had pretty much the best defense in the SEC). The Longhorns are now the No. 1 team in America.

He knows the SEC well (he played at Georgia) and has recruiting contacts all over the South. The only downside is that he’s never been a head coach — and that UT will likely have to fight Auburn and Clemson to get him.

Chris Peterson, head coach Boise State. He’s been a big part of turning Boise from an absolute nonentity to a team everybody knows about. He was offensive coordinator there from 2001-2005. He obviously knows how to run an entertaining offense.

Peterson’s also pretty young at 44. But could he do the same thing in the SEC? Could he recruit big-time athletes nationally? Many thought Urban Meyer wouldn’t be able to step into the big leagues of the SEC. We know how that turned out.

Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach. Leach is certainly getting a lot of attention now with the Red Raiders’ surge into the Top 5. He’s known as a brilliant offensive mind. Texas Tech is averaging 50.2 points per game against Big 12 foes this season.

Leach is no stranger to big-time football. He was the offensive coordinator at Kentucky in 1997-98, where he coached Tim Couch. He then ran the offense at Oklahoma in 1999. He’s been at Tech ever since 2000. He obviously knows recruiting in talent-rich areas.

The downside? He has a contract that will pay him at least $10 million if he stays in place through 2010. He might decide to stay put.

USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. The new ‘it’ offensive coordinator in the country. He’s been a big part of the Trojans’ success in recent years. He knows offense and how to coach quarterbacks. Also knows recruiting.

But would UT take a chance on someone with no head coaching experience? And one so young? (Sarkisian is 34.)

Whoever it is, it provides an opportunity the program hasn’t really had since 1964. Ever since General Robert Neyland came aboard at UT, either he or one of his disciples coached the Vols until that year. Tennessee made the decision that new blood and new ideas were needed, prompting the hire of Doug Dickey.

Dickey coached some Vols teams that are still fondly remembered and he brought several things to the program that are now considered essential — namely, the tradition of running through the ‘T’ before the game and the shape of the ‘power T’ on the side of UT’s helmets.

Could the coach after Fulmer have a similar impact? We’ll have to wait to find out.

First off"FatBoy" Phil gettin' the axe wuz along time coming.It's about time.
Bill Cowher is the best choice,and my sources tell me that U.T. Pres. wuz on the golfcourse in Cookvillew/Cowher recently.Cowher by name alone will pull in great recruits(what kid does'nt want to be coached up by a Super Bowl Champ. coach.)and he is def. more than qual.
He quit Pro Coachin' to be around his family more,he and his family reside in N.C. just across the TN. border,less games less travel=more time w/the fam.
This would be sooooo great! I'm keepin' my fingers crossed.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by TN.Marine

First off"FatBoy" Phil gettin' the axe wuz along time coming.It's about time.
Bill Cowher is the best choice,and my sources tell me that U.T. Pres. wuz on the golfcourse in Cookvillew/Cowher recently.Cowher by name alone will pull in great recruits(what kid does'nt want to be coached up by a Super Bowl Champ. coach.)and he is def. more than qual.
He quit Pro Coachin' to be around his family more,he and his family reside in N.C. just across the TN. border,less games less travel=more time w/the fam.
This would be sooooo great! I'm keepin' my fingers crossed.

Bill Cowher wants 10 Million a year even Tennessee's pockets aren't that deep. Cleveland Browns pockets are. Sorry but Bill is headed back to the NFL.

[tvolsfan]

The Browns aren't going to pay Cowher 10 million a year. Do you just make up your information?

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by tvolsfan

The Browns aren't going to pay Cowher 10 million a year. Do you just make up your information?

If you read what I posted Bill Cowher wants 10 mill a year. What Bill wants and what Bill gets are two totally different things. I promise you the Cleveland Browns pockets are way deeper than the University of Tennessee's. Besides IF Bill Cowher was to come coach in the NCAA he would have done it already at NC State. Bill Cowher is looking to land in the NFL for the right price.

[TN.Marine]

Originally Posted by Stoney

If you read what I posted Bill Cowher wants 10 mill a year. What Bill wants and what Bill gets are two totally different things. I promise you the Cleveland Browns pockets are way deeper than the University of Tennessee's. Besides IF Bill Cowher was to come coach in the NCAA he would have done it already at NC State. Bill Cowher is looking to land in the NFL for the right price.

I respectfully disagree Stoney,Cowher left the N.F.L. for a reason.(you can see a list of said reasons on my previous reply.)I know he still wants to coach and I believe that the U.T. job would be a perfect fit for him& his family.I just hope I'm right and he feels the same way,we'll see.

[Stoney]

Why doesn't Tennessee hire a female head coach? The ya'll should win once a month.

[tvolsfan]

We could hire UL Monroe's coach, and then we could beat Alabama.

[Stoney]

Hire Tuberville.

[Stoney]

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