NCAA Football, Tennessee Volunteers Football NEWS
Fulmer’s A Legend? Please
Published by MoonDog on October 30, 2008
With speculation regarding the future of Tennessee Volunteers head coach Phil Fulmer increasing every day, some among the Vol nation are suggesting Fulmer’s time at Tennessee qualifies him as a legend.
I’m not one of those voices.
In fact, I’m one of the voices that have called for Fulmer’s firing since 2002 when it became obvious he no longer had the ability to produce acceptable results.
Tennessee Vols Head Coach Phil Fulmer
On Wednesday Fulmer addressed the speculation about his job security, calling it “misinformation” but claiming he doesn’t pay much attention to it.
He might be well-served to start paying attention because the end is closer than what he believes.
The Vols are currently 3-5, 1-4 in the SEC and are in danger of their second losing season in four years. Tennessee’s offense has been among the worst in the nation and there are no signs of improvement.
Fulmer said there were some things he would have done differently had he been able to foresee the results, but he refused to say specifically what those things were.
That doesn’t exactly sound like a legend, does it?
When Fulmer successfully stole the job at Tennessee after he participated in the coup that led to former head coach Johnny Majors being forced out after the 1992 season, he enjoyed tremendous success over the next six seasons.
The Vols were 62-11-1 from 1993 through the ‘98 season, winning two SEC championships, going 4-2 in bowl games and claiming the 1998 BCS national championship.
But since the 1999 season, the Vols have compiled an 83-34 record, including this season’s results.
Over that time the Vols are 3-7 against Florida, 4-6 against Georgia, 0-3 in SEC championship games, 3-5 in bowl games – none of which were BCS bowls – 6-14 against ranked teams in the past four years and 1-9 against Top 10 teams at home this decade.
Fulmer's Days as the Vols Head Coach may be Numbered
That’s not the stuff legends are made of.
Couple the poor results on the field with declining attendance – meaning a loss of revenue – and people within the administration begin to take notice.
Fulmer has become a model of inconsistency on the field and in his recruiting efforts. His support among the Volunteer faithful dwindles with each passing season and all you hear from him are the same tired excuses we’ve heard for nearly a decade.
Frankly I’m tired of listening to those who point to the ‘98 national championship and use it as the defining moment for Fulmer’s supposed legacy.
Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, Tom Osborne, Bob Devaney, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Bear Bryant – those are coaching legends, men who consistently won year after year.
Legends don’t back stab the former coach that brought you into the program. Legends don’t make excuses. Legends don’t turn a once proud football program into a mockery.
Still think Fulmer’s a legend?
Yea, he’s a legend in his own mind.
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