Fulmer fired at Tennessee

Mike Hamilton is not a happy man. If he is now, he won’t be very long. The Director of Athletics at the University of Tennessee has relinquished the head coaching duties of head football coach Phillip Fulmer. If critics dispute the fact Fulmer was fired, rather than stepping down on his own accord, look no further than Fulmer’s statements in today’s presser. Not once did he thank Hamilton, while abruptly directing a question from the press core about the timing of the dismissal to Hamilton. It was no amicable split. There were no heart-felt goodbyes between the employer and employee. It was bitter. Quite a shame, as Fulmer is in his 17th year at the helm and 28 years on the Volunteer coaching staff.

Fulmer will graciously finish the season. The Tennessee administration plans on coining the Kentucky game, “Phillip Fulmer Appreciation Day.” Slap in the face? Possibly. Let’s just say, remaining UT opponents Wyoming, Kentucky and Vanderbilt have one thing in common. They’re in trouble. The Vols lethargical play was evident throughout the season. Nothing to play for, is but one of the descriptions by the fan base. That’s no longer the case and the players have made their voices heard.

The Vols had fallen on hard times. In a what-have you-done-for-me-lately world of athletics, you must win and win now. Look no further than Clemson. Tommy Bowden was let go in the middle of the season. The Tigers had National Championship aspirations that fell quickly with a season opening loss to the hands of Alabama. The downward spiral concluded with the firing. Big money calls for big results.

At what point does an athletic director decide to make a move? Obviously it lies with wins and losses. The underlying factor is when do you pull the plug? Many points must be taken into account. How successful is the program historically? Has the program made strides under the current administration? Is recruiting continuing to improve? All are imperative for a successful program. Tennessee was failing in all facets, as it was painfully obvious.

Nothing was more painful than this Monday evening. Along side his wife, Fulmer slowly read through a prepared speech to the media. Hamilton was the bearer of bad news this day, while he hopes to be at the opposite end of the spectrum soon introducing the new head coach of the Big Orange. True, Fulmer will ride off into the sunset with more money than he can spend but he loves his players. He loves football. He loves Tennessee. Fulmer has the opportunity to continue to work at UT in an administrative role. He very well could coach again. In a few months, Mike Hamilton could be on the same podium professing his love for the university as did Fulmer. Quid pro quo Mike; If you do not hit a home-run with your decision as head coach, don’t look for any condolences from Phillip Fulmer.