The University Of Tennessee has appointed legendary football coach Phillip Fulmer to the Athletic Director position. This comes after a tumultuous week for Tennessee during a lengthy coaching search that would make a fictional book seem plausible.
As many witnessed last Sunday, now former Athletic Director John Currie attempted to hire Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Greg Shiano as head coach. However, amid unprecedented backlash from fans, politicians and even the White House the deal was dead In less than 24 hours. Over the last week, in an attempt to save face, Tennessee former AD John Currie reached out to Brohm at Purdue, Gundy at Oklahoma State, Doreen at NC state and Leach at WSU only to be turned down.
As turmoil surrounding the program and mounting pressure took hold, it was enough for Chancellor Davenport to meet with Currie this morning and relieve him of athletic duties after only 8 months.
A former player and head coach (92-08), Fulmer compiled a 152-52 record, 2 SEC titles and one National Championship during his tenure on the hill. He is a “Tennessee guy”, well respected and brings experience, communication and trust that was lacking in past leadership.
During todays press conference, Phillip had this to say about what he’s looking for in his next head coach. According to Knoxnews.com, “We first must find us a coach that wants to be at Tennessee, who appreciates the unique opportunity that we have to offer at this very special place at this historical time and who is driven to win at the highest level of college football.
Chancellor Davenport and Coach Fulmer didn’t go into detail on events of the past week, but did say a new era has begun. Todays news brought unity to a fan base and slowed the bleeding of a program that has been embarrassed nationally.
In his final statement, Fulmer made it apparent that he plans to bring in a coach that will win at the highest level,“Lets go have fun winning Championships”.
