Fulmer's not going anywhere
Posted: Tuesday June 17, 2008 04:56AM ET
Phillip Fulmer's wife and kids have asked him the question. Tennessee fans ask all the time. And just last week, recruits asked him directly about it. How long will he be UT's head football coach? On Saturday, he got to the point. "I think it's a fair question when you start closing in on 20 years," Fulmer said, driving home from UT's annual high school football camp. "As long as I enjoy it, and as long as we continue to have success, I'm committed for another eight to 10 years. At least." Reassuring words for his backers. Scary words for his detractors. But Fulmer's comments are particularly timely. He currently makes $2.05 million a year and is in his 16th full season as UT's head coach. In the coming days, Fulmer will get a big raise. His total compensation package is expected to be between $2.6 million and $3 million. And if the whispers are true, he will receive a seven-year extension, the longest of his career.
Phil Fulmer, Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Comments (7)
I don't know him, but I like his sideline demeanor.
arejaydub Sept. 13,'08 | 06/17/08, 08:01 AM
Report Offensive CommentHe brought a title back to UT and finally seems willing again to give up some of the spotlight to his coordinators. I will never go against this guy. Glad he is committed to staying for a while.
c note | 06/17/08, 10:25 AM
Report Offensive CommentI agree with arejaydub.
jjreynolds | 06/17/08, 10:34 AM
Report Offensive Comment*sigh* When is the UT athletic department going to figure out that Fulmer does his best coaching with his back against a wall? Give him a 7 year extension and he's going to get complacent again, and it's the early 2000's all over again.
twoheads | 06/17/08, 12:19 PM
Report Offensive CommentI wonder if this will affect how long Clawson stays at UT. I thought maybe he was being brought in as the next head coach in waiting.
JustMHO | 06/17/08, 01:36 PM
Report Offensive CommentFulmer will stay until Peyton Manning retires from the pros to replace him as the head coach of UT.
Farscape | 06/17/08, 02:34 PM
Report Offensive CommentFulmer will stay until Peyton Manning retires from the pros to replace him as the head coach of UT.
Farscape | 06/17/08, 02:34 PM
Peyton will take some time off before he goes into coaching and then when ready he will go directly to the pros. A player as smart as he is will work better in the pros.
c note | 06/17/08, 04:14 PM
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