Mr. College Football

By buck b

November 4, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

Its about time for Saban to move again…let him go to Rocky Top.

By MIke

November 4, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this

Tony, as a TN fan, it was painful to watch yesterday. Obviously that was not his choice. But I feel TN was damned if they do and damned if they don’t. You could stay with Fulmer and worry the program slips even further do the continuing problems in the last 6 years or do you cut ties and start to rebuild? Obviously Mike Hamilton made that choice but I just wish it was done in a better fashion.

By Oasis

November 4, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

Tony, I see you are already trying to scare coaches away from Tennessee on behalf of your overrated Dogs. The fact is, UT has always recruited nationally, even back to the days of Neyland. Tennessee is a national program unlike the Dogs. Most of the best players have come from other areas. Players from across the US comment on the diversity at UT and the chance to play in the SEC without having to play in a redneck city like Athens or Tuscaloosa. The Vols will be just fine.

By Need local talent

November 4, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

Oasis, not to burst your bubble but neither Tennessee or Georgia is a “national” team. You would be hard pressed to find many fans of either school outside SEC country. Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, USC….those are “national” programs. Tennessee should look for up-and-coming talent in the south to take the reigns at Tennessee. I find it hard to believe a coach with any known reputation would take the job. Tennessee’s expectations are just too high right now. Tennessee would be wise to let someone come in and give him 4 good years to get the program back on track. Accept the fact that Tennesse will finish behind Bama, Florida and LSU for at least two of those years. I like Tennessee. I wish them the best. But I’m afraid if they’re not careful, they’ll find themselves in a 10 year void like Bama did trying to find a coach who could win them a national championship in his first year.

Incidentally, now that Fulmer will be unemployed, is ESPN going to hire him for a spot called “Ask Dr. Phil”?

By The Pumpkin Walks The Plank

November 4, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

Okay… The deed is done.

Fulmer needed to go. The game has changed and the SEC is in a much different place than when he arrived in ‘92 (No more Ray Goof , Sparky Woods or whoever was babysitting Vanderbilt back then) No more one or two game seasons to pad the record. I don’t have a dog in this fight , but I really hope UT doesn’t get an NFL reject and watch them decline ever further. Tennessee is one of the top jobs in the country and there is no need to get in a panic to hire the flavor of the month. With that fan base,those facilities and the resources that UT can put behind them, luring an established head coach should not be that hard. One good thing about this regime change : There is no obvious in-house successor,no “Phil Fulmer ” ,if you will , busily plunging a knife into the coach’s back. Tennessee can start from a clean sheet of paper and build from the ground up. Of course,things may get worse before they get better . There is obviously no leadership or discipline on the current roster . Any new coach would have to take some weed killer to the bad apples and malcontents.

By get over yourselves

November 4, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

can you guys please stop including georgia in your talks of national power teams. i think its been painfully obvious (to your fans) that you guys dont belong on a national stage, and arent much more than a half decent regional team. the sooner you adjust your perspective the easier the future will be.

By Buck

November 4, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

I agree with Oasis, TN has always recruited nationally. Tony please get your facts straight.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

November 4, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

yawn!

By TommyP

November 4, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

Please….UT made the right choice.

Will it be difficult to find the right guy? It is for everyone.

Your Bruce Pearl analogy is absolutely, mind-numbingly ridiculous.

What works with one doesn’t work with the other?

So UT can’t find a great motivator and intense coach ‘cause it doesn’t work in football?

C’mon, Tony. That’s just a stupid comment.

UT wants their football program to be energized. It’s stale.

There are a lot of guys that would do that for them.

By Dog Since Birth

November 4, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Oasis….those “Redneck Cities” kicked Tennesseee’s a* this year……and don’t get me started about National Titles!!!!

By Pago Flyer

November 4, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Interesting that you place the DAWGS in the “elite” section of the SEC? No way..

By Gen Neyland

November 4, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

To me, the departure of CPF is an era ender. Loyality to the program where he taught and coached that Tennessee was bigger than the players it attracted. A guy that did his best to play by the NCAA rules. If you don’t believe me, check the records and point out where he faltered in this regard, knowingly cheated. He expected other programs to do the same.

I read that from 2000-2007, JoPa’s record was 59-41 at PSU. CPF’s record was 80-31 in the same time frame. Don’t need to point out where PSU is today. I will add that I wasn’t one that clamoured for his head on a platter, but I do recognize it’s time to move on.

As bad as Tennessee has been this season, their defense has allowed but one team to score 30 against them. No offensive punch. IMO, a part of CPF’s demise was in hiring Dave Clawson instead of retaining Trooper Taylor. Taylor apprenticed under Cutcliffe. Taylor was also a decent recruiter. In hindsight, Trooper Taylor would have been a long shot for the OC at Tennessee, but what of Dave Clawson..? See what Taylor has helped accomplish at OK ST… I’ll leave out with these two quotes from around the SEC, borrowed from the Tennessean :

RICH BROOKS / KENTUCKY “It’s a shame that a coach with a winning percentage of about 75 percent, who also won the SEC Eastern Division last season, is stepping down. It’s a sign of the times in our ‘what have you done for me lately’ society. Coach Fulmer has been a great representative of college football and given Tennessee a lot of great years. He’ll be missed in college football.”

NICK SABAN / ALABAMA “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Phillip Fulmer and what he has done at Tennessee. His full body of work, winning a national championship — you can’t say enough about the job he has done. I hate to see any of my colleagues go through this.”

By TrueCrimson

November 4, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

A little birdie told me that Jon Gruden, current HC of Tampa Bay, is the one.

Time will tell.

By Dog Since Birth

November 4, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

And by the way Oasis, you have any idea where Frankie Sinkwich and Charley Trippi were from? They are from the NORTH….winning National Titles before Tennessee knew what those were!!!!!

By Mikey in the SAV

November 4, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

Tommy Bowden is available…and probably still has lots of Orange gear…

By RAMBLE ON!!!

November 4, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Dog Since Birth, Frankie Sinkwich and Charley Trippi never won one “National Titles”. And you say it with a plural. LOL!!!!

Yea some irrelevant poll gave them one in ’42…but everyone else gave it to Ohio St. Sorry, sad but true. Nice try. The Fleabags have one and only one NC.

By joe

November 4, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Do people not read articles? What Tony said was that sure they recruit nationally but they were also more able to go into Alabama, Ga & he didn’t even mention Louisiana to get players. Those days are over for Tenn with Richt, Saban & Miles.

By G8TR

November 4, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Actually, UT was as much a national program as any in the SEC a decade ago — and that shine doesn’t just disappear. (Obviously, UGA has never achieved that level. It’s last decent national run — more than a quarter of a century ago — was fundamentally about a single player, not the program.)

But what’s really laughable about Tony’s column is mentioning Richt in a coaching “rock star” category. The guy’s an under-achiever — at best. Damaged goods with declining value. Check back when he’s able to even sniff a national title, which does not appear to be anytime soon.

Of course, for the sake of the UF-UGA series trend being maintained, we hope Richt stays at UGA for as long as Fulmer did at UT. Nothing but upside about that for UF.

By m

November 4, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Two words…..Chan Gailey. It is the least we could do for our friends up at Tennessee who gave us A. J. Suggs.

By Mike

November 4, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

I think the poster who contrasted the Penn State situation to the Tennessee situation hit the nail on the head. No loyalty anymore, it seems. No patience to go through rough times with a coach who has a superb overall record. JoePa and Papa Bowden would both have been fired at Tennessee, yet both are in the Top 25 this week.

Hmmm.

By The Alpha Male

November 4, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

LOL! Oasis, you are obviously the product of Tennessee inbreeding. Anybody that calls others schools’ campuses “redneck” in relation to Knoxville, TN. obviously is a podunk retard. Yeah, Obnoxville is a real mecca of culture and sophistication.

I have a question for you…. if you and your wife get a divorce, are you still brother and sister?

By dawgthabootyhunter

November 4, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Breaking news out of knoxvile, Ray Goff has been contacted for the head coaching vacancy.

By Ryno

November 4, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Fulmer had to go. It was simply time. Ten years without an SEC title (not just a division title) is way too long. Tennessee should get a tremendous coach considering the facilities, tradition, fanbase, and core of young players like Eric Berry and Gerald Jones.
The right coach will still be able to go into Georgia, Alabama, or wherever and get good players. Tennessee, when winning has always done that.
Tony’s point about Pearl is beyond valid. Tennessee fans have seen firsthand how a guy with tremendous passion and skills can re-ignite a floundering program. Well, while the football program is floundering this season, most years it’s simply been mediocre (9-10 wins), so a good coach only needs an extra win or two to move Tennessee back into national prominence. It will happen…with the right hire.

By ramdawg

November 4, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

HEY TENNESEE WE HAVE A COACH ON OUR STAFF AT GA YOU REALLY NEED TO HIRE,HIS NAME IS WILLIE MARTINEZ.HE PLAYS A GREAT SOFT ZONE AND GIVES UP A TON OF BIG PLAYS.I THINK YOU WILL REALLY LOVE HIM.

By gdawgsjp

November 4, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Last time I looked UGA finished SECOND in the national rankings at the end of last season. Where was your school ranked nationally? This goes to all you nay sayers knocking UGA. We may have lost two games this season, but we can beat ANY team in the nation on any given day.

By jason

November 4, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Need Local Talent:

I’d agree with your assessment that Big 10 teams are “national teams” if it were 1984. However, it is 2008, and the Big-10’s last two champions were boat-raced in the national championship game. Notre Dame hasn’t won a bowl game in 20 years. I’ll concede that USC is a “national” team, but I think at some point you lose the right to call yourself a national team if you haven’t been winning. Unless the only measure of a national team is having played football for a long time. By that measure, Rutgers is a national team.

By JB

November 4, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

12-0 & 11-1 every year in the SEC ain’t gonna happen. UT needs to get the right guy and give him a chance. I hope they don’t look at Alabama at number 1 and expect that to happen. UGA people have a solid coach who has taken us up the ladder rung a couple of notch’s, but 10 wins a year has them screaming for his head. It takes a lot of intangibles to go 12-0. Bama will be back at 9 -10 wins next year because of a new QB. If Teebow comes back, I don’t see them losing next year, especially with the entire defense coming back. but players cycle in and out, injuries, schedules,all effect your year. Note; Dawgs do help on defense.

By WIN1

November 4, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

BOBBY PETRINO WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS THE NEXT UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE FOOTBALL COACH!!!

By MartinVol

November 4, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Tony,

Wake up. Georgia is NOT an elite program. They get blown out too much. Tennessee has always recruited on a national level. Where do you think a lot of Genearal Neyland’s best players came from? New Jersey, Ohio, weastern Pennsylvania and other states. Also I don’t buy that the talent isn’t in Tennessee. Michael Oher, Golden Tate, Patrick Turner, Dante Hightower and Randall Cobb to name a few are all Tennessee kids doing great at other schools. Fulmer wasn’t getting the best in-state players anymore. Additionally I think Mike Hamilton already has someone in mind that has been approached through back channels and has shown some interest. I’m surprised since you are “Mr. College Football” that you didn’t known that that is the way coaches are really hired. GET REAL. UT WILL get a big time coach.

By Terrible Truth

November 4, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

When 8-10,000 fans started showing up dressed as empty seats, I knew the fat boy was on thin, thin ice. David Cutcliffe was to Phil Fulmer what Bill Belichick was to Bill Parcells, neither of the latters was the same without the formers. I don’t know what “rock star” they can get to replace Fulmer but Bobby Johnson should sit tight, he may have a good shot at the UT, Clemson and maybe even the Auburn job. How many tears did Fulmer shed yesterday? ($)6,000,000 to be exact.

By Dawg Fud

November 4, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

G8TR, has a point about Richt.

Bring Cutcliffe back from Duke, let him rebuild the program, then go out and hire a rock star in 4 years.

By larry

November 4, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

go for muschamp

By Fred G. Sanford

November 4, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

The “G” stands for Georgia, you big dummy!

Two words for the coaching search:

David Cutcliffe

He already knows the program and culture, knows the recruiting bases, and has demonstrated his ability to win in the SEC during his time at Ole Miss, one of the toughest places to win at in the SEC.

From a selfish perspective I hope they don’t get Cutcliffe. His offense consistently ran (and passed) up and down the field on us when he was the OC.

By volchamp

November 4, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Tony, reading your reports are like watching MSNBC objectively discussing republicans and democrats.

By Tech Fan Since 1950

November 4, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

I said it last year with the Tech opening and I’ll say it again. The most up and coming head coaching prospect for the SEC or the ACC is Chris Hatcher. His personality, southern background, training (Mike Leach was his Offensive Coordinator at Valdosta State University when Chris played quarterback)and coaching skills make him an ideal candidate for the Tennessee position.

By Gator Nation

November 4, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Gen. Neyland

Great post. I wish Fulmer the best. He earned better treatment from the fans and school. The expectations for the SEC heavy-weights are way to high. This was also demonstrated when Ole Miss fired Cutcliffe after one bad year. Unrealistic expectations will lead one to unhappiness every time.

Incidently, the article in the AJC about Spurrier jabing fulmer is a hack job. If you look at Spurriers quotes in the gainesville sun you will get a different perspective.

Go Gators!

By who cares

November 4, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Mark Richt is Tommy Bowden in red and black and UGA is no better than Clemson!

By TallyDawg

November 4, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

At this juncture in his career, Mark Richt doesn’t deserve to be in the same sentence with Nick Saban and Urban Meyer. Neither of those two would ever shrug off the kind of beat downs that Richt seems to take in stride. Phil Fulmer has more fire in his gut than Mark Richt. It takes a coach who hates to lose more than anything to win it all. Richt’s “oh well” attitude after a humiliating loss to a hated rival speaks volumes. He knows he can stay at UGA forever and win 9 - 10 games a year with the readily available talent base. That’s enough for him. He is more focused on winning souls to Jesus than he is on winning championships.

By Vol4ever

November 4, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Oh Tony so TN can’t recruit in the south eh? Well, letws see what about Eric Berry, Peyton Manning, Jamal Lewis, and on and on. I believe that Berry and Lewis came out of your great state of Georgia! Yes TN can recruit against anybody in the nation. We have the facilities and the LARGEST recruiting budget in the country. It comes down to the coach and Fulmer just lost his edge and when the game changed, he refused to change.

No, Tony your wrong, there will be plenty of coaches wanting to come to Knoxville, and BTW, Butch Davis will not ever win a tilte at North Carolina. Just ask Spurrier about the Carolinas.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

November 4, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

The best/worst coaching jobs this year.

http://cfn.scout.com/2/808089.html

Looks like the over and under for St. Richt is two more years. That’s when the mutts fire the best coach they have ever had.

By bull-gator

November 4, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

To Mike Hamilton: Bobby Johnson at Vanderbilt is your man. 2nd best coach in the SEC east and 3rd best coach in the SEC. Better get him if you can.

By PTC DAWG

November 4, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

To all the folks knocking UGA. I have one simple question, since UGA hired Richt, which 10 teams have done better? Have been more consistent? Have been in the top 10 more? That’s what Mr. Barnhardt is saying. Just answer my questions.

Oh what, that’s too hard, name me 5 schools with a better record in the last 8 years. I’ll hang up and listen.

By YoungDawg

November 4, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Gen Neyland “A guy that did his best to play by the NCAA rules. If you don’t believe me, check the records and point out where he faltered in this regard knowingly cheated. What a joke! Foolmer & his supports can say that all you want but the facts show otherwise. (For some reason people think if you say something these days it’s true just because you say it is) *The fact is that in court & NCAA documents there’s proof that he ratted out Bama while self reported violations by Tennessee that were then waved because of his testimony. * That coincided with UGA hiring away Rodney Garner which started the downward spiral then it picked up steam when lost Cutcliff things got better when he came back then when he left again the bottom fell out! So Phil didn’t choose the right assistants to replace the ones that left that combined with the fact that he couldn’t cheat anymore exposed him for the fraud of head coach that he always was! Part of me is happy he’s gone but another part of me is going to miss having him to hate on! Never fear though Slick Nick Satan & Urban “legend in my own mind” Myer are rapidly rising up to fill that void.

By Birdbashin1

November 4, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Why is noone talkinf about Kiffin as a HC at UT

By SC Rules!!!

November 4, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Tony, I agree with your assement that Tennessee needs to give the new coach the “time” to get the ship righted, the problem is hte boosters, alums and well the FANS won’t allow that. They’ll say well Stoops did it in two years, Saban too (both times)! I agree and this is no dis on Tenn but they are NOT a national team, I live out here in SoCal and there aren’t many (close to zero) Tenn fans roaming the highways except when they come out for a PAC-10 vs SEC opener or bowl game. I would venture a strong bet that you’ll find plenty of USC Trojans gear throughout the South. Yes you’ll find ‘Bama & FLA gear around here but TN gear no. My point is they ar going to need to bite the bullet and let a coach rebuild that program. Sorry guys, but Coach Carroll is VERY HAPPY right here, nice of y’all to think of him though!

By VolMan

November 4, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

The state of Tennessee has just as much high school football talent as Alabama or Georgia. The difficulty of recruiting is overrated, otherwise GA and Bama would just sign all the good players from their own state. Saban and Richt have to go outside the state like the UT coach will do. UT can hire a very good coach and if he hires a good staff that knows how to recruit and sell, UT can be in the top 10 on a regular basis.

By 007Dawg

November 4, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Hey Ramble on Schweinhund! So you say UGA’s 1942 NC was by an irrelevant poll,huh? LOL, same could be said for all of the ones you Nerds claim from the 20’s. GT only has 1/2 of a NC and that from a news organization that soon went bankrupt shortly after 1990! See ya in Athens for eight in a row, beotch!

By Kendawg

November 4, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I just hope that Tennessee doesn’t hire David Cutcliffe as the next coach. We rarely beat Tennessee when he was the OC. My choice for their hire would be Willie Martinez.

By murfdawg

November 4, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

What was Cutcliff’s record at Ole Miss as a head coach? A great OC doesn’t make a great head coach. I’m afraid UT is in for a long painful era like the Dawgs went thru with Goff and Donnan. hang in there Vols. The sun will come up big orange again someday.

By David

November 4, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Someone who lives in Knoxville, TN calling Athens and Tuscaloosa “redneck” cities? Talk about pots and ketttles!

By Mike

November 4, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

YoungDawg. Who do you think was the Recruiting Coordinator up in Knoxville when Fulmer and the Vols were supposedly cheating? Perhaps the game guy that is holding that same position at UGA? They don’t call him the “bag man” for nothing.

By BADDAWG

November 4, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

I am sure the $6,000,000.00 buyout will help Phat Phil heal most of the “wounds” he will suffer as a result of his forced resignation!!!

However, his attorney must not be very clever, or he would have negotiated for a $4,000,000.00 settlement…payable in the next 12 months at the most!!!

When Obama, Biden, Pelosi, Kennedy, Reid and the rest of the socialcrats get finished with their new tax plan…..Fulmer will see very little of that money!!!!!!!!!!

By Birdbashin1

November 4, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Kiffin would be a great hire. Great X’s & O’s guy, and a great recruiter. We have a large fanbase in Cali. and he has lots of ties their.

By RealityCheck

November 4, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

G8tor I would think that being #2 last year and #3 in 2002 is ‘sniffing’ a mnc…we almost backed into the game last year like FLA did in ‘06. oh how quickly we forget…FLA was irrelevent before spurrier yet you act like you’ve always been. sad, so sad.

Ramble On you need to see a mental therapist. Obsession is noted. UGA has 5 nc’s according to those awarded. UGA doesn’t claim them quite like GT that claims even the ones by people never heard of. How many AP nc’s do you have? That is what I thought.

UGA is a program that will rank with anyone in the country since Richt has been here. So, yes he is a ROCK STAR coach. Top 10 5 of 7 years, top 10 winning percentage among coaches, 2 SEC championships (one of 3 to win two in first 5 years EVER). 10 wins in 6 of 8 years being head coach (yes we win 10 this year). our rebuilding year was 9-4, a record most of you haters would love to have. bama is finally having a good year, ut is irrevelant again, uf is johnny come lately, and gt will never again be. gnaw on that bone

By Ed

November 4, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

I read with amusement Spurrier’s recent comments about not wanting the Tenn. job. He took a few jabs at Fulmer in the process.

I know the man has a big ego, but earth to Spurrier: if you’re not careful, you’ll be the next SEC coach to get canned. Forget about other jobs, you might want to work on keeping the one you have. S.C.’s gone exactly nowhere in your tenure. In fact, you’ve accomplished nothing as a coach in the past 8 years or so. You can’t live off your success in the 90s forever.

By Oldtymedawg

November 4, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Hey Volunteer fans

Give it anothur game or tuu. Let these DAWGS get beat by Tech and these but*holes will let you have the great coach marc richt!

By macdaddy

November 4, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Notice any difference between the time of Roy Kramer leaving the SEC and UT starting to slip in talent and in winning. When Roy left, “Teflon Tennessee” started to lose its coating. Search your feelings, you know it too be true.

By mike brown

November 4, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

This would be a real sleeper pick, admittedly one that could blow up in your face, but if the Tn AD was willing to think outside the box a great choice would be Chris Hatcher currently at Georgia Southern. The man can coach and he can recruit. And, he can relate to the chew tobacco crowd as well as to the big donors. He would also be a great fit at Clemson. As I said this could be a pick that could blow up in your face, but I highly doubt it. He prepped under Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, both at Valdosta and later at Kentucky, and his offense would light up Knoxville. It’s worth a thought.

By Sammy Kershaw

November 4, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

How can you keep putting UGA up there with Alabama and Florida. F

ACE THE FACT PEOPLE UGA IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE 2ND TIER. BOTTOM LINE.

YOU ARE THE MOST OVER RATED TEAM OF THE LAST 10 YEARS. YOU HAVE THE SOFTEST COACH IN THE SEC. SABAN AND MEYER OWN YOU. THE TRUTH HURTS DOESNT IT

By SEC FAN

November 4, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Chris Peterson (Boise State) would be an excellent choice. A fresh face and new approach would not hurt TN. Can you imagine TN pulling a Statue of Liberty play to beat GA. That would be a classic.

By GetOverIt

November 4, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

gdawgsjp says: “We may have lost two games this season, but we can beat ANY team in the nation on any given day.” Ok any team? lets see, Alabama. Any Given day? ok Sept. 27,2008. No good? How about Florida on Nov 1,2008. Still No good? hmmmm

By rob

November 4, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

What a joke of an article. I love the homers who put Richt’s name in the same sentence with Saban and Meyer. Tennessee put up more of a fight against Fla and Ala then the all powerful Dawgs did. Richt better step it up, in the world of “what have you done for me lately”, the question will start to be ask at GA soon.

By Tuck

November 4, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

No one is talking about Kiffin, because no one is excited about him. He was Pete Carroll’s OC, who was picked by a senile maniac to be HC of the pathetic Raiders. He’s a hot OC, but a far-from-sure-thing HC candidate.

By Kershawforprez

November 4, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

yes Saban owns Richt that is why he has A LOSING RECORD AGAINST HIM….oooo, Urban Liar is 2-1, you are an idiot.

By rob

November 4, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

You are kidding me……Kiffin would rather go to Washington than UT. Give me a break Barn-dawg.

Since no one want to come to UT maybe we should just hire a Georgia assistant since they all already know how to beat Bama and Fla!

By olddawg

November 4, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

The Rumor on the street is that the joby is between Terry and tommy Bowden. Either already have orange gear. The real orange.

By Rocky Road Ahead

November 4, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

David Cutcliffe would be a good stand in the Gap choice, would not be bound for next 15 years, Bring in a Young Gun to be groomed for job, has respect and has done a credible job at Ole Miss and Duke. Would have support of former players…just a thought.

By bruce

November 4, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Give me Mark Richt anyday, win or lose….Urban and Nick may win but Richt is the better man and runs a cleaner and better program….All his success has come at the DI level in SEC….no Utah or MSU to build on….and both gentlemen you so highly reguard won with others talent…

By JJack

November 4, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Both Johnny Majors and I find it interesting to see the word “loyalty” used in the same sentence as “Fulmer”. He had his run and deserved the same “loyalty” he showed Majors… Oh, yeah - small difference this time in that he won’t have to remove the knife from his back like Majors did…

By Sammy Kershaw

November 4, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

so Kershaw for prez, I notice you dont rebute the fact UGA is the most over rated team of the last 10 years, and your coach is the softest coach in the SEC.

By Nate

November 4, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Who would want to go to Knoxville? Most other SEC towns have some character and schools like UGA are far superior to UT (see any national academic ranking and compare). It’s going to be tough to hire someone at an SEC bottom-feeder except some young, inexperienced coach or an old-timer about to be put out to pasture. Good luck Vol’s, it’s going to be a long road back to even mediocrity.

By G8TR

November 4, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

gdawgsjp: Your “on any given day” question has been answered. It’s the day they play UA or UF, apparently.

PTC DAWG: Which SEC teams have done better since Richt’s hiring? Hmmm, that’s a real tough question. LSU — two SECs, two NCs; UF — one SEC, one NC. (All coaches were between their 2nd and 4th years).

Like we said, Richt — an under-achiever defined. But, hey UGA: Keep him as long as you can. Please.

By YoungDawg

November 4, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Mike, Good point on the surface of things…After reporting the violations Fulmer had to follow the recruiting rules. Your correct Garner was there when the infractions occurred but you also have to know that if he or any other coach on the staff was involved with them NCAA let them know not to repeat those while at UT or again at another school. At the time there wasn’t a rule to punish the coaches directly like what happened when Kelvin Sampson left OU & went to IU. He was given a chance as long as he didn’t do it again. The violations in question involved Tee Martin (& other players), Foolmer & a booster so at least Phil did his own dirty work unlike Jim Harrick. Rumor amongst UGA insiders at the time was part of the reason Garner left UT was because he didn’t want to be involved in such sorted activities. Looking back at where both programs were, why would Garner leave there for UGA to coach under Jim Donnan? Maybe family, & money but also to get away from the filth at UT. Donna & Suppier also told the NCAA about Albert Mean’s handlers demands but you don’t hear Bama fans complaining about them because they didn’t implicate Bama they let the NCAA figure that part out for themselves whereas Foolmer did it to hide his own personal violations.

By MegaT

November 4, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Tennessee will be just fine. I don’t get it with all this doom and gloom from rival fans. Tennessee can compete with anyone whether it be salary, facilities or recruiting. This job is much more attractive Tony, than you apparently want to admit. Was Saban afraid of Meyer? Was Miles afraid of Richt? Give me a break. The Volunteer Nation will rise again!

By Marco

November 4, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

If I were a UT fan and the fear of competition from other schools in recruiting scared a prospect away, I wouldn’t want that prospect to begin with.

Fight On!

By G8TR

November 4, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

RealityCheck:
What’s so sad was UGA trying to argue its way into last year’s national title game when you hadn’t even won your own conference’s division, much less an SEC title. No other SEC program has ever made that weak of an argument. (It would be far too embarrassing.) And to do it against one of our conference’s teams (LSU) was doubly low-class. If you ever find yourself in a conference title situation again (while highly unlikely in the near-term), you’d expect other SEC teams to back you up. But not classy Mark Richt and UGA.

By Jamie

November 4, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

To all you UT fans that says UT recruits nationally. Do you know why UT recruits nationally? Because the high school football is the state of Tennessee is terrible. There is not enough elite athletes in Tennessee to make a college powerhouse. UT has no choice but to try and raid other states. Georgia is basically walled off and so is Alabame. Wonder why Fulmer is not winning at ahigh level anymore - because they are not getting these athletes anymore and alos Cutcliff is gone. UT HAS to recruit nationally - otherwise they would be worse than they are now.

By huh Nate ?

November 4, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

You must not get out much Nate. Outside the SEC I mean.

Around the country Tennessee is well thought of as a football program. We realize all schools have their ups and downs. If Tennessee considers looking outside the south they will get plenty of interested coaches.

They have a fine tradition that includes a national tile in recent history, something UGA lacks. Don’t be surprised they may be back in contention in a couple of years.

By brian

November 4, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

what about Cutcliffe to Tennessee?

As you mentioned above Tenessee’s record was far superior when he was at Tennessee versus not. He has in one year made Duke a good team. He knows Tennessee and what it takes to be successful there

By Atlanta Gator

November 4, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Gen Neyland——There is a season, my friend.

Here’s hoping Tennessee does turn it around, because the SEC East Division has just not been the same since the Florida-Tennessee rivalry petered out after the Evil Genius’ departure for the NFL. The Gator-Volunteer games from 1992 to 2002 were legendary. They will be again.

By Mike

November 4, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Tennessee does not recruit nationally by choice. The high school football talent in the state of Tennessee is horrible so if they want to compete in football, Tennessee has to recruit outside the state.

By Reality Check for RealityCheck

November 4, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Richt is a pretty good coach, but he isn’t a Pete Carroll. Now that’s a Rock Star Coach.

Richt lets Uga get blown out once or twice a year, Carroll’s team never gets blown out, and they always make the adjustments and stay close or come back to win. Carroll’s teams play big in *Big Games, that’s want champions do; UGA seems to always find a way to lose the big one.

If Tennessee wants to set the SEC on its ear hire Carroll’s OC, now that Guy’s got Rock Star potential.

By To PTC DAWG

November 4, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

PTC DAWG asked:

…To all the folks knocking UGA. I have one simple question, since UGA hired Richt, which 10 teams have done better? Have been more consistent? Have been in the top 10 more?…

* USC,* Ohio State,** LSU, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma,

By Jim

November 4, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Tony, for a GA grad you got this right. Hamilton just put his job on the line. For what he did right with Pearl, he was wading in the baby pool. This is his defining decision. I think the best case is UT gets someone different from Fullmer who energizes a united fan base. That makes for a tough hire. I wonder if Rodney Garner or Trooper Taylor are candidates from the up and coming pool?

By noitall

November 4, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Phil had to go. No coach can get the job done when the fans behind the team are so divided. I don’t know what Tennessee is going to do in the short term, but in ten years, Peyton Manning will be coaching at Tennessee, possibly in the top spot. The ideal scenario would be to bring back Cutcliffe—assuming he would agree to follow his close friend under the circumstances—who will then hire Peyton as a quarterbacks coach, promote him to ooffensive coordinator and watch move up to head coach in 3-5 years when Cutcliffe is ready to retire.

By MiamiDawg

November 4, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

I hear bobby petrino is looking through the want ads recently…

I wish CMR was….

By PTC DAWG

November 4, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

PTC DAWG asked:

…To all the folks knocking UGA. I have one simple question, since UGA hired Richt, which 10 teams have done better? Have been more consistent? Have been in the top 10 more?…

• USC,* Ohio State,** LSU, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma

Thanks for proving my point…UF hasn’t been in the top 10 nearly as much as UGA has since we hired Richt. The others have, all have been either 4-5 or so times in the last 8 years. Fact is, UGA has been fairly good, in spite of what many think. No one is claiming we are any where near the best, but in the top 5%-10% of all 1-A teams.

USC has been in the top 10 the most, but I would contend they should be, their conference gives them a free ride.

By Malone

November 4, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Spurrier

By jd

November 4, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

to all the gator fans remember uga still leads the series by quite a few

By virtueandvice

November 4, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Bobby Petrino: “Rosie, hold all my calls and cancel all my appointments for the next couple of days.” I, um, got something to, um take care of. I’ll be in touch, um maybe.”

By I'll take it.......

November 4, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

contract extension one year….6 mm buyout the next! What a country!

By BIGBEE

November 4, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Sure UGA has always recruited nationally. Moon Pie Wilson was from up north, Gainsville I believe. That is north of somewhere. Glad our high school offense dosen’t work, so nobody wants our coach.

By N 85 Eagle

November 4, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Tech Fan Since 1950, and others, Chris Hatcher has yet to hit “rock star” status and prove himself in the boro. Paul Johnson is by far the better candidate for the job. Tennessee has deep enough pockets to buy out his contract. I can make a much better case for Johnson to leave Tech than for Hatcher to leave Ga Southern.

Leave my coach out of the blog and I’ll leave yours out…..

By 82DAWG

November 4, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

UT - Please Hire Willie Martinez!!! The AJC said he was ready to be a head coach now and you know if the AJC says it, it must be true. So hurry before someone else grabs him….please.

By BIGBEE

November 4, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Hey JD, whate have you done in the past 16 or so games?

By Billy the Bulldog!!

November 4, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Tennessee fans, I hate what you did to Fulmer. The man gave you the heart of his life and now you SH!T on him like birdcage newspaper. Fulmer has beena VOL far longer than most of you socalled FANS. Most of you are like Georgia and Alabama fans, you never went to school there, and if you did you never graduated!.

I say you need to hire Lou Holtz, then he can bring in Skip as the heir apparent….Lou will retire …..Again. Vols will say NO to Skip and y’all can hire The Evil Genius, Spu;rrier.

God Bless Phil Fulmer. The Tennessee fans can go and stick it.

By GWG

November 4, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Well said Tony….

By Gator Nation

November 4, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

To all the Georgia fans who are satisfied with leading the overall series against Florida…….

Would you rather be leading the series with ancient 1930’s and 1940’s victories or have Richt be 8-2 vs Florida?

Duh…………..

Richt Vs. Florida : 2-8

Meyer Vs. Georgia : 3-1

By Gen Neyland

November 4, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator

Some people just don’t get the premise of a point unless it’s to be misconstued to fit an agenda. You seem to understand. Probably has something to do with your profession…Thx for your support. UT will be fine…

By Sammy Kershaw

November 4, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

TRUST US UGA FANS, THE REST OF THE CONFERENCE HOPES YOU KEEP RICHT THE SAME WAY WE HOPED UT WOULD KEEP FULMER AND AUBURN KEEPS TUBBY.

KEEP DEFENDING HIM, THATS FINE, WE LOVE HIM TOO. I SMELL MEDIOCRITY

By BASEBALL KEN

November 4, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

UT is going to hire “outside” the box. Name to remember: Robert Nunn. He has coached at UT and is currently the d-line coach for the Green Bay Packers. His OC will be the gifted Bert Williams, who is the Head coach at Georgia Milatary College. MARK MY WORDS.

By jd

November 4, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

to all the gator fans remember uga still leads the series by quite a few

By West Cobb

November 4, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Phillip Fulmer had a lot of class and still does. He coached at the school he played for and in the state in which he was born. He loves the school and the state and his passion was to see it excel. How many other coaches can say that? Yes, PF did get paid a lot but so do other coaches and they would all leave at the mention of a bigger paycheck. Phillip Fulmer was loyal to UT til the very end. Too bad they were not loyal to him.

By ARdawg

November 4, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Billy the Bulldog

You it would seem has a bug stuck up your azz. I am no Vol fan but I wouldn’t consider 6 million and enduring Fulmer for the last few years as sh!tting on him.

I have been a Georgia fan all my life and never went to school there. Does that make me less a fan? If so, how?

Fulmer’s time has come to pass and the people that benefit or suffer from it are the Vol fans.

Do you have any recollection on how Fulmer obtained the TN in the first place? He is going out much the way he came in.

I liked making fun of Phil but I always respected him as a coach. Can’t honestly say I liked him but I did respect him. Phil is going to be just fine, you should quit your WAH WAH crybaby whining and let the Vols handle their business

By Hey PTC DAWG

November 4, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

PTC DAWG asked:

…To all the folks knocking UGA. I have one simple question, since UGA hired Richt, which 10 teams have done better? Have been more consistent? Have been in the top 10 more?

*PTC DAWG asked:

…To all the folks knocking UGA. I have one simple question, since UGA hired Richt, which 10 teams have done better? Have been more consistent? Have been in the top 10 more?…USC has been in the top 10 the most, but I would contend they should be, their conference gives them a free ride…

USC under Pete Carroll 76-14

-2002 12-2 ranking #2

-2003 12-1 ranking BCS#2 AP#1 NC

-2004 13-0 ranking #1 NC

-2005 12-1 ranking #2

-2006 11-2 ranking #4

-2007 11-2 ranking #2

Look back at the previous years and you won’t use SOS to discount this record. This year is the lowest SOS since 2002 when USC had the BCS highest rated SOS.

By morris

November 4, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I don’t feel sorry for fat phil after the way he ratted out alabama. I don’t know of any other time in the history of college football where a coach secretly tried to bring down another program to save his own neck. What a pathetic human being and lowlife snitch. And no I’m not an Alabama fan I’m a UGA fan. I have recently hated tennessee more than any other sec school because of fat phil the rat. Maybe now I can have a little more respect for UT.

By Mike Hunt

November 4, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Why not Rodney Garner? Though I’d hate to see him go and then have to recruit against him, he’s earned that consideration if they go with someone without the Head Coach experience.

By Kent N

November 4, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

georgia fans of course are happy with him leaving. The only thing those Homers in Athens could ever make fun of was to attack him personally. Fact is he owned UGA and Alabama. The Orange Nation will rise above as they always do ! There will never be an end zone dance from a team or jumping on the others teams logo because @ UT is has always been about success.

By GeorgiaBoy

November 4, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

To some of you commenters, think about this…..there is a reason why Tony is a media professional, and you’re just a blogger. Let it marinate. To Billy the Bulldog, you are correct, most Alabama and Georgia fans never went to school there, but they are the most vocal and most of the time, they never know what the hell they are talking about. Tennessee has talent, but no direction. Georgia has talent, but no heart. Alabama has talent, direction, and heart, so does Florida. The talent level between these progams is about even, but you have to have a plan, direction, execution, and some brass. Remember, a flock of sheep led by a lion will destroy a pride of lions led by a sheep.

By BEN

November 4, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

TONY YOUR OPIONON SUCKS !!!

By BEN AGAIN

November 4, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

NO TONY YOU SUCK

By dannyc

November 4, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Petrino has been on the job for about 10 months. I bet he’s ready for a change

By Never Rong

November 4, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Tennessee has never had a problem recruiting nationally, and because it’s the only powerhouse university in its state (sorry Vandy) it controls the local market. Recruiting-wise there is no reason Tennessee can’t return to the top in fairly short order, if it hires the right coach. For better or worse, or rightly or wrongly, Tennessee has more national cache than Georgia. It’s a better brand name. (Same with Alabama over Auburn. No matter how many times Auburn beats Bama, when outsiders think of southern football [or college football in general] they’ll think of Alabama before they will Auburn.) In summary, in that it’s willing to spend the dough and is committed to a top-notch program, Tennessee to return to upper echelon status.

By Never Rong

November 4, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Not to get off subject, but I’d take a pride of lions led by a sheep over a bunch of sheep led by a lion.

By Dawgone

November 4, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Hire Mark May….he already hates UGA. LOL

By chris

November 4, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

How about Chan Gailey. It was the Tennessee AD who suggested we hire Chan to Dave Braine. So what’s good for the goose……

By Tony is a retard

November 4, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

by oasis November 4, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

Tony, I see you are already trying to scare coaches away from Tennessee on behalf of your overrated Dogs. The fact is, UT has always recruited nationally, even back to the days of Neyland. Tennessee is a national program unlike the Dogs. Most of the best players have come from other areas. Players from across the US comment on the diversity at UT and the chance to play in the SEC without having to play in a redneck city like Athens or Tuscaloosa. The Vols will be just fine.

your a retard also

By Supe

November 4, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

What about Gene Simmons? I thought we were talking rock stars.

By ramdawg

November 4, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

hey volman the best hs team in georgia would beat the best hs team in tenn by 50 pts and stop making stupid comments. I know your upset about your coach but get a grip on yourself.

By warhorse

November 4, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

UT is like Georgia in that it no longer is a national program that automatically attracts a top candidate. To UGAs credit, they went to the back bench and found Mark Richt; of course, that decision still is in question now that he is 2-6 against Florida. UT will do better finding an assistant than a warmed-over head coach with modest success.

By John T.

November 4, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Tony,

I thought (maybe I misunderstood) I heard you say on the radio this morning that Tuberville to Clemson was a done deal. Is that what you said? Just trying to clarify. Again, might have not heard you correctly.

Thanks.

JT

By hold em

November 4, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

ramdawg, no way dude, hs football is much more competitive in TN

By Nachos

November 4, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

UT should consider Mike Shula. He is a good recruiter. He just loses to LSU & Auburn every year.

By ramdawg

November 4, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

hey hold em top hs states fl,ga,tx,calif, those are the facts and they are undisputed.

By hold em

November 4, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

ramdawg where do you get your facts from? After UGA’s performance this season, i am not too sure believing any UGA fan’s advise would be smart

By ramdawg

November 4, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

hold em these are facts,top hs players are recruited as far as the numbers.Also more pro players and im also a coach so i probably know more than you.Good luck on your coaching search we have a DC that you really need to take a look at.

By ckj

November 4, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Good riddance Phil,

Glad UGA had a hand in your departure. You are one of the biggest hypocrites in all of college football. Kinda hate to see you go though….you were becoming an annual “W” on UGA’s schedule.

Next up…Tom Tuberville…UGA is getting ready to plaster his arse this year. Maybe Tom can land on his feet at another cow-patty school like Clemson.

By hold em

November 4, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

ramdawg, more pro players? the most of pro players come out of Big 12 country, THAT is a fact

By how soon they forget

November 4, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t it just a year ago that Georgia finished #2 in the nation, beat Alabama and Florida (and danced in the end zone on the punk Gators). Wasn’t it just a year ago that Florida went 9-4 and lost to power house Michigan in their bowl game. Wasn’t it just a year ago that Alabama was 6-6, and I’m not even sure if they even went to a bowl. Yet now all of a sudden Georgia is a second tier program and Richt can’t coach with Saban or Meyer. Too many idiots on this blog.

By Orange fan

November 4, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Ramble on is wrong I work with a guy who showed me his National Title ring.

By Next Year

November 4, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Names put in the mix.

Lane Kiffin Will Muschamp Jim Grobe Brian Kelly Tim Brewster Gary Patterson Turner Gill Mike Leach Doug Marrone Charlie Strong Mike Locksley

Other names from radio shows. Kippy Brown Jim Schwartz Bill Cowher John Gruden

By fdog

November 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

thats 3 national championships we have now lost because we want stay in the spread shotgun. it obvious we move the ball much better in this offense. green was and stafford is perfect for it. it more the offense’s fault than defense. when you play teams like fl they are going to put a lot of points on the board you can join them or get beat by them. i would love to see us use it for one entire game i think we would score about 60 points.

By BG

November 4, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

CKJ, your team got sodomized twice for the entire world to see. I would rather be 4-5 than 7-2 and getting bent over twice.

Au -17, Uga -13

By CoachFulmer

November 4, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

The Vol can have Saban as the Tennessee football head coach. But Bama needs something in return. How about Pat Summit and Bruce Pearle for Saban. That would be good for the Vols. Pearle is a flash in the pan and Pat is retiring soon

By Sherman

November 4, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

“The chin” Cower comes out of retirement and coaches TN next year. Take it to the bank.

By Doc 54

November 4, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Hold ‘em, ramdawg

Actually, the most pro players over the past two seasons have come out of the ACC. This includes several of the top picks over the past few seasons.

By Smyrna Man

November 4, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

how soon you forget… that you guys lost 6 sec games in a row. Face it UGA is not a top tier team

By PTC DAWG

November 4, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Back to the topic at hand, yes, UT could get a great Coach. It would also be about as easy to hire someone who didn’t have nearly as good a record as Fulmer. 9+ wins a year doesn’t fall off of trees in the SEC. Especially over a long period.

And to the Gators still crowing, yes, you hammered us. You’ve won 3 out of the last 5 games. That’s about as far back as I can tell that matters. Boys sometimes stay on campus 5 years, so the period is legit. I’m not sure what happened in the early 80’s or early 90’s has any bearing on the series. I expect the series to stay tight, too much talent for anything else to happen.

By ramdawg

November 4, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

orange fan you are right,i have a friend whos uncle played at ga in the 40s he showed me his national championship ring a few times,as far as i know he is still alive.

By Gator Nation

November 4, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

PTC DAWG

Good poing about the relevance of the overall series record as it relates to the players. 5 years is the longest span of their careers.

But I do think that the coach’s overall records against the biggest road block to winning thier side of the conference is relevant. Bad overall records against ones biggest rivals can get you fired. Just ask Ray Goff, Jim Donnan, and Chan Gailey.

By Captain

November 4, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Tony You are pretty much on the mark. UT does have to recruit nationally, and that isn’t always easy. I will give them credit, they’ve done a good job over the years. Seems UT’s problems began after the Bensel-Meyers book was published. About that same time it was revealed that UT players didn’t attend class, yet retained eligibility with grade changes. Soon thereafter the new Pres at UT decided that student-athlete football players should actually do something formerly foreign to them .. be students and attend classes. That was the beginning of the end, suddenly the Vols had to actually bring in players who were students. Guys who recognized their names in the written form. The ‘walking classes’ which routinely were good for an automatic A disappeared. The massive grade changes stopped. Tenn football entered a new era, one in which it never found success. How dare someone actually expect UT football players to also be students. Oh, there was also that Pell Grant situation where football players were paying for their Cadillac Escalades, Navigators, etc with Pell Grant monies the Ath Dept helped them obtain. Yep, things changed on Rocky Top and the easy road to success ‘ol Philip had enjoyed was closed.

For the guy who blogged that recruits would choose ‘diverse UT and beautiful Knoxville” over the redneck towns of Athens and Tuscaloosa — you may be right, the opportunity to be close to Dollywood, the Sevierville Discount Malls and Gatlinburg (Panama City without a beach) has to be an eye opener for a kid from Ohio, Mich, NJ or Cal.

On a serious note: Why is the coach at Utah, Kyle Whittingham, not mentioned in any of these name tossing out columns? He’s been very successful since taking over for Urban Meyer, he obviously recruits well out of state and in Calif. Meyer’s success at Fla should be some reflection on the ability to transition from the Mountain West to the SEC.

Tony, I think you are right, it won’t be an easy hire for UT and UT fans should realize that. Ala went thru a few guys, Ga went thru 2, Fla tried Zook, Oklahoma went thru a couple,Ohio St tried 3 before Tressel, S Cal, Miami all had multiple hirings. UT hired several basketball coaches before they hired Pearl, as UNC did after Dean Smith. Historically, schools don’t replace long term successful coaches with a great follow up hire.

Good Luck to UT.

By Hold ‘em, ramdawg

November 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Hold ‘em, ramdawg

..Actually, the most pro players over the past two seasons have come out of the ACC. This includes several of the top picks over the past few seasons…

Check last years draft. USC had more players picked in the first two rounds than any single conference, fact.

By Next Year

November 4, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

The latest listing

Will Muschamp, Bill Cowher, Bob Stoops, Jon Gruden, Lovie Smith, Butch Davis, Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, Steve Spurrier, Bobby Johnson, Brian Kelly, Brent Venables, Skip Holtz, Bud Foster, Bronco Mendenhall, Chris Petersen, Gary Pinkel, Jim Leavitt, Kyle Whittingham, Derek Dooley

By geechee

November 4, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Chris Hatcher…he can’t win at GSU!Yeah send him to UT. He’ll be run out of Knoxvilla and sent packin back to Macon GA. He might be good enough to coach a JV team in Macon GA. He is overrated and out of his league at GSU.

By 2008 NFL Draft

November 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

In the first 2 rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft 11 playres for the PAC 10 were selected and 7 from the SEC were selected.

USC had 7 players selected in the first 2 rounds, 4 in the first and 3 in the 2nd.

Nuff Said?

By Real

November 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

UPDATE: David Cutcliffe has joined Spurrier in announcing he’s not interested in the UT job.

By NFL Draft (correction)

November 4, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

My information was not complete. First I was in error, the SEC had 8 players selected I more than USC, 3 less than the PAC 10. Also the ACC had 12 selected, 1 more than the PAC 10. No team had more players selected than USC.

By steveinTenn

November 4, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Tenn.football job is HARD NOT IMPOSSIBLE.EVERY COACH down thru the years that coached here has ALWAYS RECRUITED NATIONALLY.You will always have players that want to leave their state. You just have to find coaches that like challenges and arent lazy or afraid.Why take the easy job at Florida or Georgia when its more impressive to get it done a Tenn? Maybe you get a guy whos done more with less. Mike Leach beat Texas with guys Texas didnt want. That guy wins with scheme and x’s and o’s and player development. If he came here; recruited like a crazy man(some say he is one anyway HAHA) combined with his offensive genius Tennessee would win SEC in 3 years.He’s already proven he can light up the SEC offensively—LEACH was OFFENSIVE COORD. at Kentucky under Hal Mumme.Imagine if Leach had the resources and tradition of Tennessee which he didnt have at Kentucky or even TX Tech. If you cant get Leach go to Cincinnatti and get BRIAN KELLY.Another guy who’s done more with less. He’s won at three levels as a head coach.He’s rebuilt programs and continued programs that were already solid.He’s won bowl games and he won a National Championship Div.2.Make a call to Bob Stoops(just to make sure)or Butch Davis,call Mike Leach,call Brian Kelly.One of those guys would be your new coach and all would do a great job.

By steveinTenn

November 4, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Tenn.football job is HARD NOT IMPOSSIBLE.EVERY COACH down thru the years that coached here has ALWAYS RECRUITED NATIONALLY.You will always have players that want to leave their state. You just have to find coaches that like challenges and arent lazy or afraid.Why take the easy job at Florida or Georgia when its more impressive to get it done a Tenn? Maybe you get a guy whos done more with less. Mike Leach beat Texas with guys Texas didnt want. That guy wins with scheme and x’s and o’s and player development. If he came here; recruited like a crazy man(some say he is one anyway HAHA) combined with his offensive genius Tennessee would win SEC in 3 years.He’s already proven he can light up the SEC offensively—LEACH was OFFENSIVE COORD. at Kentucky under Hal Mumme.Imagine if Leach had the resources and tradition of Tennessee which he didnt have at Kentucky or even TX Tech. If you cant get Leach go to Cincinnatti and get BRIAN KELLY.Another guy who’s done more with less. He’s won at three levels as a head coach.He’s rebuilt programs and continued programs that were already solid.He’s won bowl games and he won a National Championship Div.2.Make a call to Bob Stoops(just to make sure)or Butch Davis,call Mike Leach,call Brian Kelly.One of those guys would be your new coach and all would do a great job.

By steveinTenn

November 4, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Tenn.football job is HARD NOT IMPOSSIBLE.EVERY COACH down thru the years that coached here has ALWAYS RECRUITED NATIONALLY.You will always have players that want to leave their state. You just have to find coaches that like challenges and arent lazy or afraid.Why take the easy job at Florida or Georgia when its more impressive to get it done a Tenn? Maybe you get a guy whos done more with less. Mike Leach beat Texas with guys Texas didnt want. That guy wins with scheme and x’s and o’s and player development. If he came here; recruited like a crazy man(some say he is one anyway HAHA) combined with his offensive genius Tennessee would win SEC in 3 years.He’s already proven he can light up the SEC offensively—LEACH was OFFENSIVE COORD. at Kentucky under Hal Mumme.Imagine if Leach had the resources and tradition of Tennessee which he didnt have at Kentucky or even TX Tech. If you cant get Leach go to Cincinnatti and get BRIAN KELLY.Another guy who’s done more with less. He’s won at three levels as a head coach.He’s rebuilt programs and continued programs that were already solid.He’s won bowl games and he won a National Championship Div.2.Make a call to Bob Stoops(just to make sure)or Butch Davis,call Mike Leach,call Brian Kelly.One of those guys would be your new coach and all would do a great job.

By Grouch

November 4, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

The only fact concerning Tennessee is that you cant spell citrus without UT but now Citrus is too great a bowl for the rednecks from Rocky Top.

By The Truth

November 4, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Ha ha ha ha ha!! I love all this people that are so jealous of Richt and UGA. Here’s a little summary of his first 7 years in Athens.

2001 8-4 #22 2002 13-1 #3 SEC Champ 2003 11-3 #7 SEC-E Div champ 2004 10-2 #7 2005 10-3 #10 SEC Champ 2006 9-4 #23 2007 11-2 #2

It’s going to be a long time before the vols are the best team in Tennessee, and yellow maggots only wish they had it this good!

Discuss….

By steveinTenn

November 4, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I know the vols are down but history shows we’ll be back. Check the records only Bama has more wins of all 12 sec teams. And the vols are 9th all time ncaa wins. ahead of Southrn Cal, Florida, LSU etc.

By Blue Fox

November 4, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

I hear Bobby Petrino is ready to make a move again, never one to turn down the big $$$!

By steveinTenn

November 4, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

You Georgia people just dont realize that Richt is a Fulmer waiting to happen.We were all high and mighty in 2001 just like you.We got drilled by Florida won once in 2001 once in 1998 but mostly got blowed out.Just like Richt.When you start choking in big games like you did with Alabama this year with a senior QB (just like we did with Manning,Ainge or Clausen)you laugh and say oh well maybe next year.Pretty soon after 10 years it starts to really turn and get worse and worse.Fulmer was great until 2002 — his 10th season it started going all wrong.Bear Bryant had 2 awful years when he had been at Bama 10 yrs. Everyone said in 1969 he was washed up.He junked his offense changed to the wishbone and brought in defensive talent and went on a 10 year run in the 70’s. So in 2011 when our coach is starting his 3rd year and yours is on year 10 and burned out and you can see the stress written in wrinkles and lost hair; hang on cause by 2014 you’ll be firing your guy too.By the way year 13 was 2005, coach Fulmer’s 1st losing season. 13 years after Bryant installed the wishbone he started losing again and retired…the year was 1982.Our biggest mistake was not doing this in 2005.It was time back then.10 years maybe 11 is the shelf life for coaches in the SEC.Look at Gene Stallings and Spurrier both got out after 10 to 12 years.They were smart.You cant keep it going past 10yrs.

By addicted

November 4, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Why would Mike Leach want the TN job? It took him years to install his system in TT, and they are getting recognition big time, there (ranked #2????). He is not gonna break it all down, and leave for Tennessee, which as you admit, is one of the hardest jobs in the country…

By D'Marcus Jefferson, Kappa Alpha pledge at UGA

November 4, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

I’d say Bobby Petrino would be interested but he just learned the Arkansas fight song…..suuuuuuuuuuuueyyyyyy!!! PIG!!

By c-jack

November 4, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

I have been an avid tennessee fan my entire life and have been on the fence about fulmer’s job. yes, he was an excellent coach for tennessee and accomplished what many other schools only dream of. unfortunately, times have changed and tennessee didn’t. year in and year out they have the players to compete at the highest level, yet seem to disappoint. check the nfl draft every year. check how many current players in the nfl played at tennessee. they have the talent, without the production. not sure if it’s on fulmer’s shoulders, or the staff. several new coaches on the offensive side this year, including the OC. where are their struggles? offense. anxious to see who they bring in.

By Outsider

November 4, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

SEC Coaches beware - Gruden boards private jet on Monday at 2:00 pm that filed flight plans for Knoxville. He worked and lived in Knoxville in college, his wife was a cheerleader at UT and UT AD announces in alumni email that a coaching announcement would be made in a couple of weeks. The deal is done and just needs to be inked. UT is just being respectful of Fulmer. Fulmer will will remain with the university in a recruiting/scouting position. Maybe a hoax, maybe not. Sounds like a new erra dream team to me.

By War Eagle

November 4, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Tennessee has the same problem Auburn, LSU, Miss State, SC, Ky and Vandy, top line QB play. These days if QB play is not positive consistently, woodshed is not far behind. UGA, Fl and Bama are top SEC teams and has quality QB results.. Also a solid offensive line helps.. Of course bottom line is DEFENSE and Florida stands alone

By bama12 titles

November 4, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Steven in Tennessee has some very valid points. If I were anybody else, Georgia, Bama, whoever, I wouldn’t delight too much in the temporary demise of vol football.

Even if Tenn doesn’t get it right with the new hire to replace Fulmer they will eventually be back. They may not have the natural recruiting pool of talent that Bama, GA, Fla, and La have. But they do have a national name, the tradition and facilities, and most of all they have a heck of a lot of deep pocketed people who care. A name like Tenn. may go through some turbulent times but you cannot keep a name like Tenn. down.

Every major program ebbs and flows up and down. UGA was down throughout the late 80s and throughout the 90s with Ray Goof, Donnan, etc. It took my Bama boys 4 coaches to finally get it right after the glory of the Gene Stallings era in the 90s. Now we’re finally back and so is UGA. Fla had a few down years under Zook but now they’re back. I could go on and on but I’m sure everybody remembers how USC, Texas, OU, and the like were terrible from the late 80s throughout the early and mid 90s. Nuff said about that.

As for Bama and UGA lets be for real. Saban just committed to a one million dollar gift to the university spread out over 10 years. He’s not going anywhere contrary to what other fans would love to see. But he will retire and be done with it all after 5-8 years and then we will be looking for a new guy all over again.

As for UGA they will be looking even quicker than we will. With Stafford and Moreno probably leaving early UGA will be starting all over again with a first year starter at qb and it will take 2-3 years before they can possibly think about a serious title run. At that point CMR will have been there 10-11 years with no nc and its pretty obvious his seat is gonna get really hot. Throw in a couple more bad losses to UF and he could be gone in 2 years. Don’t think it can’t or won’t happen.

My only point here is to quit kicking on UT while they’re down. Because next thing you know they could be right back on top and it could be your own program looking at lean times.

By VOLFAN74

November 4, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

JIM GROBE IS FOR SURE THE MAN FOR THE JOB….LOOK WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR WAKE FOREST… THEY WERE NEVER GOOD…EVER….WAKE ALSO NEVER GETS ANY GREAT RECRUITMENT….COACH JIM GROBE TURNS AROUND AND MAKES NFL LEVEL PLAYERS OUT OF NOT SO FANTASTIC RECRUITS. HE HAS GONE TO 3 MAJOR BOWL GAMES AT HIS 7 TO 8 YEARS AS COACH THERE, STARTING OFF WITH NOTHING….IF HE CAN DO THAT AT A SMALL SCHOOL WITH BAD RECRUITMENT, THEN THINK WHAT HE CAN DO WITH AN SEC TEAM LIKE TENNESSEE…FOLKS, IM TALKIN ABOUT BEING POSSIBLY #1 IN THE NATION, SOMETHING TENNESSEE HASNT SEEN IN AWHILE

By mandelbaam

November 4, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

TN has been recruiting without boundaries for years. It’s still happening with a 3-6 record and in the search for a new coach. Get your facts straight Tony. Having the #6 currently ranked recruiting class disputes your bobble headed comments.

By BE#3

November 4, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

“With Stafford and Moreno probably leaving early UGA will be starting all over again with a first year starter at qb and it will take 2-3 years before they can possibly think about a serious title run.”

A) If Stafford and Moreno do leave early, the cupboard is not bare. Joe Cox has the ability to lead the team as well if not better than Stafford. How many NC did Peyton Manning win? Tee Martin? Get the point?

B) Bama is making a run with JPW at QB. JPW is not the reason though. It all falls on the play of the OL and DL. Bama controls the lines and that is where games are won and lost.

C) If Georgia can stay healthy on the lines and get J. Owens to come back for a full year in ‘09, things would set up nice with a decent schedule.

We’ll see what happens and hope we start the season ranked between 3 - 10.

By Vandy Fan

November 4, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

WHY NOT PAY PEYTON MANNING TO RETIRE FROM THE NFL NOW AND COME HOME TO COACH? HE SURE LOOKED GOOD STANDING ON THE SIDELINE DURING THE FLORIDA GAME A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. YOU COULD ALMOST SEE FULMER ASK HIM WHAT TO DO!

By Gen Neyland

November 4, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Re : UT Recruiting

Yes, UT has been going outstate for years. No surprise, most majors do go national for he best thay can get. This is why UGA went out of state. AJ, Stafford and Moreno has helped things along nicely in Athens…now, enjoy your next president and his congress. Can we force them to resign, too..?

By murfdawg

November 5, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

note to BE#3:

Next year we open up with OKST out there, then come back home to face south Carolina. This kind of reminds me of going to ASU and coming back to play Bama this year. And we know how that turned out.

But the bright spot in this,and your astute reasoning is we could easily be 0-2 and out of the top 10 by the third game. Then we could go on a ten game win streak (we have an open date before fla next year.)win the SEC and make it to the bcscg. losing two games early doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as losing to fla in nov.

Maybe we need to start slow next year and finish strong like we did in 2007, and everyone will be excited in Nov instead of suicidal. Hang in there Dawg fans and beat KY!!!

By SHAWN

November 5, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this

BRING IN STEVE S. FROM CAROLINA. WE NEED HIGH PROFILE NOT HIGH ENERGY.

By Jeff Grady

November 5, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Let me tell you about UNC and Butch Davis:

UNC is one of the most alluring schools in all the nation, and arguably the most alluring public university. I see more UNC caps and shirts than any other, no matter where I travel. I can go to NY or Atlanta and see them on the streets. Go to NY or DC and try to find a Tn or Ga cap. Why do think the number of applications for admittance is so high? Just try to get in. And why is the basketball team arguably the best? Athletes want to go where the other kids want to go. But they want to go where their team can compete. UNC has proven in the past that they can be as good as anyone. Under Mack Brown, there were not 3-5 teams in the country that were better during his last 5 years at UNC. Only Tx could quelch his ego. He would not left for many other schools - maybe ND. The same could be said for the Dick Crum area before he lost control. Butch Davis made UNC competitive in his first year. During his second year he will possibly win 80 percent of his games. And according to his redshirts and 2009 recruiting class, UNC will be knocking on the top-ten door next year, and will likely be competitive with anyone in the country. UNC is beginning to regain this same allure for its football team (as it had under Mack Brown) as it bb team commands. Butch knows this. Why would he want to go to TN. If you were a high school student, which university would you want to attend? UNC is a step up from most universities in both academia and in basketball, and this will soon be the case in football. Just watch and be silent!

By dano7051

November 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Muschamp is a future rock star.. Offer Muschamp and make bring Gus Malzahn the OC from Tulsa an let him incorporate his offense….

By truvols

November 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

fulmer fan for life. he will always be near and dear to the vol fan nation. and y not ask peyton he is one of the most sucessful quarterbacks in the natonal football leauge.COLTS BABY

By PIGSken

November 5, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

The GREAT PUMPKIN got busted! Good riddance…he was so worried about Alabama he played “Magnum PI” and turned Bama in to NCAA investigator (Johagannmeier)as a ‘secret witness.’ Then the squirrel avoids subpeonas in Alabama to avert justice. Sweet REVENGE for Bama fans Tony…Fulmer fired same week Bama voted #1 in nation. Roll Tide…UT needs to bring Johnny Majors back…he’s has healed from the scars from when Foolmer stabbed him in the back after he had a heart attack 16 years ago.

By Jeremy

November 6, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Great comparison between Tubby Smith and Phil Fulmer. As a grad of UT living in Lexington I can appreciate that. The only thing either of them did was win and win consistently. The fan expectations for both UK basketball and UT Football are very demanding and unrealistic. I do believe that TN football will get an outstanding coach and hopefully won’t have to go through as many as Bama did in order to get the right one.

By volvol337

November 6, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

From what I understand Butch Davis is very interested in the job and the Jon Gruden thing has some legs as well. These are the top candidates. Watch and see Barnhart, watch and see……..

By dwall2

November 6, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

UNC is #5 on the best college list, Tennessee is # 52! UNC has the highest graduation rate of any school in division one. Butch Davis chose UNC because of this, thats the best recruiting tool ever. He will finish his career at unc with a couple of national championships.

By JBAMA

November 6, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Gruden makes NO sense!!! He is doing fine and winning and successful with the BUCS. He is turned more to the NFL, bet my paycheck he doesn’t come to UT.

Talk hear in town is Mike Leech from Texas Tech, but I don’t believe that system will work in the SEC.

Roll Tide FINISH the job KATRINA started and drown the TIGERS!!!!

By playman

November 7, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

This article is right on the mark. Tennessee does have to work harder than many other top-notch schools, such as Georgia, Florida, and LSU, because it does not have the in-state high school talent that those schools have. UT did great in the late 80s and the 90s because it could go into Georgia, Louisiana, and Alabama and recruit. Those days are over. It will be tough for any new coach to recruit nationally like Fulmer and Majors did and compete against the star coaches that UT now faces every year - Richt, Meyer, Saban. I hope UT finds the right guy!

By Bill Lewis

November 7, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Mike Hamliton and the University of Tennessee just made a big mistake in firing Coach Phil. His record over the years is nothing less than GREAT. I am a true Orange Fan and we will have at least two years of losing because a new coach want get it done in two years. If the players currently at Tennesse can’t win then a coach is not going to change that at all. The coach has went through a one season droubt and believe me if Phil had stayed, he would fix this problem and be a winning coach next year. We are going to lose several of the top recurits who are coming because of this firing. Again - Big mistake firing the coach. Guess we will have to wait 4 - 6 years before we get back in the top five in college football.

By Tenn Man

November 8, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

A loss to Wyoming today proves AD Mike Hamilton made the right decision.

Any volunteers for the job?

By Geezy

November 11, 2008 5:37 AM | Link to this

I think they should go after Bill Cowher, talk about recruiting, imagine that guy walking into your living room and wanting you to come play for him.

By Tenn. fan from Ga.

November 25, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

TO:Dog since birth,the win lose record over the last 20 years tween Tenn.& Ga.speaks for it’s self.Who’s a** has been gittin kicked is not a big secret.LOL Look’s good to me!!!