Sources in Knoxville close to the program reported today that Fulmer will, before the Bama game, announce his retirement effective at the end of this season. This is not a joke but it is also not 100% substantiated.
I heard this over on a ND board, specifically that the Vols 1st choice is Butch Davis and that Steve Spurrier is also on the list although I couldn't imagine SOS in Orange. Who's in your top 5?
1) Tennessee Offensive Coordinator Dave Clawson (held back by Fulmer's old ideas) 2) Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach (Not going to leave TT) 3) Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp 4) UCONN head coach Randy Edsall 5) Any number of proven coaches like Spurrier or Davis
Interesting that you have Clawson as your #1. That's a big step for a guy to go from Richmond to UT OCoord to UT headcoach.
T-mobile is missing out on a great marketing campaign here.. The big orange T texting campaign... 'who is in your top 5'
Tom <t>Hard to believe this is real. I heard this rumor a couple of weeks ago and thought it was a Finebaum caller's idea.</t>
I think Spurrier's age will work against him, I think he's over 65, if not he's very close. I used to think he would be retired before now. Butch Davis is a very good coach and could be a possibility. He's an awesome recruiter and not a bad game day coach.
I read something that Davis and his wife, after the cancer battle, picked out North Carolina and he's not going anywhere. We'll see....
I read an article in Sporting News where the writer is suggesting that they look at Lane Kiffin, Bill Cowher, the Vanderbilt coach (Bobby Johnson, a Clemson alum), Tuberville, and the TX D-coordinator. (Muschamp?). EDIT: Wrong topic! This should have been in the Clemson topic. Sorry!
I like Clawson's offensive style which I think has been stifled by Fulmer's direction. It was made public that he had wanted to change QBs midway through the UCLA game to see if it would spark the offense. Fulmer wouldn't even change his underwear after he crapped his pants. Give Dave the reins and I think you will see a different offense next year. I also like the fact that he is already here and working with the kids within the system. That would be a huge advantage. If it is not going to be Clawson, I want to see Hamilton bring in whoever as soon as the decision is made. Get them working with the program.