17 years of running a great program and what do you get when the program shows signs of decline? Walking papers. Coach Phil Fulmer is going to step down as Tennessee head coach at the end of the season after guiding to the vols to a 3-6 season thus far.

Fulmer won a National Title for the Vols in 1998 but that success just hasn’t stuck with the school this decade and the 3-6 record this season is what ultimately did him in.

I always love to question the timing of certain decisions and this one is no different. The team isn’t going to play in a bowl game this season and has several key recruits on board. By Fulmer resigning what does it give the program the chance to do? It gives the program the chance to keep Fulmer around while they find a new ‘big name’ head coach. Fulmer has always been a company man and will have no problem recruiting for the next head coach that comes in. If Fulmer were to be relieved right now more than likely each recruit would open it up again. Not to say that won’t happen already, but Fulmer sticking around helps with the process.

Tennessee is a great football school with a great tradition and the coach who takes that over is going to be expected to win today and get the team back to contending in the toughest conference in sports.

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