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Thanks, Phil! Save Email Print
Posted: 6:42 PM Nov 27, 2008
Last Updated: 6:42 PM Nov 27, 2008

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(WVLT) -- After a 17-year tenure as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, Phillip Fulmer will coach his last game Saturday when Tennessee hosts Kentucky.

If you have a message of thanks you'd like to leave with Fulmer, submit a comment in the comment box at the end of this article.

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Posted by: Andrew Location: New Port Richey,FL on Dec 9, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Thank you Phil for the great memories,being a Vol fan in Gator country It has also allowed me to see the Bowl game at the old sombrero against B.C. that was a great game.Also the Vols being the first undisputed BCS champs thanx

Posted by: Carol Location: Kodak, TN on Dec 2, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Coach Fulmer, God Bless You and your Family. You have a God given talent and although I never got to meet you in person, I feel you will never be forgotten as a great coach. Merry Christmas Coach and know that God will lead you to the right path.

Posted by: Bridget Location: Dallas, TX on Dec 1, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Coach- I have grown up watching Tennessee football, and you are the only one that has been consistent. You are a LEGEND, don't EVER forget that. I know you probably had multiple opportunities to go elsewhere, but you are loyal and you truly bleed orange. No one will ever come into your spot and feel the same love that you have for our UT. Nothing has ever made me doubt being a Tennessee fan until now. I cried my eyes out watching the end of the KY game and seeing those players carry the true leader of Rocky Top off the field. We could win ever single game next year, and it will NEVER be the same tradition without you here. I say to Mike Hamilton, I think you made a horrible decision to end it this way, and what goes around comes around. Coach Fulmer, I have wanted to meet you for so long now just to say thank you. I pray that you and your family are blessed. You will highly be missed by mine!!! We love you Coach!

Posted by: Sherri Location: Louisville, TN on Nov 30, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Good luck to you and your family, Coach Fulmer. I'm not a TN native, but I could recognize your face anywhere. I always loved watching you on the sidelines, especially when you beat the pants off UGA ! You've done a great job and will be missed. God bless you and your family. UT was lucky to have had you for so long.

Posted by: Brad Location: Knoxville on Nov 30, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Ed i think you need to go check your history. the team fulmer inherited was loaded with future nfl players. Go check the record. More on the team he inherited than he has had drafted last 5 years i would bet. The next coach is the one that will have to keep this team from the bottom of the sec which is the way it was headed.

Posted by: Ashley Location: Knoxville on Nov 30, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Coach thanks for everything! You represent what TN football is all about, and we love you! You will be missed, and whoever is next has some shoes to fill thats for sure. Good game lastnight, and you went out in class. We will never forget all those wins. You are a great family man who never let the $$ change you, and that does not happen much these days. Thanks for everything, and the fans will miss you. I couldn't hold back the tears lastnight as the team carried you across the field. Much love and respect! We'll miss you!

Posted by: Jack Location: Sweetwater on Nov 30, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Fulmer never was a good coach!! He just had a good staff.This was proved this year when Cutcliff left.A`record of 5-7 is the BEST Fulmer can do.

Posted by: ED Location: Knoxville on Nov 30, 2008 at 05:36 AM
Coach Fulmer who inherited a program that could have easily been the door mat of the SEC East. It appeared to be headed that way, FAST. And, in 17 years turned it completely around and sat it on the mountain top of College Football. 1998's perfect season and the first ever BCS Championship will forever reign in Knoxville, Tennessee and as John Ward said "the National Champion is clad in Big Orange" Good Luck Coach and God Bless you and your family. And, may no one ever compare the future coache to you for they will not be able to hold a candle to you.

Posted by: Susan Hubbs Location: Nolensville, TN on Nov 29, 2008 at 04:38 PM
My husband & I were together for 29 years. He had UT season tickets long before I met him. His blood ran a true orange. He passed away this year, and I am very thankful that he was not a witness to the firing of Coach Fulmer. All that has gone on this past season would have broken his heart. Thanks Coach for all you have done for UT and its fans.

Posted by: Verlie Location: Church Hill, TN on Nov 29, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Coach thanks for all the memories and GOD bless you nad your family.

Posted by: Jason Location: knoxville on Nov 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Thanks coach fulmer for all that years at UT. bobby you should go check this program was in better shape when fulmer took over than it is now.

Posted by: Belinda Location: Knoxville on Nov 29, 2008 at 11:19 AM
YES, TENNESSEE FOOTBALL IS PHILLIP FULMER! I am a Tennessee Volunteer and I bleed Orange! Coach Phillip Fulmer has brought so much to ALL of us! He displays the defination of BIG ORANGE and what it means to be a TRUE VOLUNTEER! I can say that my heart is broken to know that he will not be coaching my team! I believe in him and I have tremendous faith in him but most of all I have RESPECT for him and to me, he brought Big Orange 2 life!! Thank You COACH for all your hard work, determination and your dedication!!!! Thank You for showing All of us what it means to be a true VOL! God Bless you and your family.

Posted by: T Location: Knoxville on Nov 29, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Coach Fulmer, I spent my childhood growing up within the TN Vol Navy. I can remember dreaming of being at the game on Saturday. I've always had a great deal of admiration for you and all that you have done for the players of TN. You weren't just a coach, but a mentor and a father figure. We wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do next. We hope you stay with UT in some capacity, as you're an asset to this team, but if you choose to go elsewhere, I don't know that any of us could blame you. Best of luck and best wishes to your family! We'll be there today to support you and give you a proper goodbye.

Posted by: Matt Location: Athens, GA on Nov 29, 2008 at 05:26 AM
Thanks, Coach Fulmer and your staff, I still believe and will remember all you have done for my Alma Mater. Sitting at the desk at Greve Hall listening to the Notre Dame comeback or going to the Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Pigskin Classic. I hope you will always stay a Vol! Even after the way we have treated you this year.

Posted by: Chris Location: Heart on Nov 29, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Thank you, Coach Fulmer, Chavis, Adkins, Brooks, Caldwell, and Slade. God bless all of you and your families. To coaches Clawson, Drayton, Michael, and Scott, thank you for becoming Vols. I hope the best for all of you. Good luck, God bless, and Go Big Orange!

Posted by: james Location: dandridge on Nov 29, 2008 at 01:04 AM
as long as i can remember, Phil has been our coach. i will miss you and good luck in whatever you do.TENNESSEE FOOTBALL IS PHILLIP FULMER. thank you for a the great years

Posted by: Bobby Location: Campbell on Nov 29, 2008 at 12:01 AM
I just wanted to say thanks coach for the years you brought the vol nation together as champions,And Mike can't that away. So just like the trophy you showed America, Hold your head high And be proud of what you have done. Because i thing you will hand over the torch a lot better shape then it was handed over to you. Now take your place on the throne, Because you are the king of "Rocky top"

Posted by: Mark Location: Knoxville on Nov 28, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Coach I have been a life long Vol fan my first job I was twelve years old and sold cokes in the staidum that was 1972 I have lived breathed and loved my vols but I have to say I didn't like the way you came to be head coach but you grew on me and now I say with all my heart I really love ya bro. I am sorry to see you go I wish you would stay and replace that dumb guy Mike Hamilton who made him AD he is an idiot!!!!! We need you to be our Ad and What about hiring that Chris Peterson to replace you on the field. We don't need to lose you You are a part of the family and family doesn't do this. Thay Hamiliton guy is not family we can do with out him. He is next to be fired so hang around here don't go any where we want you to come back and fire him when you take his job. Please!!!!!

Posted by: Philip Location: Morristown on Nov 28, 2008 at 11:32 PM
I just want to say thank you Phillip Fulmer for 17 of the best years of my life.I am a true volunteer and I think its a sad day in the world.Would love to see you stay on in some capacity but if you dont we understand.Hopefully it wont be long that they will name you Athletic Director.Thanks Phil you'll be missed and good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Posted by: jim Location: kentucky on Nov 28, 2008 at 11:16 PM
good luck to you and your family and thanks for all the wins over ky. (cant stand them). thanks again coach

Posted by: David Location: kentucky on Nov 28, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I am a UK fan but I would just like to thank coach Fulmer for what he has brought to sec football, not just Tennessee football. Coach Fulmer is a class act and I think UT might have made a mistake. Good luck you will be missed, not many coaches devote thier lives to a university any more as you have. I hope you coach again, god bless you and your family.

Posted by: Carol Location: Niota on Nov 28, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Coach Fulmer, Thanks so much for what you have done for UT. They made a bad mistake when they let you leave UT. They will wish they had you back. Good luck wherever you go. And if you go to a team UT play I hope that team beats the pants off UT !!!!!!!!

Posted by: Damon Location: Jefferson City on Nov 28, 2008 at 08:55 PM
I am not a die hard VOLS fan but Ido respect what you have done for the university and for college football. The record speaks for itself. I hope you're not done helping young boys become men. I would give anything to run through the "T" alongside the best thing to happen to Tennessee Football. Good Luck in all future endeavors

Posted by: Libby Location: Providence, RI on Nov 28, 2008 at 08:37 PM
My heart goes out to you and your family. After doing such a good job for these years, to have this happen is so sad for all UT fans who love and appreciate what you have done for the University. My husband is a minister, and I know how difficult it is to please everyone ALL the time. But, just as he lost a job he thought was right for him and we survived and are happier than we thought we could be, we are confident the same will be for you and your family. I hope that if you decide to leave UT and coach somewhere else, the people will embrace you and appreciate what you have to offer. A church in RI has done that forus, and we're grateful.

Posted by: jeff Location: Maryville! on Nov 28, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Thank you Phil for your time, your dedication, and your honesty throughout your career at UT. I will always be proud to be a Big Orange fan, and you will be remembered as one of the greatest in UT football. Our daughters once played against each other in some softball tournaments, and I always wanted to go up and meet you at the ballpark when you were there, but I respected your privacy too much. Thanks again, and God bless.

Posted by: Brad Location: knoxville on Nov 28, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Thanks for all that you done for this univ. but please people dont say he was the scapegoat when you can look at the numbers and see this program is going the wrong way. I know it is hard for people to face the facts but they speak for themselves. Anyone Tenn. fan can see there was no hope with the records fulmer had against the top coaches in this league.

Posted by: JJ Location: sneedville on Nov 28, 2008 at 06:29 PM
im thankful for the great seasons he gave us

Posted by: Joel Location: Walland on Nov 28, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I think Kiffin is a good and wise choice, Thanks! for the memories coach Fulmer we wish you the best.GO VOLS!!!

Posted by: David Location: Sanford, Florida on Nov 28, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Coach Fulmer, Thank you for the national title, winning 75% of our games, but most of all, making a difference in all of these young men's lives. I do not feel you were treated well in the last few years. I am very dissapointed that a family like the University Of Tennessee would do this to one of their own. I am dissapointed that we have become fair weathered and spoiled as a fan base.I really thought that would have been for other programs. Unfortunately, it has overtaken our media ecspecially as well as our fan base. I am sorry that you were the scapegoat. Most programs would be estatic with 8 or more wins 15 out of 17 years. This is not the Tennessee we used to know. I do hope for the next coache's sake it becomes the family that it once was, supportive and appreciative of a good man like you are. Just know that this fan who lives in Florida among many spoiled Gator fans appreciates what you have done for this school. I hope you coach again. God bless you and your family.

Posted by: Jane Location: Knoxville on Nov 28, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Thanks so much Coach Fulmer. It has been so fun!!

Posted by: Vickie Location: South Knoxville on Nov 28, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Thanks for the memories and especially for the 98 Championship. Wish you the best life has to offer. Best of Luck in your new adventure. I still think Mike Hamilton is the one that needs to be leaving. He really didn't do right in the way he handled the situation. The Vols are still my team whether we win or loose. The people make me so mad when they give you and the team hell when we loose but praise when we win. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you wherever you may travel to. Wish nothing but the best for you. Sorry you were made to end your Coaching job like this. You should have been the one to decide when to leave. The University needs to re-place Mike Hamilton for he went about this in the wrong direction. Thanks for all you have done for the Tennessee Vols. Wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Posted by: Angela Location: Woodstock, GA on Nov 28, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Thank you for always giving your all for Tennessee. You are a true class act, and you will be missed. Thank you for all the great memories. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do in the future. May God bless you and your family. THANK YOU CPF!!!!!

Posted by: Debby Location: Kokomo IN on Nov 28, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Coach Fulmer you will always be my HERO! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT YEARS!!

Posted by: Dyed N. DaWool on Nov 28, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Coach and family: Thanks for all you've done and for the many sacrifices by the family because of the time required to do what needed done. Your genuine passion and love for UT is evident. You've been a leader of young men and many more as a role model. Your life has been rooted in God and family and sadly, we can't say that about all coaches these days. That, along with your winning record, national championship and stellar support of all that's orange will be something of legend to be passed from generation to generation. God bless and remember Proverbs 3: 5-6!

Posted by: Bill Location: LA on Nov 28, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Coach Fulmer- Cut your ties clean with UT and don't look back. Don't stay within the Athletic Department as it will only be filled with heartbreak and heartache. Staying means being compared to the guy who comes in for better or worse and it is NOT fair to either of you to be so judged. Being there always lends to comparisons and thoughts "Hell Coach Fulmer is here why not ask him to come back." I think they way you were let go showed a lack of respect for you and I really don't think you want to work for people who have no respect for you. Good luck tomorrow. Unfortunately my season tickets will be filled with other fans because of a family commitment. Maybe I'll catch it on TV.

Posted by: Retha Location: Phillips on Nov 28, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Coach~What can one say except Hamilton will be the one that will be sorry.. You are what made Tennessee and the fans they are today, it is hard to imagine Tennessee Football without you. Maybe if you would of had something to work with, things would be different. Hopefully the same thing doesn't happen to Pat this year to. I want to thank you for all that you have done with Tennessee football, those players love you and I know this personally and they are sad to see you go I knew people off the 98NC that are just in shock to see you have to leave. It would be different if it was your decision however to push a man of your integerity OUT. Someone needs to push Hamilton OUT.. We love you Coach. May you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and go on to lead another national champion team...

Posted by: ROSEMARY Location: MARYVILLE on Nov 28, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I DON'T LIKE WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND I HOPE YOU GO ON TO BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS. SHOW UM PHIL YOU'RE THE MAN!!!!!

Posted by: Cindy Location: Knoxville on Nov 28, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Coach Fulmer, I appreciate, so much, all you have done here @ the University of TN. You have been a wonderful leader - adored & admired by the team, the fans (the TRUE fans), recruits, and other coaches. You have done so much for this program and this is NOT the way you deserve to 'leave it behind'. :( Please do not let this reflect badly on ALL Tennessee fans. You still have a massive amount of faithful fans who want to see you at UT until YOU are ready to leave. We do NOT want this change and know it will not benefit TN in the way that Hamilton seems to think it will. I am happy for your family - they get to spend more time with you and, hopefully, see you relieved of the stress that this job, surely, brought you. Although, it's hard to imagine you anywhere else... in any other colors. I don't even like that thought. YOU - Phillip Fulmer - ARE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL!!! You will be missed terribly but always cherished dearly. :) Much love, appreciation, & May God richly bless you & your family!!!

Posted by: Shane Location: Corryton on Nov 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM
You are a great coach. Thank you for putting your life into UT football. You not only coached but you made men out of boys. I will always be thankful for you and your family. Keep God first in your life and he will lead you to other great oppurtunities.

Posted by: JOHNNY HOLDEN Location: CLEVELAND, TN. on Nov 28, 2008 at 09:36 AM
PHIPPIP: I HAVE ADMIRED YOUR WORK ETHIC,YOUR LOVE FOR THE UNIVERSITY, YOUR RELENT-LESS DESIRE TO BE THE BEST, YOUR DESIRE TO MAKE MEN FROM YOUR RECRUITS AND TEACH THEM TO BE OUTSTANDING CITIZENS AFTER GRADUATION.YOUR FOOTPRINT IS ONE FOR US ALL TO ADMIRE, AND WILL BE NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO DUPLICATE.YOUR A CLASS PERSON AND I WISH YOU THE VERY BEST IN WHATEVER DIRECTION GOD LEADS YOU. I'M PROUD TO CALL YOU MY FRIEND. JOHNNY HOLDEN CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE.

Posted by: Susan Location: Knoxville on Nov 28, 2008 at 08:03 AM
I have always been a fan of UT football, win or lose. I feel you have done far more for the history and integrity of UT football than any other coach in it's history. I feel shame that the school I love so much feels it necessary to toss out all those years of dedication over a bad season. Best of luck to you and your family. You will be missed.

Posted by: Doug S. Location: Lenoir City on Nov 28, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Thanks Coach. You have given a lot of Great History to UT Football.

Posted by: lisa Location: ohio on Nov 28, 2008 at 06:34 AM
Thank you Coach not only to you and your staff but,to your family for all their devotion to UT as well.My family as well will always think of you as our only coach.Your first year we took our son to the orange and white game and got your photo in the packet hand outs,my son was waiting in line for you to sign, but the crowd kept pushing him away.I went up and and stood in the mix finaly yelled Coach and you smiled and reached over several people and took the picture to sign.Then on our son's 16th birthday a friend of ours that also knew you brought him to practice and he got to come in to your office and meet you,Peyton and several of the players.You'll never know what that meant to him and us.God Bless you and your faimly and will keep watching where ever you all go! Thank You!

Posted by: VIRGINIA Location: PIEGON FORGE on Nov 28, 2008 at 01:39 AM
THANK YOU FOR PEYTON MANNING....HE WAS/IS/ALWAYS UT FOOTBALL AND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER

Posted by: Peggy Location: Middle Tennessee on Nov 28, 2008 at 01:04 AM
Phil Fulmer will always be "Coach" to me. He has given so much to the University, ball players, and fans. I am sorry the season hasn't gone better. I was fortunate to attend the UT/Vandy game last weekend. I have always wanted to meet Coach Fulmer, and never really had the chance. But last Saturday at Vandy, I screamed "Coach" and he turned around, waved and flashed that wonderful smile to me! Not only did he give me a wonderful memory, but he along with the team left the field with another winning memory. My best wishes to Coach and his family, where ever they may go!

Posted by: James Location: Knoxville on Nov 27, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Coach, I remember when you took over I was in 3rd grade! I admired the way you led our team and represented our state. I grew up with you being the coach. In east Tennessee that position is like a president! You have been apart of saturdays for my family forever. I will truly miss you. Whenever I was in the military and deployed overseas, I didnt get to see my family. however, you were the familiar face I would see on afn tv on saturdays. You meant alot to me then and you will always. you are a true vol! and will always be a our legendary coach! we love you and your family very much.

Posted by: Just Facts Location: Knoxville on Nov 27, 2008 at 09:48 PM
We have more band wagon fans then anyone. Who in their right mind would want to coach here with all the know it all arm chair coachs ? Not a real coach !

Posted by: Tracy Location: Englewood, TN on Nov 27, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Phil Fulmer should try to coach the UTC MOCS!!!!!!!!!!! I bet he could go there and bring them to be a force to be reckoned with!!!!!!!!!!!!! At least much more talent would come there based on his notoriety!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am serious here, it would not be a money issue to start!!!!!!!!! And just maybe, the love of coaching and building a great program within the University of Tennessee system would be VERY FULFILLING!!!!!!!! Give it a thought? Thanks for listening!!!!!!!! Thank you again Phil for the memories!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep your head up and fight for your dreams!!!!!!!! God bless you!

Posted by: Edna Location: Crossville on Nov 27, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Thanks for a great job and good luck to you and your family.

Posted by: jeannie Location: south knoxville on Nov 27, 2008 at 09:02 PM
you will be greatly missed. it feels like a family member has lost his job i feel proud u have been the volunteer coach u will be missed more than u know it will be hard to find someone to fill your shoes

Posted by: Mark Location: kingsport on Nov 27, 2008 at 08:20 PM
It is often said you don't know what you have until it is gone. Coach Fulmer you have been a class act and a champion and you will be missed at UT. Thanks for all the great wins and especially the NC in 98. God bless you and your family.

Posted by: Jerry E. Duncan Location: Manchester on Nov 27, 2008 at 08:17 PM
THANK YOU! This is a sad day I did want to see. I know you could have turned it around. THANKS AGAIN!

Posted by: Rick Location: Powell on Nov 27, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Thanks Coach for all the memories. You will be missed!

Posted by: RICKY Location: SEYMOUR on Nov 27, 2008 at 07:50 PM
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE HEAD COACH TO ME,THANKS FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR ( UT ). THE SEASON WILL NEVER BE THE SAME TO ME. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Posted by: Linda Location: TnerstuckinTx on Nov 27, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Coach,, we will greatly miss you. My family and I traveled from Central Texas to watch the Vols vs Memphis 2 seasons ago and waited around awards to tell you how much we appreciated you and your staff. How sad that 2 years later, you would be ending your career of coaching for OUR wonderful University of Tennessee Vols.,., Best of luck to you and your family,,pls dont travel too far away for UT.,,, THANK YOU!

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