Fulmer to Return to College Football?

Tennessee fans were in an uproar when Phillip Fulmer was fired (or quit, depending on who you ask). Now, the former head football coach is talking about returning to college ball by the start of the 2010 season. And he isn’t just going to accept any old job. According to Fulmer, he’s looking for team in a conference where he can compete on a national level.

“I have a great picture in mind. Somebody that’s committed to winning championships and being the best that they can be, with a chance to compete in a conference that’s nationally recognized. I’m not going to go walk into a door somewhere that you have no chance to be successful. I want to be on the big stage and recruit against the best that’s out there.”

But will any school give Fulmer the chance?

Personally, I think it would be a smart move. Although his final season at Tennessee was a losing one (5-7), I believe that the school gave him the boot way to early. Every school has rebuilding years, and prior to that, Fulmer led the Vols to a record of 152-52 in 17 seasons, including a national championship in 1998.

Phillip Fulmer at Tennessee, Image: Newscom

Fulmer’s only 59, and says that he feels young and full of energy. After leaving Tennessee, he joined with a former player to work in recruiting in the investing industry. This year, he plans to enjoy some Saturdays as a fan – but he’s not resting on his laurels. He’s also be busy visiting NFL teams and college campus to learn more about coaching. Ohio State and Duke have already welcomed him with open arms, and he’ll be visiting Texas in late August.

And if he doesn’t get any decent offers?

“I’ve gone through all my organizational stuff and redone it and worked on it and added to it and taken out. I’m either going to be ready to go coach again or write one hell of a book.”