“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.”

Post from: EveryJoe

Fulmer to Return to College Football?

“I have found him to be different from the media persona that was painted of him, stemming from those original February comments,” Hamilton said. “He’s not as cavalier as the media painted him to be.”

The comments in February that are in question were about Florida’s recruiting practices. Kiffin said that coach Urban Meyer had broken NCAA rules when recruiting star player Nu’Keese Richardson, who eventually went on to sign at Tennessee. Kiffin maintains that he was joking with the comments, and while I do think that it’s probable he was, the SEC still reprimanded him for the quotes.

Lane Kiffin, Image: Newscom

This isn’t the only incident Kiffin’s been “misunderstood.” He may be bringing a bit of fame to the school, but this also bears the question: Is he going to cross the line? Kiffin’s no stranger to the limelight, but at the same time, SEC and general NCAA press is much different than NFL press, and at USC, he never really had to talk to the press.

So do you agree with Hamilton? Is Kiffin misunderstood, or is he really a jerk that’s milking the press? Does he have teh speaking skills for an SEC team or is it just a matter of tme before he crosses the line?

Post from: EveryJoe

Lane Kiffin: Misunderstood?

Image: Newscom

That number isn’t HUGE, considering that there’s usually a mass exodus when a school brings in a new coach. What really hurts, though, is that Kiffin is losing some huge assets to the Tennessee team. He’s also gone on record as saying that he doesn’t want to coach anyone who doesn’t want to be a Volunteer, which to me sounds like a little disgruntled dig at the players choosing to leave. Those who’s announced their impending departures are:

1. B.J. Coleman, quarterback
2. Ahmad Paige, wide receiver
3. E.J. Abrams-Ward, wide receiver
4. Tyler Maples, wide receiver
5. Demetrice Morley, safety
6. Lennon Creer, tailback
7. Donald Langley, lineman
8. Darius Myers, lineman
9. Ramone Johnson, lineman
10. Preston Bailey, lineman
11. Darris Sawtelle, lineman

Under NCAA rules, Tennessee can have up to 85 scholarship players on the team each season, so this does open up some wiggle room for Kiffin to recruit more freshmen or talk to players who intend to leave other schools.

An interesting note: a number of these players decided to leave only after spring practice with Kiffin. So, they’re giving him a chance at least – but to some, looks like he’s not really living up to standards…

Post from: EveryJoe

Mass Exodus from Tennessee

Man how times have changed.

I’m perusing the sports page this morning and see that the Wildcats were involved in an upset last night. Only they were the unranked slobs pulling off the upset against No. 24 Tennessee 92-72 at Knoxville.

Tennessee? Men’s basketball? Being upset? This is supposed to be a football school.

Coach Bruce Pearl has done a great job in turning the Volunteers (10-4) into one of the top teams in the Southeast Conference and the nation. Last season after a two-day stint at No. 1, there was even talk about a national championship.

Kentucky (13-4) on the other hand has struggled since winning the school’s last national championship under Tubby Smith in 1998. The Wildcats, with seven national titles and have been a NCAA tournament and top 25 fixture since the 1930’s, have fallen off the map in recent years.

The win against Tennessee was impressive and may be a sign of normalcy as the Wildcats try to regain its national swagger.

Junior guard Jodie Meeks scored 54 points, breaking Dan Issel’s 39-year-old school record of 53 in the win.

Man. Talk about your Bizaro World. Tennessee is now a men’s basketball power while its traditional national power football team struggles and loses to teams like UCLA.

Kentucky basketball is down and the football team is playing in bowl games every year now.

What’s next? The Arizona Cardinals going to the Super Bowl?

Post from: EveryJoe

Things sure have changed at Kentucky and Tennessee

Pearl is another very good if not great coach who got the raise and promotion he deserves. He led his team to the number one ranking last season (although it lasted as long as it did to write this post). Tennessee won the South Eastern Conference and reached the regional semifinals. The Tennessee men’s program still has a long way to go, but it is starting to come out of the shadows of its better-known women’s program.

I hate beating a dead horse, but remember, this is the same Bruce Pearl who all but accepted the Indiana University job in April. He even called it his “Dream Job,” and now he accepts an extension to stay at Tennessee?

According to reports, “should Pearl, 48, leave Tennessee in the next year, his buyout would cost $2.5 million – a figure that will decrease incrementally over the next four years to $1 million.”

I just don’t get Athletic Directors and university presidents who lock coaches into long term contracts when the lure of better jobs and the NBA is as strong as it is to the players they coach.

Post from: EveryJoe

Now It’s Bruce Pearl’s Turn

The Vols disclosed that leading scorer Chris Lofton has a minor leg injury but should be able to play against Louisville on Thursday.

There is bad timing, and then there is having your leading scorer injured during the NCAA tournament.

Tennessee needs Lofton at 100% if they are to advance in the tournament, and even a full-strength Lofton may not be enough to push them past red-hot Louisville.

If Louisville head coach Rick Pitino is smart, he’ll have his guards put a ton of pressure on Lofton to see exactly how hurt he is. If he’s not up to speed, the Vols could be quickly heading back to Knoxville.

Post from: EveryJoe

Tennessee G Lofton has minor leg injury

Here are some great games to check out this week:

Tonight: #4 Tennessee at Florida – many analysts believe the two-time defending champion Gators are on the NCAA tournament bubble. A win over the Vols would all but guarantee Florida a spot in the Big Dance.

Thursday March 6th: #7 Stanford at #2 UCLA – a big-time Pac-10 showdown that should not be missed. Stanford is one game behind the Bruins in the Pac-10 standings and needs a victory to pull even with the Bruins.

Saturday March 8th: #1 North Carolina at #5 Duke – Tar Heels vs. Blue Devils. The Cameron Crazies. Williams vs. Krzyzewski. Arguably the most storied rivalry in college basketball, the stakes are even higher in this game as both teams are ranked in the top 5. Duke upset UNC last time out, but the Heels are healthier now. This could be the game of the year.

Post from: EveryJoe

Games to watch this week – March 5th

It appears that college basketball fans are going to get their wish, as long as Tulane and Auburn don’t spoil the party tonight.

#1 Memphis versus #2 Tennessee on Saturday headlines the must-see games this week in college basketball:

Tonight: #3 North Carolina at North Carolina State – it is always a war when these two in-state rivals hook up on the basketball court.

Saturday February 23rd – #2 Tennessee at #1 Memphis – Memphis nearly lost to UAB last week, and the Tigers have shown some vulnerabilities in their last few games. Both teams are athletic, both teams can push the tempo, and both teams can score in bunches. This should be a great contest. Before the #1 vs #2 game, you should tune in to watch #18 Drake at #8 Butler. These are two of the best teams that you’ve never heard of. But don’t let their anonymity fool you – both squads can ball it with the big boys.

Post from: EveryJoe

Games to watch this week – February 20th