Assistant Coaches Fired

#3
#3
VOLS ANNOUNCE OFFENSIVE STAFF CHANGES
Stephens and Washington relieved of duties

Nov. 27, 2005

Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer announced Sunday that offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens and wide receivers coach Pat Washington have been relieved of their duties effective immediately.

"I appreciate everything Jimmy Ray and Pat have done for Tennessee over the years," Fulmer said. "This was a difficult decision to make, but I feel it is in the best interest for the future of our football program."

Stephens, 51, spent three seasons at Tennessee after a nine-year stint coaching the offensive line at Florida. Prior to his tenure in Gainesville, he spent 13 years in the Florida high school coaching ranks.

Washington, 42, joined the Tennessee staff in 1995. Prior to coming to Knoxville, he served as running backs coach at Baylor and as wide receivers coach at TCU and Southwestern Louisiana (now Louisiana-Lafayette).

Stephens and Washington both have contracts through June 30, 2006, and all terms will be honored. A search for replacements begins after a new offensive coordinator is named.






 
#4
#4
So, now that they are officially fired, who do you think will be hired to fill their positions?
 
#5
#5
Good luck to both of them going forward. Anyone from the Tennessee family deserves our respect and gratitude.

While I've been critical of both of them during the season, I wish them the best.
 
#6
#6
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=484224

Associated Press

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer fired offensive assistants Jimmy Ray Stephens and Pat Washington on Sunday, following the Volunteers' first losing season since 1988.

Stephens, 51, was the offensive line coach and had been at Tennessee for three years. Washington, 42, was wide receivers coach and had been with the program for 10 years.

''I appreciate everything Jimmy Ray and Pat have done for Tennessee over the years,'' Fulmer said in a statement. ''This was a difficult decision to make, but I feel it is in the best interest for the future of our football program.''

The moves come about a month after offensive coordinator Randy Sanders resigned during a season in which the Vols' offense struggled. Tennessee finished the season with a 27-8 win over Kentucky on Saturday to go 5-6.

Fulmer said the next offensive coordinator will select Stephens' and Washingtons' replacements.

Former Vols offensive coordinator and Mississippi head coach David Cutcliffe is believed to be the front-runner to take over the team's offense next season.


 
#7
#7
Originally posted by Vol 4 Life@Nov 27, 2005 3:43 PM
Good luck to both of them going forward.  Anyone from the Tennessee family deserves our respect and gratitude.

While I've been critical of both of them during the season, I wish them the best.
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I couldn't have said it better. Good luck to the both of them.

Go Vols!!!
 
#10
#10
just read this on utsports!!! sorry if it has done been posted!


If its has then someone can delete this but i didnt see it


so who do we get to replace these guys????
 
#11
#11
For the recievers, I think "TD" Woods, a former UT wide reciever, could end up coaching the recievers. At least thats the rumor I have heard. He coached the recievers at Ole Miss under Cutcliffe.
 
#13
#13
Originally posted by smokedog#3@Nov 27, 2005 7:08 PM
it's about time.  4 years to long. :mf_surrender:
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Exactly....just hope the damage isn't permanent.
 
#14
#14
This was the bare minimun necessary staff changes, along with changing in OC.

However, I'm always saddened when someone loses their job knowing they have families to support, especially for Pat who has been at UT ten years.
 
#15
#15
It's proof that the problems were coaching. CPF has said as much without calling out the coaches -- but he did fire them.
 
#16
#16
Originally posted by cookeville_vol@Nov 27, 2005 6:58 PM
For the recievers, I think "TD" Woods, a former UT wide reciever, could end up coaching the recievers. At least thats the rumor I have heard. He coached the recievers at Ole Miss under Cutcliffe.
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TD was one of the best recievers ever at UT. He's also a great person, and would be a really good hire imo :dance2:
 
#17
#17
I hate to see anyone lose their job especially at this time of year. I hope this was for the best and not because of overrated talent at the positions. I guess we will see next season. Most of the WRs will be back next year and I know we lose a few Olineman. I guess we will see in 06. Go Vols
 
#18
#18
Originally posted by ruslt@Nov 27, 2005 10:51 PM
I hate to see anyone lose their job especially at this time of year.  I hope this was for the best and not because of overrated talent at the positions.  I guess we will see next season. Most of the WRs will be back next year and I know we lose a few Olineman. I guess we will see in 06. Go Vols
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Unfortunately we all know this is a business. People want to call it nothing but a game but Big Time College Football is a business. We do keep score so it has to be more than a game. It is tuff to see anyone lose their jobs, but in the coaching ranks there is always someone somewhere that is looking for new blood.

We do have a nucleus in place at receiver and also in the O line. It isn’t as empty as we think. If Smith and Sears come back we have them along with Ligon, and Brown will be back as a TE. We played a lot of folks in the O line that most didn’t even notice. All we need are coaches who can get the players to execute and we will be fine.

Good luck to PW and JRS and GO VOLS.


 
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