Letter from Coach Fulmer

#1
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VolBeef88

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#1
Dear Tennessee Fans,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the great support you give our team. Your passion and pride for our program is what makes us special!


Phillip Fulmer


This year was a disappointing season for everyone in the Tennessee family. We started this season with great expectations and failed to live up to those expectations. I assure you that no one is happy about our season - especially me, and I know that our fans deserve better than what we produced this year.

Now that the season is over, I am taking a step back and re-evaluating the entire program. We're doing a lot of things well - especially our defense, but obviously not enough. We grossly underachieved offensively, and special teams were erratic at best. As I've said before, the results this year are unacceptable and accountability starts with me.

My staff and I have great determination to get things back on track. In order to get things turned around, we first have to look at what happened this season. I'm doing a complete audit of everything in our program. No stone will be left unturned and no question left unanswered as to what went wrong.

I've taken some steps already and others are in short order. I have made some coaching changes to move forward. I feel the addition of David Cutcliffe as offensive coordinator is a great step forward for us. He is a great football coach, but better yet he's a leader and teacher. He will challenge our thinking, be creative with our offense and very demanding of our players.

I appreciate the support and patience I've received from the administration and Tennessee fans everywhere to make the adjustments I need to make to get back to where I believe we should be. We have had many great moments, games and seasons together and will again. Tennessee football is about pride, and it's my first priority to restore that pride.


Go Vols!

Phillip Fulmer
Head Football Coach


 
#2
#2
:snoring: :snoring: :snoring: :snoring: :snoring: :snoring:
 
#4
#4
Originally posted by GAVol@Nov 29, 2005 11:57 AM
I can't wait to read the critiques of the letter.
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Nothing will please some GAVOL. You will see.
 
#6
#6
Originally posted by Cajun Vol@Nov 29, 2005 12:19 PM
This is the please stop calling for my head letter.
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Many wanted accountability and for there to be a ovehaul. Well you got it and still not enough.

I am not surprised at all.
 
#7
#7
I just checked my email and saw his letter. I was about to post it.

All I can say is, I hope his words have meaning and things get fixed. I was a bit surprised too see that.

I for one, am behind getting this thing fixed 100%.

So let's see what happens and go from there.

:number1: :td:
 
#8
#8
Originally posted by VolBeef88@Nov 29, 2005 12:24 PM
Many wanted accountability and for there to be a ovehaul. Well you got it and still not enough.

I am not surprised at all.
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I believe you found what you were looking for in the statement about "Stop calling for my head letter" whether it was in there or not.
 
#9
#9
Originally posted by USAF_Vol@Nov 29, 2005 12:29 PM
I just checked my email and saw his letter.  I was about to post it. 

All I can say is, I hope his words have meaning and things get fixed.  I was a bit surprised too see that. 

I for one, am behind getting this thing fixed 100%. 

So let's see what happens and go from there. 

:number1:  :td:
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I agree! :thumbsup:
 
#10
#10
Originally posted by volinasheville@Nov 29, 2005 12:50 PM
I believe you found what you were looking for in the statement about "Stop calling for my head letter" whether it was in there or not.
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I am missing the point of your post. Sorry but could you explain it.
 
#11
#11
Originally posted by GAVol@Nov 29, 2005 12:57 PM
I can't wait to read the critiques of the letter.
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Yeah, it should be good...but at least he is acknowledging the fact that he needs to say something to the fans...whether or not there is any real meat in the letter is irrelevant.

It would have been very easy to just roll along and do a press conf. and that be that.

This letter, despite it's lack of "meat", at least shows that he understands the fans' frustration, and as the man in charge, he owes, for lack of a better word, some sort of explanation and clousure to the season.

thanks Phil, now go fix it....next bit of talking should come next Sept. when we step on the feild for the first time.
 
#12
#12
A lot of people keep saying that Fulmer never accepts blame but I keep hearing him say that the blame "starts with him." Yes, he is doing damage control but give the man some credit. He admits he is not without fault and it seems he is making the appropriate changes. The real test will come in the months to come with recruiting and ultimately in the fall with games but I am encouraged overall about the future. Let's hope for some good buzz and some momentum now with recruiting. Go Vols!!!
 
#13
#13
Originally posted by Cajun Vol@Nov 29, 2005 12:19 PM
This is the please stop calling for my head letter.
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No . . . I think this was the "The Administration told me to write this in hopes that you won't slow down your donations" letter.
 
#14
#14
Originally posted by GAVol@Nov 29, 2005 2:24 PM
No . . . I think this was the "The Administration told me to write this in hopes that you won't slow down your donations" letter.
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:clapping: :lolabove: :thumbsup:
 
#15
#15
Originally posted by GAVol@Nov 29, 2005 2:24 PM
No . . . I think this was the "The Administration told me to write this in hopes that you won't slow down your donations" letter.
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We have winner! :bow:
 
#16
#16
Lets see more action and less apologies. Get your arse out their and recruit us somemore underachieving 5 star all about me players! Just kidding serious though we are way behind on recruiting.
 
#17
#17
I gotta admit to being older than the majority of you guys. I could care less who takes the blame and could care less if any blame is accepted in public. Some of our younger posters really don't have a clue as to who Fulmer really is other than an overweight, balding middle age white guy.

But I would like to ask you to take my word for a few things in regard to him.

A. No one loves this program more than Fulmer. He WILL do everything in his power to make things better. None of us need to lose sleep over that.

B. Fulmer's background is such that quick fixes, fashionable offenses and doing things that are "sexy" to the fans but not fundamentally sound will not happen under his tenure. Did he let this one get away from him....hell yes! and who has publically admitted to being a failure this year? You have your "blame."

C. Firing a coach of his stature will do more damage in the short term than good in the short term. Most of the "blame gamers" are into instant gratification. If you run him off, you will not be instantly gratified, in fact the media would do an about face and let us know what insufferable ignorant, disloyal rednecks we are. The ESPN, Adams, Climer hate would escalate. In the mean-time the program would be in dissaray. Is that what you want?

Bottom line...we have a program that is traditionally a strong one. We have certainly had a bad year, the coach admits it and is trying to fix it. Get a life, chill out, grow up, act like a man and freaking deal with it. We have become so narcissitic that we are beginning to make the bammer look good. Come on, face this like a man and show some character. If you want your coach and team to show character, take the lead!

Rant over, I feel much better, thank you!

 
#18
#18
Originally posted by BHAMVOLFAN@Nov 29, 2005 2:08 PM
I gotta admit to being older than the majority of you guys.  I could care less who takes the blame and could care less if any blame is accepted in public.  Some of our younger posters really don't have a clue as to who Fulmer really is other than an overweight, balding middle age white guy. 

But I would like to ask you to take my word for a few things in regard to him. 

A. No one loves this program more than Fulmer.  He WILL do everything in his power to make things better.  None of us need to lose sleep over that.

B. Fulmer's background is such that quick fixes, fashionable offenses and doing things that are "sexy" to the fans but not fundamentally sound will not happen under his tenure.  Did he let this one get away from him....hell yes!  and who has publically admitted to being a failure this year?  You have your "blame."

C. Firing a coach of his stature will do more damage in the short term than good in the short term.  Most of the "blame gamers" are into instant gratification.  If you run him off, you will not be instantly gratified, in fact the media would do an about face and let us know what insufferable ignorant, disloyal rednecks we are.  The ESPN, Adams, Climer hate would escalate.  In the mean-time the program would be in dissaray.  Is that what you want?

Bottom line...we have a program that is traditionally a strong one.  We have certainly had a bad year, the coach admits it and is trying to fix it.  Get a life, chill out, grow up, act like a man and freaking deal with it.  We have become so narcissitic that we are beginning to make the bammer look good.  Come on, face this like a man and show some character.  If you want your coach and team to show character, take the lead!

Rant over, I feel much better, thank you!
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I agree 100%. Now let's all quit the crying and support the program.

You got your blame and your "steping up and taking responsibility". Now lets see if that is really what you wanted or do you really just want to bitch and compalin.
 
#19
#19
Originally posted by BHAMVOLFAN@Nov 29, 2005 3:08 PM
I gotta admit to being older than the majority of you guys.  I could care less who takes the blame and could care less if any blame is accepted in public.  Some of our younger posters really don't have a clue as to who Fulmer really is other than an overweight, balding middle age white guy. 

But I would like to ask you to take my word for a few things in regard to him. 

A. No one loves this program more than Fulmer.  He WILL do everything in his power to make things better.  None of us need to lose sleep over that.

B. Fulmer's background is such that quick fixes, fashionable offenses and doing things that are "sexy" to the fans but not fundamentally sound will not happen under his tenure.  Did he let this one get away from him....hell yes!  and who has publically admitted to being a failure this year?  You have your "blame."

C. Firing a coach of his stature will do more damage in the short term than good in the short term.  Most of the "blame gamers" are into instant gratification.  If you run him off, you will not be instantly gratified, in fact the media would do an about face and let us know what insufferable ignorant, disloyal rednecks we are.  The ESPN, Adams, Climer hate would escalate.  In the mean-time the program would be in dissaray.  Is that what you want?

Bottom line...we have a program that is traditionally a strong one.  We have certainly had a bad year, the coach admits it and is trying to fix it.  Get a life, chill out, grow up, act like a man and freaking deal with it.  We have become so narcissitic that we are beginning to make the bammer look good.  Come on, face this like a man and show some character.  If you want your coach and team to show character, take the lead!

Rant over, I feel much better, thank you!
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Good post, and i probably fall under that younger crowd you speak of, i'm 32, and really have memories only back to about 84 of UT football....and that was listening to JW on the radio with my parents...because, as you know, we weren't on TV every weekend....we were lucky to be on 2 or 3 times a year!

Anyway, i digress...i feel you pain, and while i am certainly not a Fulmer Basher, but not an apologist either...you could probably go back and find posts of mine where i sound like one or the other...but anyway....

the problem is, as you describe it, many of the fans, especailly the 20 somethings born in the early 80's, late 70's, really started watching football around 89/90, generally speaking...and it's been rosy from then til now....so the frustration is warranted...if you've never seen your team suck, this is like getting the wrong blood type introduced to your system!

And it is for me too...whille i remember 88, and how bad that was, i also remember listening to most of those games on the radio. the only highlights i saw were on local news in Memphis....

Being on TV weekly, ESPN, FSN, ESPN news, all the sports shows etc... and the internet have made College football so accessable and available for criticisizing that some people just can't help themselves and there are plenty of analysts and writers out there to assist us in forming our opinions...

While i don't pretend to be a part of the "old guard" so to speak, i do remember what it was like to lose to Bama EVERY F'n year, i do remember what it was like to play auburn and hate Pat dye for all the ties....

But i also remember 16 years of bowl games....4 sec titles, 1 national title, 3 #1 qb draft picks.....it's a new ball game today....and sadly, it won't ever be like it used to, minus teh bill battle years so i'm told!

go vols.
 
#20
#20
Originally posted by VolBeef88@Nov 29, 2005 2:14 PM
I agree 100%. Now let's all quit the crying and support the program.

You got your blame and your "steping up and taking responsibility". Now lets see if that is really what you wanted or do you really just want to bitch and compalin.
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I'm not seeing much crying as you say on here. All I see is people who keep dwelling on this and mention something negative like this in every post. If you're so anxious to move on, set the example and shut up about those who complain. MOVE ON!
 
#22
#22
Originally posted by BHAMVOLFAN@Nov 29, 2005 2:08 PM
I gotta admit to being older than the majority of you guys.  I could care less who takes the blame and could care less if any blame is accepted in public.  Some of our younger posters really don't have a clue as to who Fulmer really is other than an overweight, balding middle age white guy. 

But I would like to ask you to take my word for a few things in regard to him. 

A. No one loves this program more than Fulmer.  He WILL do everything in his power to make things better.  None of us need to lose sleep over that.

B. Fulmer's background is such that quick fixes, fashionable offenses and doing things that are "sexy" to the fans but not fundamentally sound will not happen under his tenure.  Did he let this one get away from him....hell yes!  and who has publically admitted to being a failure this year?  You have your "blame."

C. Firing a coach of his stature will do more damage in the short term than good in the short term.  Most of the "blame gamers" are into instant gratification.  If you run him off, you will not be instantly gratified, in fact the media would do an about face and let us know what insufferable ignorant, disloyal rednecks we are.  The ESPN, Adams, Climer hate would escalate.  In the mean-time the program would be in dissaray.  Is that what you want?

Bottom line...we have a program that is traditionally a strong one.  We have certainly had a bad year, the coach admits it and is trying to fix it.  Get a life, chill out, grow up, act like a man and freaking deal with it.  We have become so narcissitic that we are beginning to make the bammer look good.  Come on, face this like a man and show some character.  If you want your coach and team to show character, take the lead!

Rant over, I feel much better, thank you!
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U know that was a great post and it really got my attention. I have probably been one of the worst on here as far as bashing fulmer goes. It is good to see him making necessary changes for the program. I only hope that he makes changes internally as well. U got to face it he has been lacking in a lot of areas. Maybe this season has opened his eyes, and will make him change alot of his own ideas of how this program should be run. U are right we as vol fans should stand behind our team and coaches no matter who they are. I guess alot of fans including myself should do some soul searching and start being more positive about the football program. It is great being a Vol fan even when things arent going to good. I guess thats when u know u truly bleed orange or not. Looking forward to 2006 and GO VOLS!!!!!!!!
 
#23
#23
I think even the ones calling for Fulmer's head at all extremes are happy with what has happened for the most part. There were extremes on both ends. Many on the opposite side were thinking everything was wonderful even though the stats and problems both on and off the field showed otherwise.

Regardless of where you fell in the spectrum, what is done is done and we can all feel better about some changes taking place. Dwelling on who was right or wrong and who were the nuts is not helping anyone move on. We're all here on this board for a common reason (except for the few misguided souls still supporting other SEC schools). Stop slamming each other and digging up old conversations and move on. We have quite a lot to look forward to. We have great mens and womens teams in bball and recruiting is coming up. Plus there are the other sports and issues out there to discuss as well.
 
#24
#24
Originally posted by CSpindizzy@Nov 29, 2005 2:40 PM
I think even the ones calling for Fulmer's head at all extremes are happy with what has happened for the most part. There were extremes on both ends. Many on the opposite side were thinking everything was wonderful even though the stats and problems both on and off the field showed otherwise.

Regardless of where you fell in the spectrum, what is done is done and we can all feel better about some changes taking place. Dwelling on who was right or wrong and who were the nuts is not helping anyone move on. We're all here on this board for a common reason (except for the few misguided souls still supporting other SEC schools). Stop slamming each other and digging up old conversations and move on. We have quite a lot to look forward to. We have great mens and womens teams in bball and recruiting is coming up. Plus there are the other sports and issues out there to discuss as well.
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Dont forget the diamond vols
 
#25
#25
I guess for some people, they want those to weep blood until they are satisfied. He has admitted accountablilty and made staff changes. I feel that is enough to get things to where they were. UT will be fine next year and will get their swagger back.
 
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