When Gruden was coach of the Oakland Raiders in the late 90s, Fulmer, who was UTs head coach at the time, called the Raiders offices early one morning to congratulate Gruden on a particularly impressive win the night before.
Mindful of the three-hour time difference, Fulmer was prepared to leave a message Gruden could pick up when he got to the office. But instead of voice mail, he heard a male voice.
Raiders football, coach Gruden, the voice said.
Jon? Hey, this is Phillip Fulmer. What are you doing? Fulmer asked.
Without missing a beat, Gruden shot back: The same thing I did when I was a graduate assistant answering the phone.