Last Saturday David Cutcliffe closed what appears to be his final chapter on his Tennessee football career. For all of the complaints about his play calling, even the skeptics understood the sense of organizational purpose coach Cut brought to this staff. The Vols were coming off of a losing season and their offense was in shambles. I don’t mean to imply that he worked miracles, but between being a psychologist, a pop culture analyst, and an offensive coordinator, when his number was called in 2006 he responded. Widely regarded as “the only man Fulmer trusted with this offense†it was the easiest call that Phil ever made.
Believe it or not, there are some people out there that think that the hire Phil Fulmer has in front of him is a no-brainer. I couldn’t disagree more. The coaching carousel is moving at break neck speed, and the Vols are all set to break in a new quarterback next year. This time around, it simply isn’t going to be that easy. In an attempt to make Spike Jonze proud, this week I thought it would be worth combing the UT athletic department to find the portal to Phils brain. What would it be like to climb in and get a “real time†view at how Phil sees the world? Unfortunately I couldn’t find the right closet, but I can take a few guesses about what might be going on in CPF’s head right now. Yes, I understand the implications of such a metaphysical endeavor. I just can’t help myself. Here are some facts that should be rattling around in Fulmer’s head while he considers the new hire.
• The wheels of change are turning.
Tommy Tubberville is moving away from the traditional pro style offense at Auburn. To help with the transition he has hired Tony Franklin, a Mumme disciple who wrote a book that some consider to be the authority on running the spread. Tubbs cited two primary reasons for the switch. First he said that his offense was stagnate. Last year he grew weary of running the ball to set up the pass, and he found play action to be much less effective as it was in 1970 (the date is a guess). The second reason Tommy gave for the switch was the fact that it was becoming harder to recruit receivers to play in the old system. While Auburn certainly should not be the standard bearer for the UT program, the rationale behind the change should be closely evaluated by Fulmer before he makes his decision. While most contend that such a drastic change is against Phil’s fundamental nature, to completely ignore this option would only serve to reinforce criticism of what many consider to be Fulmer’s fatal flaw. At some point, even Fulmer knows that change is inevitable.
• Kippycanoe and Marrone too
Kippy Brown and Doug Marrone are two names that continually pop up in the collective conscious of the Volnation. Surely, they are rattling around in Fulmer’s head as well. While neither offer the drastic change in the offensive style of play, it is very difficult to discount the fact that both of these guys have called plays at the next level. While hiring either one would be a safe bet, neither would be widely recognized by recruits as offensive gurus by any stretch of the imagination. Both have successes on their resume, but outside of Tennessee, neither of these guys would be considered a “household nameâ€.
• Up and comers
There is no indication that Gus Malzahn or Chris Hatcher would be considered in the hire, but it would not hurt to interview either one of those guys. If we are truly testing the waters for what is best for this program, why not sit down and discuss all the options. You have nothing to lose by bringing them in, picking their brains and exploring their offensive vision for the UT program.
If a change in offensive philosophy is endorsed, Hatcher would be the safest hire in the country. Among offensive coaches, including the aforementioned Toney Franklin, Hatcher is widely recognized as one of the brightest offensive minds of his generation. Before seriously considering hiring Malzahn, Fulmer’s first move should be a phone call to Frank Broyles. Regardless of Malzhan’s role in the drama that was Arkansas football, the issue should be investigated and no stone should be left unturned. Surely, with the trust issues that Fulmer has, he will carefully ponder such a hire. This program has plenty of drama already, and we don’t need to put any wood on that fire.
• It is about time
As all these issues turn in Phil’s mind, time is of the essence. At this point in his career, I think Phil knows that this hire doesn’t have to last ten years. This search is not about finding the next head coach at UT, nor is it about finding a blindly loyal yes man. This hire is about finding someone that will move the Vol’s offense tomorrow. We owe Cut gratitude for calling plays in the Outback bowl, otherwise Phil may have had a built in excuse to promote from within.
• Change is inevitable
It may not happen tomorrow, but change is coming. Bleeding Orange is not a prerequisite for coaching offense. Hopefully, this thought is also creeping in to Fulmer’s head. As it relates to the Vols, the idea of new blood is on the pen and tongue of every media pundit in the country. This is also the thought of most UT fans that remain indifferent about the Fulmer situation. These fans are people that I consider to be the “moderates†of the Volnation. When backed into a corner, and forced to make a decision they will likely state that Fulmer doesn’t need to go, but he does need some shake up on the staff. If enough of these fans find displeasure in the decision it would not bode well for Fulmer. Perhaps this is a catalyst a “new blood” infusion, but only time will tell.
The fact that the Vols are now nearly 10 years removed from their last SEC Championship is not lost on Phil Fulmer. Catastrophic losses to the young guns in the league will only be tolerated to a point. Notable boosters aside, there are several influential people within the Vol fanbase that remember the remarkable example set forth by the resignation of Bill Battle. Fulmer should thank Cutcliffe for helping him recapture the organizational focus of this football team. Now it is time to find the man who will move this offense immediately. If it is truly his desire to be a head coach for the next five years, Phil understands the critical nature of this decision. Go Vols.