The Firing Line: Fulmer Gets Last Cigarette

“The Firing Line” at Football Rumor Mill focuses on coaches around the country who are in serious jeopardy. The latest edition centers on Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer…

No formal decision has been made regarding Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer’s future, an anonymous source who would be involved in such a decision told the News Sentinel on Monday, two days after the Vols lost to No. 2 Alabama in Neyland Stadium and fell to 3-5 overall. However, the source said that big losses to SEC rivals and an upset loss in overtime at UCLA in the season-opener could prove too much for Fulmer, regardless of what happens in UT’s four remaining games. A second source close to the program said a win over Alabama last week would have strongly bolstered Fulmer’s chances to be retained next season, especially if UT went on to win its four remaining games. That source said a 6-6 record would result in a coaching change, adding that Fulmer would not be guaranteed to save his job if the Vols go 7-5 this season. – Knoxville News-Sentinel

The brimstone seems to have faded. The debate, once hotly contested, now appears decided. The end looks inevitable. The old saying is, “It’s all over but the shouting.” Well, when it comes to the job status of Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, the shouting also might be done in Knoxville. – The State