Rapid Fire: Focus on Fulmer, Snyder & Stewart

“Rapid Fire” at Football Rumor Mill focuses on multiple coaches around the country who are in serious jeopardy. The latest edition centers on no less than four jobs…

Tennessee
Lighten up? During Tennessee week? Why was this man smiling? That’s easy. He gets to face Phillip Fulmer again. That would put a grin on the Grinch. Saban has made a living beating a lot of coaches - and helped cost a few their livelihoods; see Tommy Bowden - but he’s been especially hard on Fulmer. It’s not just that Saban is 3-1 against Fulmer. Or that Saban’s teams have scored 38, 18, 31 and 41 points against Fulmer’s teams. The worst thing Saban ever did to Fulmer was coach LSU, behind a backup quarterback, past Tennessee in the 2001 SEC Championship Game. The Vols were No. 2 in the nation entering that game and up by a point starting the fourth quarter… Could Saban, who started Fulmer’s slow decline, help finish him off Saturday night in Neyland Stadium?… Fulmer, who’s built a nice career obsessing over and taking down Alabama, has bigger issues than Saban. Last week, the Knoxville News-Sentinel wrote, Tennessee AD Mike Hamilton “confirmed that some boosters have discussed Fulmer’s possible replacement, but said those conversations have been limited.” Hamilton also told the paper that Tennessee has a $7 million reserve to cover unexpected expenses, like buying out the football staff, if necessary. – Birmingham News

Marshall
The truth of the matter is Snyder’s buyout is downright economical. According to his contract, if Marshall were to dismiss Snyder he would be paid his base salary of $149,968 multiplied by the number of years remaining on his pact which extends through 2013. Do the math. If Snyder were relieved of his duties after this season with four years remaining on his contract, his buyout would be $599,872. The only aspect that could alter the sum is if it were pro-rated to the end of the fiscal year. However, just because I’m revealing this fact doesn’t mean I’m advocating Snyder’s dismissal. I’m not. It’s much too early to even consider that. I am unequivocally opposed to such mid-season moves. My stance all along has been Marshall needs to win six games and reach post-season. If the Herd falls short and suffers a fourth consecutive losing season, then I believe the direction of the program should be re-evaluated. – Herald-Dispatch

West Virginia
Speaking of buyouts, dissident WVU fans had better get used to first-year head coach Bill Stewart. If the Mountaineers wanted to dismiss Stewart after this season, WVU would have to ante up a $4.4 million buyout. He’s not going anywhere. – Herald-Dispatch