Wyoming Game NA - Phillip Fulmer Resigns

Vols, the Wyoming game will not be available at the Tavern this weekend. The weekend after that is a bi-week, but we'll be back at the Tavern for the final two games. I'll let you know the times for the remaining games as the time approaches.

As most, if not all of you know by now, Phillip Fulmer has agreed to step down as head coach of the University Of Tennessee Volunteers. He has served the Vol Nation for over 30 years in various capacities and is one of the greatest, truest, orange-blooded fans in the world. During his time as head coach Fulmer has won 150 games and lost 51. At 75%, only Bowden and Paterno have better win percentages for coaches who've been active in the league for more than ten years. After 17 seasons as the Vols head coach only General Neyland has more wins. He brought us our first National Championship in 47 years, two SEC Championships, and won the SEC East five times.

Fulmer begrudgingly agreed to step down citing the division amongst the Vol Nation as the reason. “Our Tennessee family is united in its goals, but divided in the right path to get there. I love Tennessee too much to let her stay divided,” Fulmer said during a nearly 7½-minute prepared statement he read before media, family, friends, donors, coaching staff and entire team crammed into Neyland Stadium’s media center.

A steady decline in wins over important rivals and recruiting, as well as the division amongst the fans and alumni are stated as the reasons for the move by the University. Many agree that this is the only course of action, but all agree that Fulmer will forever go down in Tennessee lore as one of it's greatest folk heroes. He has been offered a role at the University in an administrative or athletics capacity. Fulmer has gained immense knowledge and robust talent over the years and has been a tremdous assett at many different levels. It is greatly hoped that he will continue to contribute his immense skill set to our great institution.

The Kentucky game at Neyland Stadium has been dedicated as "Phillip Fulmer Day". See you at the Tavern then!