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Tennessee AD Phillip Fulmer comments on decision to fire Jeremy Pruitt, Vols upcoming coaching search
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Phillip Fulmer’s time as Tennessee’s athletic director is coming to an end.
The Tennessee legend met with the media on Monday following the school’s decision to fire Jeremy Pruitt and nine assistants for cause.
Tennessee announced Pruitt’s dismissal, along with assistant football coaches Brian Niedermeyer and Shelton Felton, four members of the on-campus football recruiting staff, the director and assistant director of football player personnel and a football analyst/quality control coach.
They did not name the former members of the program that were fired this week.
Following this news, Fulmer issued the following statement:
“Tennessee has been a big part of my life. I was happy to step into the athletic director role when my university called. When I began this role three years ago, I told the administration I would stay for a few years to provide stability. Unfortunately, the unexpected need to hire a new head football coach has accelerated the succession plan the Chancellor and I have been discussing.
“Our next football coach needs to be on the sidelines for 10 years or more, and he will need to know who his athletic director will be for the duration. It only makes sense that I make this move now, so a new coach and a new athletic director can implement their vision together. My only desire is to do whatever it takes to give Tennessee the best opportunity to succeed.”
“I want to express my gratitude to the many Vols fans who have been so supportive over the years. I know we’ve had some recent disappointments, but I am confident that the future of Tennessee football is bright.”
https://twitter.com/finebaum/status/1351263656823189508
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
