The Tennessee Volunteers had a long and winding coaching search this offseason before former coach/new AD Phillip Fulmer took over.

He then quickly hired Jeremy Pruitt as the new coach, and it sounds like that relationship is going quite well in Knoxville.

Speaking last week in Union City, Fulmer said he appreciates that Pruitt is always honest with him (via KnoxNews.com):

“The kids love him and rally around him,” Fulmer said. “When he got on campus, we hit it off immediately because we’re both honest guys, and we both like it like that. We don’t need to walk on egg shells because we know where each other stands, and if we agree, then that’s great. If not, then we can discuss it.”

The relationship between Fulmer and Pruitt will be an important one for the Vols moving forward. As a title-winning coach, Fulmer knows what it takes to win in Knoxville.

Now, Tennessee fans will cross their fingers and hope Pruitt can bring a title back to the university.