First let me say, I can live with either one of these 2 gentlemen as our Athletic Director and sleep well at night. I like the fact that both men have close ties to the University and understand the dynamics and history of all UT sports programs. I personally feel that with Peyton on the UT search committee as well as a close friend of Fulmer's on the search firm which was hired (for a wasted $75,000) - Fulmer definitely has the inside track on the job. As much as I admire Peyton, I do not see him voting against his former coach & good friend. I was actually shocked he agreed to serve on the committee. I feel Fulmer would have a better understanding of the overall football program as well as some of the problems and/or needs which can occur within the program such as injuries, scheduling, defections, recruiting budgets, facility upgrades, etc. However; I truly feel that David Blackburn would be the best choice for the "overall" UT Athletic Department. He is very well respected by almost everyone associated with the University. He has EXPERIENCE as an Athletic Director and has done a terrific job in his time @ UTC - especially with coaching hires. There are some tough decisions that are going to have to be made soon in some programs such as men's baseball and women's basketball and I feel he is much more capable than Fulmer in making those decisions. I have also heard David speak on behalf of UTC and he presents himself very well & very professionally which I feel would benefit UTK fundraising greatly. Whether you admit it or not - there are still large portions of VOL fans who are not Phillip Fulmer fans many of which include former players. There is the perception that Fulmer worked behind the scenes to get Majors job and now many feel the same thing is happening to Blackburn regarding the AD job. The wild card in this decision is the new lady chancellor (if she ever arrives) and how involved she will actually be in the search or whether she will just sign off on the recommendation of the committee and search firm. One final reason I feel David Blackburn is the best choice - I don't want to see Johnny Majors jump off the Henley Street Bridge when Fulmer is chosen! Just my thoughts folks!
