For the last month, the search for Tennessee's new athletic director has taken many twists and turns. As the University enters the final month before the arrival of recently confirmed Chancellor Dr. Beverly Davenport, the newest twist involves a familiar name.
It's was thought throughout the fall that Hall of Fame coach and former Vol Phillip Fulmer wasn't going to be a factor in Tennessee's search. Even Fulmer believed that he would not be seriously considered.
But over the course of the last three-four days, sources have indicated to us that Fulmer has emerged as a legitimate possibility, if not the favorite, to be the next athletic director at Tennessee.
Up until late last week, it was thought that David Blackburn and Jon Gilbert were the top two candidates and both remain candidates. The “outside” candidate that's been most mentioned has been Arizona Athletic Director Greg Byrne. But reports Sunday night said that Byrne will be announced this week as the new athletic director at Alabama, replacing Bill Battle, who is retiring in March.
So what is Tennessee's time line now? Where's the search firm? Dave Odom of Todd Turner's search firm said last week that they were handling to the search. Tennessee says they have hired no search firm.
A Board of Trustee member has been quoted as saying that Tennessee may not have an AD hired before April or May. Others say that the timeline is moving faster, maybe a lot faster. If that's the case, then the rumblings of Fulmer could make more sense because of his relationship with University of Tennessee President Dr. Joe DiPietro.
Fulmer, who has always made it clear that he would be willing to help in any way called upon, has been working with Dr. DiPietro for over a year, traveling around the state, helping with fund raising. Sources say that the two have developed a good relationship and that DiPietro has become both impressed with and comfortable with Fulmer.
In a story in the Tennessean this past week, Fulmer said he has enjoyed his time with the president and that it's time to get Tennessee back to the top.
"I have really enjoyed getting involved with Dr. (Joe) DiPietro on the President's Council and doing some things with him," Fulmer said of the university's president. "They've got a process (in hiring an athletics director) in place and I'm just anxious to see what that process brings.
"To me this is a very important time in our history to, not just creep back to the top, but jump back to the top. And I think we have a chance to do that."
Does a search that's had more twists and turns before it's ever gotten started have more twists and turns left?
History says yes.
History also says you might not count the Winchester native out. Phillip Fulmer has privately and, to some degree publicly, supported David Blackburn. But he's also never slammed the door on his desire to be Tennessee's athletic director. A door that seems more open than it's ever been.
Davenport in town
Chancellor Davenport is expected in town on Monday to be a part of 'We Back Pat' night as the Lady Vols host Notre Dame. Davenport is expected to have some meetings on Monday and Tuesday as well.
Coaches hitting the road
After hosting a large recruiting weekend, the Vol coaching staff was back out on the road Sunday night. Head coach Butch Jones, along with assistants Tommy Thigpen and Steve Stripling were in North Carolina to visit in-home with Vol commitment Matthew Butler.
Jones is expected to be in Louisiana Tuesday and Wednesday of this week as well. He will make an in-home visit with Terrell Bailey on Tuesday night.
Zach Azzanni is heading back to Florida to recruit. Walt Wells will be in the mid-state for part of the week as well as an in-home to see LaBryan Ray.
With most high schools being out of session, Monday is a travel day for most coaches to get in place for in-home visits Monday night and school visits starting on Tuesday.
No Comment
Sources have indicated to Volquest that Utah State assistant coach Mike Canalas is returning to Knoxville sometime this week for a second interview or 'skull session' with Butch Jones and others. When reached by phone Sunday night, Canalas, who said he was on the road recruiting, would not comment on when or if he was returning to Knoxville for more discussions.
It's was thought throughout the fall that Hall of Fame coach and former Vol Phillip Fulmer wasn't going to be a factor in Tennessee's search. Even Fulmer believed that he would not be seriously considered.
But over the course of the last three-four days, sources have indicated to us that Fulmer has emerged as a legitimate possibility, if not the favorite, to be the next athletic director at Tennessee.
Up until late last week, it was thought that David Blackburn and Jon Gilbert were the top two candidates and both remain candidates. The “outside” candidate that's been most mentioned has been Arizona Athletic Director Greg Byrne. But reports Sunday night said that Byrne will be announced this week as the new athletic director at Alabama, replacing Bill Battle, who is retiring in March.
So what is Tennessee's time line now? Where's the search firm? Dave Odom of Todd Turner's search firm said last week that they were handling to the search. Tennessee says they have hired no search firm.
A Board of Trustee member has been quoted as saying that Tennessee may not have an AD hired before April or May. Others say that the timeline is moving faster, maybe a lot faster. If that's the case, then the rumblings of Fulmer could make more sense because of his relationship with University of Tennessee President Dr. Joe DiPietro.
Fulmer, who has always made it clear that he would be willing to help in any way called upon, has been working with Dr. DiPietro for over a year, traveling around the state, helping with fund raising. Sources say that the two have developed a good relationship and that DiPietro has become both impressed with and comfortable with Fulmer.
In a story in the Tennessean this past week, Fulmer said he has enjoyed his time with the president and that it's time to get Tennessee back to the top.
"I have really enjoyed getting involved with Dr. (Joe) DiPietro on the President's Council and doing some things with him," Fulmer said of the university's president. "They've got a process (in hiring an athletics director) in place and I'm just anxious to see what that process brings.
"To me this is a very important time in our history to, not just creep back to the top, but jump back to the top. And I think we have a chance to do that."
Does a search that's had more twists and turns before it's ever gotten started have more twists and turns left?
History says yes.
History also says you might not count the Winchester native out. Phillip Fulmer has privately and, to some degree publicly, supported David Blackburn. But he's also never slammed the door on his desire to be Tennessee's athletic director. A door that seems more open than it's ever been.
Davenport in town
Chancellor Davenport is expected in town on Monday to be a part of 'We Back Pat' night as the Lady Vols host Notre Dame. Davenport is expected to have some meetings on Monday and Tuesday as well.
Coaches hitting the road
After hosting a large recruiting weekend, the Vol coaching staff was back out on the road Sunday night. Head coach Butch Jones, along with assistants Tommy Thigpen and Steve Stripling were in North Carolina to visit in-home with Vol commitment Matthew Butler.
Jones is expected to be in Louisiana Tuesday and Wednesday of this week as well. He will make an in-home visit with Terrell Bailey on Tuesday night.
Zach Azzanni is heading back to Florida to recruit. Walt Wells will be in the mid-state for part of the week as well as an in-home to see LaBryan Ray.
With most high schools being out of session, Monday is a travel day for most coaches to get in place for in-home visits Monday night and school visits starting on Tuesday.
No Comment
Sources have indicated to Volquest that Utah State assistant coach Mike Canalas is returning to Knoxville sometime this week for a second interview or 'skull session' with Butch Jones and others. When reached by phone Sunday night, Canalas, who said he was on the road recruiting, would not comment on when or if he was returning to Knoxville for more discussions.
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