In recognition of his efforts in guiding the Vols; undefeated through a schedule
that included three teams in the top 10 and three more ranked 25th or better,
Fulmer was named coach of the year on both national and SEC levels. Most sports
pundits wrote off Tennessee's chances for a stellar season when they looked over
the depleted Vol roster last summer. A "rebuilding" project appeared in order
with the loss of the All-America quarterback, an All-America defensive end, the
team's most accomplished wide receiver and the bulk of the defensive unit.
But Fulmer, exhibiting his trademark patience, saw the reconstruction as an opportunity
to expose younger members of the team to the battlefield experience for which
they were being trained. Tennessee's string of quality recruiting classes was
brought to the test.
When the final victory was notched, Fulmer attributed
his team's success to the squad's disciplined approach to its work. "They listened
to their coaches, never took anything for granted and determined to find a way
to win, even in some games where the situation looked bleak in the closing moments,"
said Fulmer.
Fulmer's brilliant coaching record includes:
- A
total of 64 academic All-SEC honorees the past four years, including 19 in 1998.
- The No. 1 ranking in the AP poll for the remainder of the season starting
with the balloting of Nov. 7, as well as the top spot in the coaches poll in the
final voting before the bowl games.
- The first Tennessee team ever to
post 13 victories in a single season, a record in 1998 that included a Southeastern
Conference championship game and a Fiesta Bowl appearance for the national tide.
- A record of 45-5 from 1995 through 1998, the most victories over a four-year
span in the school's history.
- A total of 27 All-SEC players the past
four years, including eight in 1998.
- A winning percentage that is the
highest for any head coach in Vol football annals, putting Fulmer ahead of John
Barnhill, who had held the top spot until the 1998 season.
- Reaching
the 50-victory mark earlier in his career than any coach in Southeastern Conference
history.
- Outstanding performances against traditional foes that have
seen UT compile victory strings that have reached eight against Georgia, four
against Alabama, six against South Carolina, 14 against Kentucky and 16 against
Vanderbilt.
Aware that Saturday afternoons are the most important
factor in any coach's career report card, Fulmer regards development of good citizenship
attitudes as compatible and consistent with team goals. He feels that off-field
and on-field achievements should go hand-in-hand.
He considers such experiences
essential to the education process of Vol football players. "It helps the players
become more accountable, more responsible. There are many good things that can
be done. I think it's our responsibility to provide our players the opportunity
for community service and community involvement."
Almost three decades ago,
Fulmer was a competent blocker on three UT teams that ended their seasons with
major bowl appearances. He served as a team captain his senior year.
