Fulmer's Graceful Departure the Right Move

So ends the Fulmer era. According to reports, the Dean of SEC Coaches has agreed to step down at the end of the season. We, the college football fans of the nation, are not shocked. We expected this to happen. But still, it's here. And the winds of change will swirl through Knoxville, bringing excitement and hope to a program which desperately needs it.

Before looking ahead, we need to look at how Tennessee and Fulmer have handled this situation. While the scheduled press conference has not yet occurred at time of this writing, we can assume Fulmer to be his usual gracious self, for AD Mike Hamilton to thank Fulmer for his many years of loyal service to the University, and for plenty of tears to fall.

It could have been far uglier. See: Alabama Crimson Tide, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders. You could even throw Johnny Majors' ouster from the Big Orange in that group. Bobby Petrino's sudden exit from both the Louisville Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons. The list goes on.

Those departures were ugly.

By agreeing to step down at the end of the season, Phil Fulmer will allow the Tennessee Volunteer faithful to thank him for his service by packing Neyland stadium for his final game as head coach. He'll part on good terms with the many friends he's made within and without the program. In fact, he has the opportunity to remain a part of Tennessee football in the future if he plays his cards right. While the game of football might have passed Phil Fulmer by, he did champion a Tennessee football program which saw many spectacular highs. He played the political game as well as anyone. And he helped bring about significant renovations to the program's facilities during his tenure.

Phil Fulmer will depart as a beloved, rather than maligned coach. Over time his final forgettable years will fade from memory and his 1998 national championship will resonate in the hearts and minds of the Big Orange nation.

And for the Unviersity of Tennessee, this move makes sense for all the right reasons. As of now, the University has thrown its hat into the coach-search race of 2008. They can now push forward to retain such viable candidates as Lane Kiffin, Mike Leach, Chris Petersen, or even Urban Meyer's former assistant at Utah, Kyle Whittingham, whose Utes are 9-0 this year. They're in the game. Post-season firings have become more scarce as programs realize that by waiting, they put themselves behind the 8-ball.

This is the right way to move forward for Tennesee, for Phil Fulmer, and the legions of Vol fans who are ready for the next exciting chapter of Volunteer football.