Vols sign Fulmer, Pearl to extensions

Jul 2, 2008 - 4:33 PM KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Tennessee announced Wednesday it has signed football coach Philip Fulmer and men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl to contract extensions.

Both deals, which run through 2014, were finalized Monday.

"I can say unequivocally that we have two of the best coaches in America, and I am excited to know they will continue to be the ambassadors of our great university for many years to come," school president John Petersen said.

Fulmer's new deal is worth $2.4 million for the 2008 season and escalates to $3.3 million in 2014. There also are various incentives over the life of the deal.

During his tenure which started on a full-time basis in 1993, Fulmer has compiled a 147-45 record. But despite guiding the Vols to the national title in 1998, he has come under fire in recent seasons.

Pearl will make $1.6 million this season, and the deal escalates to $2.2 million in 2014. Like Fulmer, his contract includes numerous incentives.

Entering his fourth season with the Vols, Pearl has helped revitalize a once-stagnant program. The Vols have won two Southeastern Conference Eastern Division titles and garnered the school's first No. 1 ranking last season.