Fulmer won't take administrative job at Tennessee

Dec 12, 2008 - 9:51 PM KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Phillip Fulmer will not be staying at Tennessee after all.

Fulmer, the Volunteers' longtime football coach who was ousted following a disappointing 2008 season, has declined Tennessee's offer to work temporarily as an assistant to the school's president.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Fulmer turned down the 90-day position that he reportedly had accepted earlier this week.

Fulmer, 58, did indicate that he hoped to remain with the school in a non-paid networking capacity.

"I am sorry for any confusion, and I appreciate the university allowing me to take time to consider my retirement and insurance options," said Fulmer, who resigned as Tennessee's coach on November 3. "Today, I informed president (John) Petersen that I will not be transitioning to a position in the president's office at this time.

"Instead, I have offered my services to him as an alumni volunteer, helping develop the university's relationships with its supporters. It has always been my goal to do what's right for this great university and bring Tennessee people together, and that's what I will continue to do."

The second-winningest coach in the program's history, Fulmer initially agreed to the temporary job Monday, a decision that was heavily criticized by Tennessee's faculty.

Citing campus-wide layoffs of non-tenured members, several faculty members claimed that the timing of Petersen's job offer to Fulmer was inappropriate.

"Our announcement earlier this week in response to widespread media reports created some confusion," Petersen said Friday. "We had to move quickly to adhere to university retirement policies and deadlines. Under those policies, the agreement would not have become final until today.

"In the days following our announcement, Phillip had the time he needed to consider it further. The university values Phillip's ability to unite and motivate his fellow alumni, and we will continue to seek ways to make the best use of his talents."

Fulmer, who posted a 152-52 record at Tennessee, was officially replaced two weeks ago by former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin.

Despite being associated with Tennessee for more than 30 years as a player, assistant coach and head coach, Fulmer has expressed a desire to coach again at another school.