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Phil Fulmer, the former Tennessee coach and current analyst at CBS College Sports, apparently has an itch to get back into coaching.
Instead of waiting to be contacted, however, Fulmer is apparently going on the offensive. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the longtime Tennessee coach who was forced to step down last season, would like to return to college coaching, and he covets the Notre Dame job.
Whether the interest is mutual remains to be seen as Notre Dame's coaching search continues.
Fulmer had a 152-52 record during a 17-year stint at Tennessee that included a national championship in 1998. Fulmer has made no secret about his desire to return to coaching and has said he'll only consider programs committed to winning national championships.
Fulmer is a big name, obviously, but he doesn't seem to fit the mold that Notre Dame seems to be seeking: a youthful coach with his best years ahead of him. Fulmer has been a great head man and is an effective recruiter, but he's also nearly 60 now. The rumors of coaches like Brian Kelly, Randy Edsall and Bob "I'm not a candidate" Stoops all show that the Irish administration wants an energetic, charismatic younger coach.
ESPN.com speculates that Fulmer may also be using the Notre Dame opening to get his name out there other job opportunities.
Reports and rumors, both silly and substantiated, continue to pour in. As long as they do, I'll continue to update you on the ND coaching search and Brian Kelly's status. Obviously, nothing is a "done deal" in this chaos until the Irish have someone under contract. Check back and subscribe above for updates!
Comments
too much in common w/ weis. both about the same size.
I don't think Weis has a College National Championship ring, 2 SEC Titles, 5 SEC Championship appearances, the 5th best winning percentage in the 90's or a 75% lifetime winning percentage.
Notre Dame would be wise to look for someone with a history of winning at a place where recruiting must be done nationally. The state of Tennessee is not a recruiting hotbed like Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas or California. But Fulmer was able to recruit players from those states and was able to win with them. The had 2 losing seasons (in 2005 and 2008) and Volunteer fans who were spoiled by Fulmer's success wanted a "hot" coach.
Bottom line: as a Tennessee alum and fan, I think we were fortunate to have Phil Fulmer as coach and the Irish would be lucky to get him.
I totally agree with Kevin. I'm a Vol fan, and not really concerned with what the Irish do, but I think they would take a huge step in the right direction with Fulmer at the helm.
Irish were smart enough not to even give Foolmer a sniff
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