JUST NOW: Tennessee Vols Extends Former UT Football Coach Phillip Fulmer in Stunning Return to Program Leadership
Knoxville, TN – May 13, 2025
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college football world, the University of Tennessee has just announced the reinstatement and extension of legendary former head coach Phillip Fulmer to a newly created “Executive Director of Football Operations” role, with sweeping influence across the Vols’ football program.
Fulmer, who coached the Volunteers to a national title in 1998 and later served as the school’s athletic director, is making what some fans are calling a “third act” — a surprise return more than 15 years after his final season on the sidelines and four years after stepping away from administrative duties.
A Strategic Power Play by UT
In a press conference held at Neyland Stadium this morning, UT Chancellor Donde Plowman praised Fulmer as a “symbol of integrity and Tennessee tradition,” citing the university’s desire to bring back institutional memory, veteran insight, and “the unmistakable Fulmer fire” to the athletic department.
“Coach Fulmer has never truly left Tennessee,” said Plowman. “He bleeds orange. And with today’s ever-changing landscape of NIL, conference realignment, and recruiting battles, we believe there is no better figure to guide our football operations from a strategic level.”
According to internal sources, Fulmer’s contract extension is for five years and comes with an annual salary of $1.2 million, performance bonuses, and an “emeritus coaching clause” that allows him to step in as interim head coach should the team find itself in a crisis situation.
Fulmer Speaks: ‘I’m Not Done Yet’
Appearing energized and sharp in his trademark orange tie, Fulmer addressed the media with his usual mix of humility and confidence.
“I may have stepped back, but I never stepped away,” he said. “Tennessee football is in my blood. This isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about getting this program where it belongs: at the top of the SEC and competing for national championships.”
Fulmer also hinted at upcoming structural changes in the football program, promising a “return to discipline, tradition, and physical dominance in the trenches.”
Impact on Current Coaching Staff
Sources close to the program say current head coach Josh Heupel was consulted prior to Fulmer’s appointment and was “supportive but surprised” by the announcement. While Heupel remains head coach, Fulmer’s new role reportedly gives him oversight of recruiting strategy, staff development, and even game preparation frameworks.
“Heupel’s seat isn’t hot,” one insider claimed. “But it’s definitely warmer today than it was yesterday.”
Vol Nation Reacts
Reaction from fans and alumni has ranged from ecstatic to stunned confusion. Hashtags like #FulmerReturns, #BringBack98, and #VolDaddyIsBack trended within minutes of the announcement.
Former players like Peyton Manning and Al Wilson took to social media to endorse the move, with Manning posting: “Coach Fulmer back in the building? Let’s ride. Go Vols.”
What’s Next?
Fulmer is expected to take immediate meetings with athletic department officials and begin evaluations of existing football infrastructure, including NIL strategy, recruiting pipelines, and even the game-day fan experience.
Rumors are already swirling that Fulmer is behind a top-secret initiative dubbed “Project Smokey,” believed to involve AI-enhanced scouting, holographic playbooks, and partnerships with former SEC greats for mentoring current athletes.
