Phillip Fulmer is a legendary figure in the world of college football, best known for his 17-year tenure as head coach of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

During his time at the helm, Fulmer led the program to unprecedented success, including a national championship win in 1998 and two SEC Championships.

His winning record, bowl game appearances, and numerous players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL earned him the title of the winningest head coach in Tennessee history.

Despite his achievements on the field, Fulmer is equally revered for his integrity and leadership off the field, making him one of the most respected figures in college football.

This article will take a closer look at the life and career of this College Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Quick Facts: 10 Accomplishments for Former Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer

Here is a list of Phillip Fulmer‘s top 10 accomplishments as head football coach at the University of Tennessee:

  • National Champion in 1998
  • Won two SEC Championships in 1997 and 1998
  • Had a winning record in all but two of his 17 seasons at Tennessee
  • Led the Volunteers to a bowl game in all but one of his seasons as head coach
  • Had a total of 152 wins at Tennessee, making him the winningest head coach in program history
  • Won three SEC Eastern Division titles
  • Was named SEC Coach of the Year in 1997
  • Had a record of 83-20 in conference play
  • Coached numerous players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL, including Peyton Manning, Albert Haynesworth, and Jason Witten.
  • Was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Summary of Phillip Fulmer’s Career at Tennessee

Phillip Fulmer‘s coaching career at the University of Tennessee spanned 17 years, from 1992 to 2008.

1992: Fulmer began his tenure at Tennessee with a 9-2-2 record in his first season as head coach. The team went on to win the Hall of Fame Bowl that year.

1993-1995: Over the next three seasons, Fulmer led the Volunteers to a combined record of 33-4 and three consecutive SEC Eastern Division titles.

1996: In 1996, Fulmer led the team to a 12-1 record and a victory in the SEC Championship game, earning him SEC Coach of the Year honors.

1997-1998: In 1997 and 1998, Fulmer led the Volunteers to back-to-back SEC Championships and a national championship win in 1998, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football history.

1999-2008: Over the next decade, Fulmer continued to lead the program to success, with winning seasons in all but two years and bowl game appearances in all but one year.

2008: After a 5-7 season in 2008, Fulmer announced his resignation as head coach of the Volunteers. Despite the challenges in his final season, his overall record at Tennessee was an impressive 152-52, solidifying his place in the annals of college football history.

Tennessee Vols Coach Phillip Fulmer: Year-by-Year Results

Phillip Fulmer was the head football coach at the University of Tennessee from 1992 to 2008. During that time, his year-by-year record was as follows:

  • 1992: 9-2-2
  • 1993: 11-1
  • 1994: 10-2
  • 1995: 11-1
  • 1996: 12-1
  • 1997: 11-2
  • 1998: 8-4
  • 1999: 13-0
  • 2000: 11-2
  • 2001: 11-2
  • 2002: 10-3
  • 2003: 10-3
  • 2004: 5-6
  • 2005: 9-3
  • 2006: 9-4
  • 2007: 10-4
  • 2008: 5-7

Fulmer resigned at the conclusion of the 2008 Tennessee Vols football season.

SEC Football History: What You Should Know about Phillip Fulmer

Phillip Fulmer is an American football coach who had a successful career in the sport. He was born on September 1, 1950 in Winchester, Tennessee. Fulmer played college football as an offensive lineman at the University of Tennessee from 1969 to 1971.

After college, Fulmer began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Wichita State University from 1973 to 1974. He then became an assistant coach at Vanderbilt University from 1975 to 1976, and later at the University of Tennessee from 1980 to 1992.

In 1992, Fulmer was named head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, a position he held until 2008. During his time at Tennessee, Fulmer led the team to two SEC championships and one national championship in 1998. He compiled a record of 152-52, making him one of the winningest coaches in the program’s history.

Fulmer’s success at Tennessee led to him being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Fulmer was known for his strong character and leadership skills. He was respected by his players and fellow coaches, and was known for his ability to build and maintain successful football programs.

After leaving coaching in 2008, Fulmer remained involved in college football as a commentator and analyst. In 2017, he was named athletic director at the University of Tennessee, where he worked until 2019.

In summary, Phillip Fulmer had a successful and storied career as a college football coach. His accomplishments on the field, combined with his strong character and leadership skills, make him one of the most respected figures in the sport. Despite his retirement from coaching, Fulmer remains involved in college football and continues to be a significant figure in the sport.

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