Happiness is upon us. Dr. Joe DiPietro got it right. The president of the University of Tennessee engaged Phillip Fulmer as special advisor and ambassador for the statewide system.
Through the years, the university has had several square pegs in round holes. This is a fit. Thousands of Tennesseans think they know the former football coach on a first-name basis. Many more see Fulmer as a celebrity treasure, coach of the 1998 national championship team, winner of a hundred more games than he lost, first-ballot honoree by the College Hall of Fame.
As Dr. Joe sees it, Fulmer will touch a lot of bases, from neighborhood gatherings to athletic events to alumni affairs to the great halls of government. He may solicit a few gifts and grants.
Fulmer served an “internship” last year with the President’s Council and DiPietro got an up-close view of his ability to draw a crowd, his communications skills and influence.
The president saw and felt Fulmer’s “deep and abiding love for the university.”
DiPietro did his homework.
“Phillip has been a tremendous asset to the University of Tennessee both on and off the field for more than 40 years…”
He was a player, captain, assistant coach and head coach.
Fulmer did some research, too. He asked several former players what they thought about the idea and sought guidance from former Tennessee coach and athletic director Doug Dickey and former Tennessee coach and Alabama athletic director Bill Battle.
Fulmer talked with Steve Spurrier because the most famous Gator has similar ambassador duties at the University of Florida.
Fulmer chose a part-time assignment because he is deeply involved in family activities and has other interests. His annual salary will be $100,000. He’ll have a campus office “but I’m not sure I need one.”
He answered one question before it was asked.
“I have no animosity about not being named athletic director (two months ago). I expressed an interest because I wanted to help the university however I could. I did not fit the criteria.”
Fulmer did not attend the introduction of John Currie as the new AD but he spoke well of him yesterday. Currie described Fulmer as “a perfect ambassador.”
That implied that a bridge has been rebuilt. Currie was Mike Hamilton’s key assistant in 2008 when Fulmer was fired.
Opinions remain divided about that awkward exit. Some thought Fulmer had stayed too long. Others are absolutely convinced Tennessee football would have been much better off had he remained and there had never been a Lane Kiffin or Derek Dooley.
I will say Hamilton botched the before, then and after. That spring, he gave Fulmer a new seven-year contract. That summer he said how proud he was to have “Phillip as our coach for many years to come.”
Changing coaches didn’t turn out exactly right.
Fulmer was paid $6 million to go away. He didn’t really go and didn’t bother being bitter. He remained interested in his university. He went right on shaking hands and signing autographs. He made speeches when asked. He appeared at charity golf tournaments. He became a football advisor at East Tennessee State.
He continued as a spokesman for the Jason Foundation. He served on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs, American Football Coaches Association and Team Focus and Family Services. There was never a question about his loyalty or respect for obligations.
At almost age 67, he seems to have a clear sense of purpose. His new goal is “get everybody pulling together in the same direction.”
He said he wants to help make UT athletics and academics the best in the country “and whatever else the president wants me to do.”
Marvin West invites reader reaction. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com