“I expect us to be better, certainly,” Fulmer said.

No worries, Jeremy.  You got this.

“I do believe that we’ll be better. Would I love to sit here and say, ‘We’re going to win 10 or 11.’ Absolutely. I’d love to say that, but that’s up to everything falling right and kids coming through.”

No, really, you got this.

So much of Fulmer’s AD legacy, though, will be linked to his first hire and whether Pruitt delivers in elevating Tennessee’s program.

The Vols are coming off their seventh losing season in the past 11 years.

“This program, in my time around it, has never been at this place,” said Fulmer, who was UT’s coach from 1992-2008 after previously serving as an assistant for his alma mater. “I mean, in three out of the (last) five years, we had nobody drafted. At Tennessee? Are you kidding?

Easy peasy.

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“Great idea, boss!”

Jeremy Pruitt knows who butters his bread.

Pruitt explained how the Hall of Fame former Tennessee initiated the recent practice adjustment and why it should benefit his players in the long run.

“Really it was Coach Fulmer’s idea,” Pruitt said after Wednesday’s practice. “I thought it was a great idea. We’ve never done this any at the other places I’ve been, but you’re talking about 15 or 20 minutes at the end of practice…”

Either he’s quickly mastered the art of sucking up, or knows how to throw the right kind of bone to keep someone off his back.  Only problem either way is that it’s Fulmer we’re talking about here.  If push came to shove, neither theory would matter.

You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Jeremy.

Phil Fulmer leads the one-conference-game-win-in-two-years Vawls in a thrilling chorus of “We dont give a d*mn about the whole state of Alabama!” while Rainsville, AL native Jeremy Pruitt looks on awkwardly #RollTide pic.twitter.com/n4efXcoxpa

— … and Tennessee Too! #RollTide 💉 (@CrimsonClio) October 14, 2018

He’s just heppin’, man.  Whether you need it or not.

Urnge, rested and ready

Per Rivals UT beat writer:

The most interesting and notable note from Tuesday was Phillip Fulmer’s presence on the field. The former Hall of Fame coach has been at every practice this fall, but today, Fulmer wasn’t in khakis and a jacket but full sweats with a practice outline in his hand. He watched the QBs, WRs and TEs, but mostly observed the offensive line, offering tips to Trey Smith, K’Rojhn Calbert, Drew Richmond and Riley Locklear, among others.

In case you ever wondered how much Jeremy Pruitt wanted a head coaching job, that’s how much.

“That’s what I want. Let’s do it.”

Remember, Tennessee fans, it’s not what Phillip Fulmer can do for you; it’s what you can do for Phillip Fulmer.

He’s here for you.

I know we direct a fair amount of snark Tennessee’s way these days regarding the Fulmer-Pruitt relationship, but serious question here:  can anyone come up with another example besides Fulmer of an athletic director who’s been so willing to thrust himself into the media limelight over the direction of a program with a new head coach?

To be the man, you’ve got to be the man.

I’m not sure what my favorite part of this story is.  Is it that Phil Fulmer and not any of his head coaches is the headline act of this spring’s five-city Big Orange Caravan fan appreciation tour?

Or is it that with his shiny new contract, Fulmer is now the third highest paid athletic director in the SEC?  (With a raise applied retroactively!)

This is the point where I’d ordinarily say “don’t ever change, Volnation”, but I don’t really think they need any encouragement.