Fulmer set to direct the band one more time

Now it's come full circle for the Tennessee Volunteer, as Friday's appointment to make him the new Director of Athletics has Vol fans both young and old feeling united.

"It's a new day," Former Vol quarterback Heath Shuler said. "I'll never forget the time that Phillip and I were on the field and he had won his first game as interim head coach. His excitement and his feel for being a coach and leading the team. As a former player, I have that same feeling that he had that day. He is the single person to turn the program around and unite people. "

The day is darkest always before dawn and for former players like Aaron Hayden, a new bright orange sunrise ended this day.

"I'm the happiest alumni of a 4-8 team in the history of college football," Hayden said. "It's been a long week and while I've reconnected with a lot of my teammates, it's been wild."

The reaction was felt on social media and across Rocky Top on a joyous Friday afternoon.

"That's great news and music to my ears," Cosey Coleman said. "Hopefully that brings some direction and stability back to Tennessee. His track record is proven and his accomplishments. Having him at the head making decisions is a good feeling. He fits the bill as Tennessee's guy."

It's been a long nine years since Fulmer was carried off the field following a win over Kentucky to close out the 2008 season. Tears flowed that night for Fulmer and the rest of Vol nation ending three emotional weeks following his firing. More emotional than most when Fulmer was relieved of duties was offensive lineman Ramon Foster. He and his fellow teammates took it personal.

"It was the same type of emotion today," Foster said. "My wife and I thought he would be back sooner, but we knew he would be back. He understands and loves Tennessee. He is Tennessee. When you mention Tennessee, people bring up Peyton Manning, Tee Martin and Phillip Fulmer. He orchestrated the whole thing. It brings a smile to my face to know he has the opportunity to turn Tennessee around.”

For all the talk of getting a "Tennessee guy," former players are clear the Vols need the "right guy" first and foremost. So whether Tennessee's football search ends with getting the band back together or goes in a different direction, the program is headed toward a different yet familiar day. There are players that played for him and then there are former offensive linemen that really had the chance to spend time with Fulmer.

"I think it's important to get the right guy and if it's a Tennessee guy it's even better," Jeff Smith said. "It very well could be that combination. Coach Fulmer's leadership will get everyone on the same page. He's a proven leader of people. It will be a group effort and like he mentioned today, we are a family."

The desire from former players to see Tee Martin get a shot to come home and lead his alma mater has been prevalent all week long. They have flooded social media and Knoxville radio with their dislike for the direction of the coaching search.

"I think getting a Tennessee guy is important, but getting the right guy is the most important," Hayden said. "I think for the former players it was the disrespect to not call Tee that hurt us as former Vols. What he has meant to the program and to not even call him was disrespectful. I would say that if it was Peyton (Manning) or Al (Wilson) in the same situation."

Sources indicated to Volquest on Friday night that Fulmer has every intention of reaching out to his National Championship winning quarterback in the coming days. That doesn't mean he will be the next head coach, but Fulmer understands that calling Martin is the right thing to do. That gesture is not lost on former Vol quarterback Casey Clausen.

"We are a fraternity of brothers," Clausen said. "Especially at the quarterback position. If he is your guy or not your guy, I'd like to think he would have at least got a phone call saying one way or another what was going on. If he is ready, then let's go and if not, then tell him why. When you play quarterback for the University of Tennessee, I think 100%, he should have gotten a phone call."

Finding the person that gets and understand Tennessee has to be a big piece to finishing the puzzle.

"Just having coach back in is the start of that process," Coleman said. "Having people that understand Tennessee. He understands the culture and environment in Knoxville. Tennessee guys understand all of that. I think it's important."

Fulmer met with the entire athletic department staff before meeting the media on Friday. Then turned his attention to meeting the football team after. It's his ability to connect with people that makes Fulmer special. He's a leader of men and knows what its like to be in their shoes.

"He was a coordinator, a head coach, but I think the most important position he ever held was being a former player," Shuler said. "That's where coach has an advantage. He sees the hurt the players have went through over the last few years. Not getting the wins that we can win and its a selfless act to step up and help turn this program around."