UT Athletics Director Phillip Fulmer sat down with WBIR for an interview Wednesday morning to discuss an array of topics, including the subjects most important to the fans.
In a one-on-one interview with WBIR 10Sports Anchor Patrick Murray, Fulmer detailed why he thinks Coach Jeremy Pruitt is a good fit for the Tennessee Volunteers football program.
Fulmer interview part three: Jeremy Pruitt (mobile app users click here)
He also talked about the process of removing former coach Butch Jones' picture from the Neyland Stadium video board, and his knowledge of whether former Vol Jauan Jennings would return to the program.
Fulmer said he and the administration were discussing potential replacements for former coach Butch Jones on the back of the Neyland Stadium video board. The process of removing Jones is complex, but Fulmer and Chancellor Beverly Davenport want it sped up as quickly as possible.
"We're working through it," Fulmer said. "It is important to us."
Fulmer said he met with wide receiver Jauan Jennings at the end of the fall semester. The two had a productive conversation. The decision on whether to let Jennings, who was dismissed from the program in November, will be up to Coach Pruitt and his staff.
"They've had some conversations, but I'm not privy to it recently," Fulmer said. "Obviously the timing of this is going to be really important right now."
Fulmer interview part one: Love for Tennessee (mobile app users click here)
Fulmer interview part two: Becoming Athletic Director (mobile app users click here)
The Hall of Fame football coach made it clear he doesn't want to interfere with the football program but he's there to help if Pruitt wants to talk. Fulmer sat in on Tuesday's team meeting and he liked what he saw.
"I was super impressed last night with the way as to how he had those kids sitting on the edge of their seats," Fulmer said. "Not making promises but developing expectations for them. Not one time did he mention we're going to go win a championship. We're going to be students and part of this campus and good men, we're going to respect our people around us, the lady in the cafeteria and the tutors and all those folks. That's the base, the foundation of the culture you have to have."
