University of Tennessee Athletics
TENNESSEE ANNOUNCES TWO-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR PHILLIP FULMER
March 01, 2007 | Football
March 1, 2007
University of Tennessee Athletics Director Mike Hamilton announced Thursday that Head Football Coach Phillip Fulmer has been awarded a two-year contract extension -- extending his contract through 2013 at his current salary of $2.05 million a year.
"In a world where coaching changes appear to be coming more frequently, Phillip brings a tremendous amount of stability to our program and we feel Tennessee football is well-positioned for the future," Hamilton said. "I'm proud of everything Phillip has accomplished at Tennessee, and I look forward to working with him and our staff to bring us another national championship."
Tennessee finished the 2006 season with a 9-4 overall record. Since 1997, no team has won or shared more divisional titles than Tennessee with five (1997, 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2004).
"I am grateful to President Petersen, Mike Hamilton and Tennessee fans everywhere for the confidence they continue to show in me and the opportunity to represent UT," Fulmer said. "I can honestly say that I have the best job in America, serving as an ambassador for the state and university that mean so much to me. There is no place I'd rather be than on our campus and on our sideline teaching our young men.
"I'd also like to thank all our dedicated coaches and our talented football staff. To run a quality football program, it takes skilled professionals in the training room, the weight room, the office and the equipment room."
In addition to Fulmer's extension, Fulmer will receive a pool of money to award raises to his assistant coaches. Those changes will be announced in the coming weeks.
During his tenure at Tennessee, Fulmer has recorded a 137-41 career record, winning more than 77 percent of his games. Fulmer averages nearly 9.5 wins per season over the last decade, with five SEC Eastern Division titles during that span and two overall league crowns. His record leads all active coaches with at least 10 years of experience and he is the ninth winningest coach in league history.
All funding for the athletics department, including coaches' salaries, is from monies generated by athletics' resources and not from appropriated funding by the state of Tennessee or other university-related revenues.
Since Fulmer has been at the helm of Tennessee's football program, UT has seen donations rise from approximately $4 million in 1992 to $31.86 million in fiscal year 2006.
"Much of the funding for our 20 sports is generated through the football program," Hamilton said. "Coach Fulmer's success on the field has allowed these programs the opportunity to be competitive."
Fulmer's current annual total compensation package is $2.05 million and runs through Dec. 31, 2013. His contract also includes a definitive incentive package to reward Fulmer for the team's successes. The clause would pay Fulmer only the highest bonus allowed based on the achievement of the team. The level valuation is as follows: $37,500 for a non-BCS bowl, $50,000 for SEC Eastern Division first place tie, $75,000 for SEC Championship game appearance, $100,000 for SEC Championship or appearing in a BCS game, $150,000 for appearing in the BCS National Championship game and $250,000 for BCS National Championship game winner.
