Phil Fulmer Leaves with a Whimper, a Tear and the Laughter of Football Fans

Phillip Fulmer is leaving none too soon.  By the end of the season, he will have driven the Volunteers to new lows.  Not even the closest player will be sad to see him go by then.

Since Fulmer entered coaching some 15 years ago after stabbing the man who hired him in the back by talking bad of him to anyone who would listen and stealing his job, Fulmer has not been in the friend-making business.  Among SEC coaches, year in, year out, he's one of the least liked. 

Last week's loss to an absolutely terrible Wyoming team merely punctuates just how far Fulmer has driven to the Vols to a laughingstock throughout the college football world.

So while Fulmer tears up and leaves with his head bowed as low as the depths he's plunged the team's ranking, even the Vol fans are as anxious to see him go as the competitors he once battled. 

Most coaches who have had length of service close to Fulmer's don't leave without a moving tribute and a thank you of some sorts, especially those who ushered in winning seasons like never before, as well as a National Championship Trophy.  I'm sure Tennessee has something like that in store for Fulmer's last home game.

Unfortunately, it will be against a Kentucky team that will likely leave them with a season-ending record of 3-9. 

It will be hard no matter what great video they put up on the screen to get fans to remember the great times, knowing they are about to be stomped yet again and leave the season at the bottom of the SEC standings.

Some may politely clap, others may boo and the Kentucky fans will probably just laugh that they're paying tribute to a man who leaves with a three-win season. 

Sadly for Fulmer, he outstayed his welcome by at least one season.  He should have left last year and left with at least a little dignity.  Leaving this way will make no fan morn your loss. 

So when you walk off the Neyland Stadium's grass for the final time, with the wife, kids and memories in tow, do so with ear plugs in your ears so you can imagine a hero's farewell, instead of the boos and laughter you would hear without them.