Originally Posted by fernandomike

This is the exact point that most Vols fans on here have been trying to get across. You guys keep harping on the rather obvious fact that Fulmer shares a good deal of the blame for our situation, but lets face it, he isn't going anywhere. Every head coach shares the blame when things go downhill, but the buck only stops there in theory. What is South Carolina going to do, fire Spurrier because they can't run the ball or stop the run? Getting rid of Fulmer is not an option. We would be the laughing stock of college football if we got rid of someone with his impressive record. Thus, those who place the blame solely on his shoulders are in essence offering no solution to the problem.
What is clear is that we need a philosophical change from the top down. Fulmer treats his coaches the same way that he does his players, too leniently. One of the advantages of this is that he has continuity in the staff, but when that staff sucks, then continuity obviously becomes a bad thing. Randy Sanders, Pat Washington, and Jimmy Ray Stephens are not good coaches. For those who don't know, Washington is the receivers coach. Stephens handles the offensive line and Sanders is the offensive coordinator. We need to swap these guys out for ones who know what they are doing.
If we do bring in some quality guys at these spots, then Fulmer needs to leave them alone and let them coach. I realize that our way has been successful, but it isn't any longer. We desperately need new ideas and Phil must get past his reputation as a control freak. It is time to bring in someone with a solid reputation and give him the reins. Chavis and our defense deserve much better than they are getting.