We all knew it was coming, and it’s here: Coach Phillip Fulmer is officially out.

You always hate to see it come to this. Now, I think it’s clearly time for change at UT, but you’d have to be a total sociopath not to feel for Coach Fulmer and his family. Here is a man who has poured his heart and soul into his alma mater for the better part of his life.

As passionate as we the fans are for UT football, it can’t compare to the passion and love that coaches have. Yes, the financial rewards are handsome, but anyone who thinks it’s an easy job is insane. The constant stress, the second guessing, and the criticism takes its toll on these men and their families. I imagine it has been very hard for Fulmer and his family lately. I only hope Tennessee fans will show some class in this difficult time.

It’s not as though Fulmer has anything to be ashamed of. He’s done more for University of Tennessee football than anyone since General Neyland. He’s won just shy of 75% of his games; he brought home a national championship and two SEC championships, he recruited and groomed countless stars, and he’s given his life to the university. The positives of his tenure greatly outweigh the negatives. He is a bona fide Tennessee legend.

So Vol fans, lets all treat Coach Fulmer with the respect he deserves. Let’s all remember the good times he has brought the University of Tennessee.