Here are all the ways 2002-2008 (Fulmer's latter years) were better than 2013-2017 (Jones tenure):
- Fulmer's latter record was 57-32. Butch's was 34-29. That's a 64% win rate for Phillip, versus 54% for Butch.
- Fulmer won the SEC East twice in that time period. Butch never won the division.
- Fulmer had three (3) 10-win seasons in that window. Butch never got to double digits.
- Fulmer's worst season was 5-7. Butch achieved a team history worst, at 4-8.
- Ditto in SEC play: Fulmer's worst ever was 3-5. Butch took us to the cellar at 0-8.
There is simply no comparison between the two. Fulmer's
worst years were still significantly better than the Butch Jones era, or the Dooley era, or the Pruitt era.
Folks like to hate on Phillip Fulmer, but he was one helluva great coach. Second best in our team's history. You don't get to a lifetime 75% win rate being a scrub.
But, haters gonna hate.
Go Vols!