Could Majors have won a NC here?

[ENGRVOL]

Will never see a coach win a national championship and then immediately leave that program to rebuild a dumpster fire that was Tennessee football in 1976. Goes to show you what this program means to a lot of Tennesseans who played football for UT.


If 2-3 more plays went our way in 1990 we would have won a national championship and believe majors would be considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

 

[Dartmouth Vol]

Here's an old article from the 92 season with an interesting quote by Shuler towards the end. If Coach Cutt and Fulmer had left, I think Shuler transfers. Just my opinion.

I loved Coach Majors at the time because he loved Tennessee. The reality is he won 61% of his games in 16 years, an average of 7.3 per year.

Majors Bought Out of Tennessee Contract : College football: School may have been worried that assistant coach would leave and take staff with him.

The Johnny Majors era at Tennessee is over.

www.latimes.com

Coach Majors 61% is due to three of the hardest college rebuilds ever. It is hard for many to understand just how bad Iowa State and Pittsburgh were when he got there. UT in 1977, was trending downward so much a National Championship winning staff couldn’t even save it.

Coach is probably the only 61% or worse coach in history that was also three-time National Coach of the Year, Won an undisputed NC, recruited a Heisman winner….

2. The Attached comment by Dr. Johnson to the AP a week after the buyout and his call, have always been interesting.

 

[Wahoooo]

Will never see a coach win a national championship and then immediately leave that program to rebuild a dumpster fire that was Tennessee football in 1976. Goes to show you what this program means to a lot of Tennesseans who played football for UT.


If a 2-3 more plays went our way in 1990 we would have won a national championship and believe majors would be considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

I’ve been watching UT football since the 70 Sugar Bowl vs Air Force. That’s my earliest memory.

I’ve seen some bad, bad losses.

Frankly, I’ve never been as mad after a game as the 90 Bama 9-6 loss. Yes, the UGA 16-15 loss sucked during Johnnys tenure, but if the Vols win the 90 Bama game, most likely they win the natty in 90, even with the close Notre Dame loss, the fact that the pollsters had to split the national championship between Colorado and Ga Tech was a travesty.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

I’ve been watching UT football since the 70 Sugar Bowl vs Air Force. That’s my earliest memory.

I’ve seen some bad, bad losses.

Frankly, I’ve never been as mad after a game as the 90 Bama 9-6 loss. Yes, the UGA 16-15 loss sucked during Johnnys tenure, but if the Vols win the 90 Bama game, most likely they win the natty in 90, even with the close Notre Dame loss, the fact that the pollsters had to split the national championship between Colorado and Ga Tech was a travesty.

That first paragraph describes my first vivid memories of UT football. From that point forward it's all vivid

 

[ksgovols]

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Coach Majors 61% is due to three of the hardest college rebuilds ever. It is hard for many to understand just how bad Iowa State and Pittsburgh were when he got there. UT in 1977, was trending downward so much a National Championship winning staff couldn’t even save it.

Coach is probably the only 61% or worse coach in history that was also three-time National Coach of the Year, Won an undisputed NC, recruited a Heisman winner….

2. The Attached comment by Dr. Johnson to the AP a week after the buyout and his call, have always been interesting.

Just to clarify, the 61% winning percentage is at UT alone. I didn't calculate the career winning percentage. And his teams played a 6 game SEC schedule from 1977 thru 1991. To his credit, Coach Majors non conference schedule included the likes of Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, Cal, etc which the Vols won their fair share. Losses to North Texas State, Rutgers, Boston College, inexplicable ties with Army and UCLA with a 16 pt lead in the 4th quarter and his inability to beat Alabama with superior talent is what got his tail in a crack with a portion of the fanbase and running through quality assistants like a knife through hot butter. John Majors was his own worst enemy when relationships were on the line.

Put some of the assistant coach hires were pure genius. Al Saunders completely rebuilt the offense and then Walt Harris ran it. Marmie and Donahue as defensive coordinators. The flip side was the constant turnover in position coaches. At the time Pat Dye and Vince Dooley had staffs that had been together for years and they used that against us in recruiting. At the time I was a Majors apologist, not ready for him to be let go. In hindsight I think he had run his race much like Fulmer did after him where the program wasn't advancing any further. The number seems to be 16 years.

 

[Dartmouth Vol]

Just to clarify, the 61% winning percentage is at UT alone. I didn't calculate the career winning percentage. And his teams played a 6 game SEC schedule from 1977 thru 1991. To his credit, Coach Majors non conference schedule included the likes of Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, Cal, etc which the Vols won their fair share. Losses to North Texas State, Rutgers, Boston College, inexplicable ties with Army and UCLA with a 16 pt lead in the 4th quarter and his inability to beat Alabama with superior talent is what got his tail in a crack with a portion of the fanbase and running through quality assistants like a knife through hot butter. John Majors was his own worst enemy when relationships were on the line.

Put some of the assistant coach hires were pure genius. Al Saunders completely rebuilt the offense and then Walt Harris ran it. Marmie and Donahue as defensive coordinators. The flip side was the constant turnover in position coaches. At the time Pat Dye and Vince Dooley had staffs that had been together for years and they used that against us in recruiting. At the time I was a Majors apologist, not ready for him to be let go. In hindsight I think he had run his race much like Fulmer did after him where the program wasn't advancing any further. The number seems to be 16 years.

It's actually 59% overall which is why he's ineligible for the Hall of Fame as a coach... only 60% and over qualify. Never mind the multiple rebuilds vs say... being gifted a program already built.

Not quibbling on the listed losses here but North Texas State belongs to Battle, `85 UCLA won the Rose Bowl that season, Rutgers was 8-3 team two years removed from 11-0, in 1979. The Tie Army team was a bowl champion over Michigan State that season. Those weren't a Chattanooga.

No one is questioning the time was very near in 1992 but the ending was messy the way it happened. That what is sad even today.

Finally, RE: Assistants. It would be great if they all stayed but if you hire great staffs like coach historically did; you would expect significant turnover year to year as they advance in their careers. Coach Majors’ 1969 Iowa State staff had seven future head coaches on it for an applicable career example; they all left Iowa State.

 

[Volizona]

Seems like Majors had a bipolar career: huge statement wins or upsets (Notre Dame 79?, Bama 82, Auburn 85, Miami Sugar Bowl, Florida 90) but big question mark losses against inferior teams (Bama 90, several directional type schools, SC and Ark in 92, etc). He hit the highs and lows with not as much in between

 

[Volizona]

Fulmer, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have as many huge upsets or beat as many great teams as an underdog as Majors, but I think he took care of the bottom feeders more often than Majors outside of his last few years, Memphis State, etc

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Fulmer, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have as many huge upsets or beat as many great teams as an underdog as Majors, but I think he took care of the bottom feeders more often than Majors outside of his last few years, Memphis State, etc

Even the tie against Army in Neyland in 1984 was a real head scratcher for such a "great" coach. I think the pressure to win here at his alma mater got to him at times. Built a program with elite players, but had difficulty getting on the top shelf. Had he taken over the program in 1970 as he should have, he probably would have won a NC here

 

[#1fulmerite]

Just to clarify, the 61% winning percentage is at UT alone. I didn't calculate the career winning percentage. And his teams played a 6 game SEC schedule from 1977 thru 1991. To his credit, Coach Majors non conference schedule included the likes of Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, Cal, etc which the Vols won their fair share. Losses to North Texas State, Rutgers, Boston College, inexplicable ties with Army and UCLA with a 16 pt lead in the 4th quarter and his inability to beat Alabama with superior talent is what got his tail in a crack with a portion of the fanbase and running through quality assistants like a knife through hot butter. John Majors was his own worst enemy when relationships were on the line.

Put some of the assistant coach hires were pure genius. Al Saunders completely rebuilt the offense and then Walt Harris ran it. Marmie and Donahue as defensive coordinators. The flip side was the constant turnover in position coaches. At the time Pat Dye and Vince Dooley had staffs that had been together for years and they used that against us in recruiting. At the time I was a Majors apologist, not ready for him to be let go. In hindsight I think he had run his race much like Fulmer did after him where the program wasn't advancing any further. The number seems to be 16 years.

You saying this and it just reminded me of Spurrier saying something like 10-12 years at one place is long enough, when he retired.

 

[#1fulmerite]

It's actually 59% overall which is why he's ineligible for the Hall of Fame as a coach... only 60% and over qualify. Never mind the multiple rebuilds vs say... being gifted a program already built.

Not quibbling on the listed losses here but North Texas State belongs to Battle, `85 UCLA won the Rose Bowl that season, Rutgers was 8-3 team two years removed from 11-0, in 1979. The Tie Army team was a bowl champion over Michigan State that season. Those weren't a Chattanooga.

No one is questioning the time was very near in 1992 but the ending was messy the way it happened. That what is sad even today.

Finally, RE: Assistants. It would be great if they all stayed but if you hire great staffs like coach historically did; you would expect significant turnover year to year as they advance in their careers. Coach Majors’ 1969 Iowa State staff had seven future head coaches on it for an applicable career example; they all left Iowa State.

Honestly, you have to add in the entire’88 season when we began 0-6. All of those teams, even Duke turned out to actually be good. Didn’t Duke win the ACC that year?

 

[Dartmouth Vol]

Honestly, you have to add in the entire’88 season when we began 0-6. All of those teams, even Duke turned out to actually be good. Didn’t Duke win the ACC that year?

yes!

 

[Dartmouth Vol]

I’ve been watching UT football since the 70 Sugar Bowl vs Air Force. That’s my earliest memory.

I’ve seen some bad, bad losses.

Frankly, I’ve never been as mad after a game as the 90 Bama 9-6 loss. Yes, the UGA 16-15 loss sucked during Johnnys tenure, but if the Vols win the 90 Bama game, most likely they win the natty in 90, even with the close Notre Dame loss, the fact that the pollsters had to split the national championship between Colorado and Ga Tech was a travesty.

My most disappointing Majors era loss was the 1984 Sun Bowl... If T-Rob slides after the QB draw late; Fuad's last college kick wins a Bowl game.

Nothing, no loss, will ever top 2001 LSU v2.0. That cost us everything.

 

[Dartmouth Vol]

Even the tie against Army in Neyland in 1984 was a real head scratcher for such a "great" coach. I think the pressure to win here at his alma mater got to him at times. Built a program with elite players, but had difficulty getting on the top shelf. Had he taken over the program in 1970 as he should have, he probably would have won a NC here

I had to go back a read that game again Goat. Quickly...

T-Rob was out whole game; Darryl Dickey's first college start at QB.
That said, Dickey had the Vols up 24-17 with 14 minutes to go.
Defense forced three straight stops with the lead; offense did nothing to add.
Finally, Army drove 80 in 11 plays to tie with 3 to go.
No game winning drive late

100% agree RE: Coach in 1970 with that staff at Iowa State coming...

 

[SpookyAction]

Webb over Lewis. JMO. I know Jamal had a great pro career while Webb didn’t but based on college Webb was absolutely a great back. Tough elusive runner with breakaway ability

Watch the 1990 Cotton Bowl game vs Arkansas. His 75 yd run was outstanding.

Webb had the best full speed shoulder fake I have ever seen. Like a cobra getting a mongoose to look it in the eyes.

 

[TNnative]

My first thought when seeing the thread title was how unlikely it would have been for Majors to have gotten Peyton to come to UT, which is what opened the door to the successful Fulmer run.

Johnny rebuilt the UT program from the ashes, but just had a tendency to stub his toe at the wrong time at least a couple of times each season. Any of the teams he had in '85, '87, 89, and '90 were good enough to have gone all the way, but there always seemed to be that odd game, bad break, or costly injury that would derail a season.

I was in school at UT in the early '80's, and there was great frustration among the fan base at the relatively mediocre results given some of the immense talent and future pros on those rosters, but he really found his footing in '85 and had a nice run for a few seasons, building a program that Fulmer took to the next level after running Johnny out.

As to the poll question, there's just no way to know for certain, but I think Johnny was at the end of the line when he was replaced.

Yeah you are right. Johnny was coming off major heart surgery. In fact he had his surgery the dad before or the day after my Dad had his at Ft. Sanders. And when Johnny coached against Arkansas, Dad wanted to be there. I went with him. And knowing what all my Dad went through recovering, I knew Johnny was having some of the same struggles.

So, to think Johnny could have handled the grind of coaching, practice, recruiting, and everything else that was required of him? I can't see that working out. Forget the part about Fulmer being up and coming, and the pressures boosters and fans were putting on. Forget everything else. And forget Johnny and his wife's feelings on the matter. Just look at a man coming off that surgery overseeing 100 college football players. It's not a good outlook. Tennessee had to move on. And to consider the possibility of Johnny not being at the end of the line? That was way too big for any coach.

 

[ksgovols]

Honestly, you have to add in the entire’88 season when we began 0-6. All of those teams, even Duke turned out to actually be good. Didn’t Duke win the ACC that year?

We lost to Duke a couple of times during Majors reign. Once in 82 and then again in 88. Same with Army. I think Majors was 1-1-1 against the Cadets. I can remember looking at a schedule preseason and circling W's and saying we'll probably swap an L with an inferior opponent and beat Notre Dame or UCLA and go 7-4 or 8-3. That was where the Vols were most years. 3-3 in conference or 4-2. Then go 6-5 or 5-6 every other year there in the 80's during the even years was maddening and the penchant for playing for ties.

I agree with Dartmouth Vol with the embarrassing way the firing was handled, but I also think kicking and screaming was the only way Johnny was going to have it if he didn't keep the team.

 

[Dartmouth Vol]

As I mentioned before, Coach Majors any luck at Tennessee seems to have run out with the Pittsburgh rebuild.

Just off the top of my head, you had these what if's. Any here might have changed his record somewhat....

77 Heisman winner George Rogers didnt stay committed
78 lost Lindsey Scott due to a signing day mistake
78 Lost the QB he needed early at UT when he missed on Art Schlichter, John Forcade and Jim Kelly
79 DT Lee Otis got sick ending his career
80 DLmen Charles Morgan and Carlton Gunn, both stars of Alabama games as true freshmen, left school.
80 Hubert Simpson got booted
81 future World Record Holder DB Roger Kingdom doesn't sign
81 Cockrell hurts knee in the his first few starts as a freshman. Misses all that development time
83 missed on QB Troy Aikman as it turned out
85 TRob
86 Would note Leroy Thompson here but Reggie Cobb, similar time, was better
87 OL Randy Hall career ending injuries
88 OL Leon Baxter died
89 S Derric Evans mistakes; with Evans, Dale Carter could have been a lock down CB 1990
89 Reggie Cobb
89 LB Todd Collins leaves at spring parctice
90 committed OG Eddie Blake goes to Auburn
90 Chuck Webb gets hurt
91 LB Percell Gaskins prop 48's; later win NCAA's high Jump at 7'5" after Junior College
92-93 Ivan Zenon dies... Recruited under Majors; signed under Fulmer.

I'm sure I've mised many others examples.