I am glad she is back, and glad she is getting this program on track again. But as to praising Fulmer for the hire? It is what it is. Would Hart
or Currie have gotten her had it happened earlier? I don't know. Would our current AD have hired her? Again, I don't know. Is what it is.
Harper has done a good job but her recruiting remains a major question. She's not yet shown she can land top talent. We need some
"difference makers" in the next two classes, as Fulmer liked to say.
He just happened to be in the driver's seat when it became clear patience with Holly had ran out, and a new hire had to be made.
I am not trying to belittle Fulmer's tenure. Or minimize him landing her. But had Kellie not been a former Lady Vol? Would he
have gotten her? Maybe, maybe not. Pat left a big enough legacy to land anyone, but I am sure the fanbase for the Lady Vols
wanted one of our own to come home and take the reins.
Right after she was hired, I just happened to be shopping at a Kroger's store. Turned out Kellie just happened to be there as well.
As I was shopping that day wearing a Tennessee hoodie, I think I passed by her maybe three times, and did not recognize her until we were checking out. Did not say anything to her, but as we were leaving, I did say, "Welcome Home, Coach" in passing.
I am glad she is back, and glad she is getting this program on track again. But as to praising Fulmer for the hire? It is what it is. Would Hart
or Currie have gotten her had it happened earlier? I don't know. Would our current AD have hired her? Again, I don't know. Is what it is.
Harper has done a good job but her recruiting remains a major question. She's not yet shown she can land top talent. We need some
"difference makers" in the next two classes, as Fulmer liked to say.
And it's goooooooooood.
One thing you mentioned about Pat's legacy got me to thinking. Would any "big-name" coach, short of getting a huge bump in pay, really have wanted to follow Pat? Saban went to Alabama where the Bear was canonized, but at least there a lot of mediocre Bama coaches between him and Bryant. At least we got someone who won championships under Pat, coaches like Pat, reminds the fan base of Pat, and embodies Pat's best qualities with passion, class, and grace. And it seems to be paying off.
I’m sure most of us remember that Fulmer’s announcement of Harper’s hiring was not greeted with a lot of enthusiasm. ”She was hired because she’s a former Vol”. “She doesn’t have enough of a winning record”. She has proved this board wrong. Imagine that!…turning out to be Coach Fulmer’ s best hire. Of course the bar was set low with CJP.
Harper has done a good job but her recruiting remains a major question. She's not yet shown she can land top talent. We need some
"difference makers" in the next two classes, as Fulmer liked to say.