Phillip Fulmer In ‘Good Spirits’ After Undergoing Medical Procedure Thursday

“Phillip underwent a medical procedure Thursday at UT Medical Center,” the statement reads. “He is alert and in good spirits and will remain at the hospital for a few days. We are thankful for the outstanding care he’s receiving, and we also appreciate the prayers and concern of so many who have reached out. He is looking forward to cheering on the Vols as they kickoff another exciting season!”

Fulmer is one of the winningest head coaches in SEC history, posting a 152-52 record in his 17-years as Tennessee’s head football coach. The Winchester, Tennessee native led the Vols to six SEC East titles, two SEC Championships and the program’s first National Championship in over 30 years when the 1998 Vols went 13-0 and defeated Florida State in the first BCS National Championship.

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The legendary coach has been a key figure in Knoxville and at Tennessee besides just his head coaching career. The 72-year old played offensive line at Tennessee in the late 60s and early 70s before spending 13 years as an assistant coach before landing the head coaching job.

Fulmer and his family stayed in the Knoxville area after the athletic department forced him to resign in 2008. The Tennessee native returned to UT in 2017 as director of athletics. He served in the role before retiring in 2021 at the same time Tennessee fired Fulmer’s lone football coaching hire (Jeremy Pruitt) with cause for recruiting violations after three unsuccessful seasons.

Since leaving his role as an administrator, Fulmer has remained active at the university attending football as well as men’s and women’s basketball games with his family.