Tennessee signs AD Phillip Fulmer to contract extension through 2021

Just as John Brice reported a few weeks back, Tennessee has in fact signed athletics director Phillip Fulmer to a multi-year extension. The deal was officially announced this morning as a four year contract.

Fulmer’s new deal will carry through 2021. Chancellor Beverly Davenport released the following statement on the extension.

“Phillip has been a great partner over the last four months and I commend him for the work he has done with our student-athletes, coaches and staff,” Davenport said. “Phillip has been connected to the University of Tennessee and its athletics program for more than 40 years and he understands the expectations we have for our athletics department. ”He is surrounded by a very knowledgeable staff that is deeply committed to the success of our student-athletes. I look forward to our continued partnership.”

Fulmer was put in place after John Currie was ousted from circus that was the Tennessee football head coaching search. Fulmer came in with a clear plan of hiring an SEC guy, getting a deal done with Jeremy Pruitt after just days on the job. Fulmer also signed Eve Rackham to be Tennessee’s new volleyball coach.

Here is a statement from Fulmer on his new deal.

“I am very grateful to Chancellor Davenport for the opportunity to continue to serve our outstanding university and its proud legacy,” Fulmer said. “The positive momentum established by our talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches, excellent staff, our great alumni and fans has united us all. I am excited to work alongside them as we push forward in pursuit of excellence in all sports.”

“We are all so much better when we are aligned and pushing ahead together,” Fulmer added. “A perfect example of turning challenges into opportunities is our men’s basketball team this past season. When you care for each other, work really hard and no one cares who gets the credit, lots can be accomplished.”

Fulmer’s salary will reportedly be one million dollars annually.