An interesting debate was sparked last week when the University of Tennessee announced it had extended Coach Phillip Fulmer’s contract:
What is an acceptable win total in the SEC?
Most football coaches with any modicum of success have their contracts extended for at least four to five years at a time, mainly for the purpose of being able to ensure recruits of that the boss will be there throughout their four-year stay. So why was this extension different? The new contract for the Dean of SEC Coaches has a provision that his deal will automatically rollover each season that the Vols win at least eight games in the regular season.
It’s one of the first-if not only-times we’ve seen an athletic director “quantify” a successful year. Many in the Big Orange Nation did not like the idea of eight wins being “acceptable”, but in a league where five coaches have won the National Title, that number might not be as bad as fans think.
The rub here is that SEC fan expectations are at an all-time high. There are probably nine or ten fan bases in the league right now that think their team should win 10 games this season, if they get a couple of fortunate breaks. Fans in Tennessee were outraged that the new contract was rewarding “mediocrity”, and it became an easy source of criticism for local columnists.
I understand that all of the SEC fan bases see coaches’ salaries on the rise and consequently expect a 10-2 season every year. However, since the NCAA went to the 12-game schedule, the average is about 2 teams per season in the league win 10 regular season games. That list of two per season includes National Champions LSU (’07, ’03), Florida (’06), and the undefeated ’04 Auburn team.
It’s not physically possible for eight or nine schools to win 10-11 games a year in a conference where all the coaches are highly paid, and where NFL talent dominates each roster. Remember, even the traditional lower-rung teams are improving. Kentucky has been to 2 straight bowl games and beat national champion LSU last year. Vandy has won on the road against South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee over the last 3 seasons, and Ole Miss will not be looking for last-place finishes under SEC stalwart Houston Nutt.
An Alabama columnist said the Vols were rewarding Fulmer for not winning the SEC Title for nine years. I could not disagree more. What are they supposed to do in Knoxville – get rid of an alum who has won 145 games and a National Title? I am not saying Vols’ fans shouldn’t have high expectations, but sometimes what you have is better than firing a successful coach and ending up with Mike Shula, Ray Goff, or Brad Scott. Continuity with the head coach leads to stability in recruiting and coaching staffs, perhaps the two most significant elements of consistent winners in college football.
Tennessee has played in the SEC Championship Game three times in the last seven seasons, and they probably lead the conference in going out and playing tough out-of-conference opponents. They have played at Miami, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Cal over the last decade and have future tilts scheduled against Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Ohio State. Those teams plus an SEC schedule is no formula for an automatic 10-win year.
The SEC schools are paying coaches more than ever, but that doesn’t mean they are entitled to a Championship every year. Here is the typical national perspective on the Fulmer deal, but what really cracked me up was the link they shared at the bottom of the blog. It was an uninformed rant from some old, retired writer who is offended by the SEC “arms race” and wants everything to go back to 1952. That’s a nice sentiment, but it’s obviously written by someone who does not understand the modern landscape of SEC football.
Coaches in this league are CEOs of major entities, and consequently, they will be paid handsomely. The reality is that while a title is probably not feasible every year, eight wins every season in the SEC is worth a lot of money.
- Patrick Snow
gucci outlet says...
Now here comes in luxury and worldwide famous gucci outlet|coach outlet|Gucci shoes|gucci handbags|gucci sneakers|cheap gucci shoes|discount gucci handbags|gucci handbags on sale for you. These discount Gucci shoes for women on sale serve different functions and keep your feet warm all the time. You will be knocked dead with superb creations of such authentic gucci outlet online|gucci outlet clearance|discount gucci for sale|discount gucci outlet|cheap gucci outlet|cheap clearance gucci for women on sale. Superior craftsmanship and eye-catching designs of cheap gucci on gucci outlet sale|gucci shoes sale|gucci for sale make them the perfect complement to any outfit. So pretty up your personal style with this cheap Gucci boot for sale in the gucci shop|gucci store|cheap gucci store online.
krister says...
Keep in mind louis vuitton shirts that specialty leather products louis vuitton sunglasses such as suede gucci jeans or patent leather have special products gucci bikini intended specifically for their louis vuitton bikini care. For example, louis vuitton outlet you louis vuitton jeans cheap moncler jackets for women would not want to use mens moncler jackets for sale some of the oil or cream based gucci scarf products in caring for suede shoes. Often regular, gentle brushing to remove loose soil and a spray on suede cleaner will be just the thing for cleaning that type of leather.
glorykudo says...
New asics onitsuka tiger sale of this season is deducting a kind of cool contrary making, cheap asics running shoesmatching perfectly with Onitsuka Tiger fashion of this season. Besides it also has some sense of gloom and mystery, as well as the elegant sexy. The creative design of cheap asics shoes of this season is extra-ordinary soft and elegant.Every style of new ASICS running shoes can deduct the fine and exquisite unique fashion design. There are six different designs of this new series of asics shoes, offering the bright, light and soft material for you to make choice.It also has the various appearances of different styles ofonitsuka tiger shoes . The large volume and the enough big space asics running shoe matching with the precious accessories makes the whole series look more fashionable and outstanding,asics running shoesmaking you can not resist its natural charming.
says...
Fans Jerseys says...
Sidney Crosby Jersey Evgeni Malkin Jersey Antti Niemi Jersey Alex Ovechkin Jersey Alexander Semin Jersey Ales Hemsky Jersey Alexandre Burrows Jersey Alexei Kovalev Jersey Andre Fleury Jersey Andrei Markov Jersey Andrew Ladd Jersey Bobby Clarke Jersey Bobby Hull Jersey Brent Seabrook Jersey Brian Gionta Jersey Brooks Orpik Jersey Chris Pronger Jersey Claude Giroux Jersey Daniel Sedin Jersey Derek Boogaard Jersey Dion Phaneuf Jersey Drew Doughty Jersey Ductin Byfuglien Jersey Duncan Keith Jersey Evgeni Malkin Jersey Gordie Howe Jersey Eric Staal Jersey Henrik Lundqvist Jersey Henrik Sedin Jersey Henrik Zetterberg Jersey Jamie Langenbrunner Jersey Jarome Iginla Jersey Jaroslav Halak Jersey Jason Spezza Jersey Jeff Carter Jersey Joe Sakic Jersey Joe Thornton Jersey John Tavares Jersey Jonathan Cheechoo Jersey Jonathan Toews Jersey Kris Letang Jersey Kris Versteeg Jersey Marc Savard Jersey Mario Lemieux Jersey Martin Brodeur Jersey Martin Havlat Jersey Maxime Talbot Jersey Michael Cammalleri Jersey Mike Green Jersey Mike Modano Jersey Mike Richards Jersey Milan Lucic Jersey Nicklas Backstrom Jersey Nicklas Lidstrom Jersey Nikals Hjalmarsson Jersey Niklas Backstrom Jersey Patrice Bergeron Jersey Patrick Kane Jersey Patrick Marleau Jersey Patrick Sharp Jersey Pavel Datsyuk Jersey PK Subban Jersey Rick Depietro Jersey Rick Nash Jersey Roberto Luongo Jersey Ryan Getzlaf Jersey Ryan Kesler Jersey Ryan Miller Jersey Scott Gomez Jersey Shane Doan Jersey Shea Weber Jersey Sidney Crosby Jersey Simon Gagne Jersey Steve Yzerman Jersey Steven Stamkos Jersey Thomas Vanek Jersey Tj Oshie Jersey Vincent Lecavalier Jersey Wayne Gretzky Jersey Zach Parise Jersey Mario Lemieux Jersey
Fans Jerseys says...
Dick Butkus Jersey Mike Ditka Jersey Walter Payton Jersey Sidney Crosby Jersey Evgeni Malkin Jersey Mario Lemieux Jersey Antti Niemi Jersey Brent Seabrook Jersey Patrick Kane Jersey Bobby Hull Jersey Jonathan Toews Jersey Brian Urlacher Jersey
says...
Opinion is very unique!
Your point of view has given me great inspiration, thank you!
ugg outlet |ugg boots outlet
five finger shoes|vibram five fingers
says...
replica uhren
uhren replica
uhr replica
swiss uhren
uhren online shop
uhren replikate
uhren replicas
patek philippe uhren
patek philippe nautilus
patek philippe calatrava
patek philippe uhr
patek philippe chronograph
patek philipp uhren
patek philippe preisliste
hamilton uhren
hamilton uhr
romain jerome
baume et mercier uhren
baume und mercier uhren
baume mercier uhr
baume mercier hampton
baume & mercier uhren
baume & mercier hampton
baume mercier uhren
uhren graham
replica graham
graham replica
graham uhren
jaeger lecoultre compressor
jaeger lecoultre master
jaeger lecoultre kaufen
jaeger lecoultre uhr
Jaeger LeCoultre uhren
jaeger lecoultre compressor
jaeger lecoultre compressor
richard mille uhren
Richard Mille
u-boat uhren
uboot uhren
u boot uhren
U-Boot uhren
Wyler uhren
Wyler
Hublot uhren
uhren porsche design
porsche design flat six
porsche uhren
uhr porsche design
orfina porsche design
porsche design indicator
porsche uhren design
porsche design chronograph
porsche design uhr
Porsche Design uhren
alilia says...
These kind of post are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post, writing is simply great, thank you for the post! From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work. cheap uggs ugg classic mini classic cardy uggs ugg classic crochet ugg boots on sale classic uggs sale ugg classic short ugg 5833 cheap coach bags discount coach handbags discount coach wallets coach shoes on sale coach store coach handbags outlet coach luggage coach sunglasses Coach Outlet Online coach outlets stores designer coach handbags coach tote bag coach wallets coach purses outlet coach bags outlet coach handbags on sale coach sneakers coach outlets stores coach leather handbags Coach Sandals coach sunglasses cheap coach purses coach crossbody bags coach boots coach wristlets Gucci Outlet Gucci Bags Gucci Backpack Gucci Shoes Never before I had crossed over like an informative post like this. I was totally sick with your post you shared.
says...
replicabags says...
replica handbags are a status symbol, designed, and manufactured by really big names in the fashion world. Women all over the world carry cheap LV Nomade bags. And some top fashion models and movie stars endorse various, famous Versace replica handbags, increasing their status value. But, at the same time, you should be aware that genuine LV Monogram Minilin cheap handbags also happen to be of extraordinarily high quality. You will find that they last a very long time and, if genuine, may bam for example, repaired free of charge by the manufacturer if and when the clasp or strap breaks.The LV Monogram Glace replica handbags is so revered because of its quality and style. The LV Nomade bags reflects the commitment to quality demonstrated by everything that carries the Dior name. And the style of each cheap Loewe is attractive and unique. Whether you need an evening cheap Marc Jacob to complement a formal outfit or carry-all YSL replica for a weekend away, the Coach replica handbags will meet your needs with style, sophistication, and quality. Classic and sophisticated, the cheap Hermes wallet will never go out of style as it adapts to changing styles and sets new ones as the world waits to see what will come next.These superior Phillip Lim handbags can be found in high-end department stores and exclusive boutiques - or even ordered online. Of course, a designer name carries a designer price tag; and for those interested in the cheap Bally, the price often makes a purchase cost-prohibitive. In an effort to save some money, some consumers will look for deeply discounted deals in a variety of places.The most prominent feature of replica Gucci handbags lies on the unique letter D, which best denotes the most elegant and sophisticated fashion of the brand. Carrying such an exquisitely replica Phillip Lim bags on your shoulder, you would definitely draw a lot of envious glances from others. One amazing fact about this brand is that it attaches so much importance to life that all the products are inspired by the natural thing in life. In this sense, it goes far beyond fashion.You may find the most cheap LV Seasonal Collection on our lyhandbags.com while high quality can be guaranteed. Our LV Monogram replica handbags is made with special care to reach the level of an original one. Here you will find luxury items are no longer something you ever hesitate going for. To meet your expectation, we only provide LV Monogram Vernis replica that is perfectly imitated, featuring the slight details of originals. You just have to place your order online by filling in an online order from with details of your favorite color and design as well. We are looking forward cheap LV Damier Graphite bags to you!
replicabags says...
replica handbags are a status symbol, designed, and manufactured by really big names in the fashion world. Women all over the world carry cheap LV Nomade bags. And some top fashion models and movie stars endorse various, famous Versace replica handbags, increasing their status value. But, at the same time, you should be aware that genuine LV Monogram Minilin cheap handbags also happen to be of extraordinarily high quality. You will find that they last a very long time and, if genuine, may bam for example, repaired free of charge by the manufacturer if and when the clasp or strap breaks.The LV Monogram Glace replica handbags is so revered because of its quality and style. The LV Nomade bags reflects the commitment to quality demonstrated by everything that carries the Dior name. And the style of each cheap Loewe is attractive and unique. Whether you need an evening cheap Marc Jacob to complement a formal outfit or carry-all YSL replica for a weekend away, the Coach replica handbags will meet your needs with style, sophistication, and quality. Classic and sophisticated, the cheap Hermes wallet will never go out of style as it adapts to changing styles and sets new ones as the world waits to see what will come next.These superior Phillip Lim handbags can be found in high-end department stores and exclusive boutiques - or even ordered online. Of course, a designer name carries a designer price tag; and for those interested in the cheap Bally, the price often makes a purchase cost-prohibitive. In an effort to save some money, some consumers will look for deeply discounted deals in a variety of places.The most prominent feature of replica Gucci handbags lies on the unique letter D, which best denotes the most elegant and sophisticated fashion of the brand. Carrying such an exquisitely replica Phillip Lim bags on your shoulder, you would definitely draw a lot of envious glances from others. One amazing fact about this brand is that it attaches so much importance to life that all the products are inspired by the natural thing in life. In this sense, it goes far beyond fashion.You may find the most cheap LV Seasonal Collection on our lyhandbags.com while high quality can be guaranteed. Our LV Monogram replica handbags is made with special care to reach the level of an original one. Here you will find luxury items are no longer something you ever hesitate going for. To meet your expectation, we only provide LV Monogram Vernis replica that is perfectly imitated, featuring the slight details of originals. You just have to place your order online by filling in an online order from with details of your favorite color and design as well. We are looking forward cheap LV Damier Graphite bags to you!
thomassabochh says...
This ambit of Thomas Sabo onlineshop charms was Thomas Sabo alien in 210 Thomas Sabo Charms and became thomas sabo anhänger a bit hit thomas sabo sale a allotment thomas sabo kette of the lovers thomas sabo uhren of admirable jewelers thomas sabo outlet. The amount ambit thomas sabo armband of Barbie charms thomas sabo ohrringe ranges from $29 thomas sabo charm club to $130 and the pieces thomas sabo schmuck are awash independently. To thomas sabo deutschland distinctively bless thomas sabo Beliebteste Artikel the 50th thomas sabo Charm Carriers ceremony of Barbie doll thomas sabo Armbänder, a ambit of winter thomas sabo Ketten Bänder charms was alien by the company thomas sabo Halsschmuck. You accept to see thomas sabo Armschmuck the admirable designs thomas sabo Ohrschmuck of necklaces and bracelets thomas sabo Watches and the bloom of these designs.
says...
dolphins football jerseys sd chargers jerseys san francisco 49ers jerseys saints super bowl jerseys youth nfl football jersey buccaneers jerseys wholesale nfl caps kc chiefs jerseys houston texans authentic jerseys nfl patriots jerseys kansas city chiefs jerseys
says...
If you aren't registered, Register Now to start leaving comments.