Very reliable sources have informed 3SIB that Vols head coach Phillip Fulmer WILL NOT be retained at the end of the season. Likely, an announcement won’t be made until after the Kentucky game.Also, the source has confirmed to me that several assistants from the old guard will not be retained, though the names were not divulged. The remaining coaches’ futures will be determined at a later date. The source would not go further into detail.Obviously, take this for what it’s worth. But in the world of rumors, this is one that I’m confident enough in to throw out there on my blog. I know we’re sticking our neck out there. I’m honored to know people in high places — and people who know people in high places — and this is concrete enough that I’m comfortable reporting it.So, from the folks that brought you the orange pants comes this: Fulmer will not be back as the Vols’ head coach next year.Of course, we have some liberties here on a blog that news outlets don’t have. We can just sling stuff up there and see if it sticks and then say, “I told you so.” This is not the case. I would never, ever do that if I was not supremely confident in the people I speak to. This is happening. It has happened. Believe us or not. You will see.Maybe this is the best of both worlds. Maybe this means that means some of the newer coaches who are the stellar recruiters have been retained and will re-recruit the awesome class that we’ve put together. Although, Caldwell is of the old guard, so he may be gone. I just don’t know. Details were hard to come by, but the finality of the substantiated information is the same.Fulmer is gone.Things can change, but from what I hear, there is no going back. The decision has been made, and people have been informed.As far as who’s going to replace Fulmer, the names I’ve heard are Will Muschamp, Butch Davis, Lane Kiffin and Gary Patterson. Those are the names I’ve heard the most, for better or worse. Of course there are the Grudens, Stoops, Spurriers — guys like that who are thrown out there — but the first four are the most believable four.I don’t know how I feel right now. This is exciting news. It’s also sad news. If it’s true — and I believe it is — the change, the complete change and rebuilding phase is upon us.
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