59-20. The worst loss in his entire tenure. To perhaps their biggest rival at that. If Lloyd Carr’s job is in question for not being able to beat his biggest rival and for a 1-2 start to the season, why shouldn’t Phil Fulmer also be on the chopping block?

    In fact, both coaches have had similar timelines in the rises and continuing downfalls. Both coaches won national titles in the late 90’s (in subsequent years as a matter of fact) to pad their coaching seats.  Now, after failing to beat their rivals and find success in bowl games, those seats are looking extremely hot. That is, if they even still have a seat.

    I know Tennessee wasn’t expected to compete for all the marbles this year like Michigan was. And they didn’t lose to a 1-AA team in its season opener at home. In fact, they have lost to two highly ranked opponents, which shouldn’t be something to scoff at.

    But Tennessee is almost becoming irrelevant in the big picture of college football. A program that won a national title in the last decade should not be fading this deep into irrelevancy. The difference in talent levels on Saturday was so drastic that the only solution for the Vols could be to start over and try to land a young hot coach to turn the recruiting tide and instill some life into this program.

    It would help solve the problem that has caused the fans of Michigan and Tennessee to wonder how they have fallen so far. The criticism that Lloyd Carr is too old and the game has passed him by is probably an accurate assessment, for both him and Phil Fulmer.

    It is early and both these teams could rebound to have solid seasons. But really, is that what their fans want? These programs don’t look like they have enough juice in them for more than a solid season in the near future. It’s time for them to look in a new direction.