And there it is: Vols Radio host says Fulmer should fire Pruitt and take the reins

The Tennessee coaching search following the firing of Butch Jones turned into a comedy show, what with the multitude of turn-downs, flirtation with Mike Leach, hiring and then reneging on Greg Schiano due to fan pressure, etc. Ultimately AD Phil Fulmer went for Alabama DC Jeremy Pruitt. At the time, few people thought Pruitt to be ready for a SEC job, particularly one at his alma mater’s rival school. It was even speculated that Phil hired Jeremy to both hurt the Tide and put himself in position to roam the sideline again should Pruitt falter.

Well, here we are.

Longtime Vols radio personality and Tennessee grad Dave Hooker wrote this for Saturday Down South:

If the Vols fired Pruitt they’d have to pay a hefty buyout — about $10 million. That’s steep — unless there’s another man on UT’s payroll who could do the job.

The Vols have proven they can’t go outside to hire a coach with a rich pedigree. Gruden, Gundy, Brohm. Nope. Nope. Nope.

Fortunately, the Vols have a coach with a much better résumé that would willingly accept the job. Imagine having a championship coach — no, seriously, a national championship coach — on the sideline immediately.

Please do this, Vols. The game has not only undoubtedly passed him by, but Fulmer needs to have to face Saban in Bryant Denny at least one time.

Make this happen. We beg you.