In an age of electric offenses and video game numbers, Phillip Fulmer opted to go old school and take the defensive route with his first hire as Tennessee’s AD. Jeremy Pruitt was his pick to lead the Volunteers, coming off of strong stints at Florida State, Georgia and Alabama as defensive coordinator.
Tennessee fans weren’t quite sure how Pruitt would perform as a head coach, but they were pretty confident in his ability as a defensive coordinator. At the very least, an upgrade in coaching should improve some defensive numbers while Pruitt adds talent in Knoxville. That was the thought process, at least — and that’s exactly what has happened.