Tennessee offensive coordinator Randy Sanders “resigned” today, effectively demoting himself to quarterbacks coach. Head coach Phillip Fulmer was apparently taken aback [1]:
Fulmer said he was somewhat surprised by Sanders’ decision.
“Randy in an unselfish gesture has asked to step aside at the end of the season,” Fulmer said.
If Sanders genuinely did step down of his own accord, it was because he saw the handwriting on the wall. The last time Tennessee lost three consecutive games (which coincidentally was the last time the Vols lost to South Carolina), then head coach Johnny Majors lost his job.
This move will buy Fulmer a little time with the Vol mafia fans, but not long. Another four–loss season for Fulmer, and he’s a goner himself — winningest active coach in the SEC or not. In any case, Sanders stepping down mid-season won’t make much of a positive impact on the offense at this point. After all, it couldn’t get any worse…