Phillip Fulmer
Athletic Director at University of Tennessee; Former Head Football Coach of the Tennessee Volunteers
Biography
• Former Athletic Director at University of Tennessee • Former Head Coach of UT Vols Football • One of the Youngest Coaches to be Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame Phillip Edward Fulmer Sr. is former football coach, and former athletic director at the University of Tennessee. He served as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team from 1992 to 2008, compiling a 152–52 record. He is best known for coaching the Volunteers in the first BCS National Championship Game in 1998, defeating Florida State University. Fulmer was the Volunteers' 20th head football coach. Coach Fulmer is in high demand as a keynote speaker. He’s a master at getting people to work together. That’s how he won 75 percent of his games in the nation’s toughest conference. His methods translate to companies large and small. “Having been a ‘CEO’ of a big company, you get to see and deal with a lot of different circumstances,” Coach Fulmer says. Coach Fulmer writes all his own material. He not only inspires, he gets laughs. “I’ve been real fortunate over a long period of time to speak to a lot of different groups,” Coach Fulmer says. “I think I have a good feel for what people are looking for.” Phillip Fulmer was born in Winchester, Tennessee, where he attended Franklin County High School. Fulmer excelled on the football field which led him to the opportunity to receive a scholarship from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Fulmer enrolled at the University of Tennessee as a student in 1968 and joined the football team as an offensive guard. The Volunteers captured the SEC championship with a 9–2 record in 1969, went 11–1 and won the Sugar Bowl in 1970, and finished as Liberty Bowl champions with a 10–2 record in 1971. Fulmer served as team co-captain during his senior year in 1971. Coach stayed on as a Graduate Assistant at UT in charge of the freshman team's defense and linebackers. During that time, former Vols All-American player and legendary assistant George Cafego taught Coach Fulmer the values and skills needed to scout the opposition. It became a key development to Coach Fulmer's future success. He then took those experiences away from his comfort zone and coached five seasons at Wichita State and one season at Vanderbilt before returning to Knoxville for 13 years as a Tennessee Assistant - the last four as Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator. Coach Fulmer served as Head Football Coach at Tennessee for 17 years, from 1992-2008. He and his staff built an organization that produced the most successful era in modern Tennessee football history. Coach and his staff were tireless recruiters and mentored some of the top names in college and NFL history. In Coach's last 11 years, he played in the SEC Championship game five times, winning twice. He also led the Vols to one of the greatest moments in school history, the 1998 National Championship in the very first BCS title game. In his 17 seasons, his record was 152-52 with a 74 percent winning percentage, he had 92 players make an NFL roster, 18 players earned All-American honors and another 68 players were selected All-SEC. Coach Fulmer is also very proud of the family approach he took, guiding his players to off the field successes as well as on the field successes. Fulmer built his program by motivating his teams to victories when the pressure was highest. His motivation was rooted in his role as a principled mentor who pushed his young men to grow socially, spiritually, academically, personally, and athletically. Coach Fulmer had a reputation as an ace recruiter, leading many analysts to praise him as one of the game’s top head coach recruiters. His holistic approach earned Fulmer unprecedented recognition from his peers—the second coach in history to earn the Eddie Robinson Coach of Distinction Trophy, the presidency of the American Football Coaches Association, and national, regional, and conference coach of the year honors. Coach Fulmer most recently was inducted into the 2012 National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. In order to be considered for the Hall of Fame, Coaches must have served at least 10 seasons and 100 games while posting a winning percentage of at least .600, and Coaches under the age of 70 must have been out of coaching for three years. Coach Fulmer is one of the youngest coaches to be inducted into the Hall of Fame which signifies the respect he received from his peers as being selected in to the Hall on the first ballot.
Speech Topics
A Customized Program with Coach Phillip Fulmer
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Phillip Fulmer's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Phillip Fulmer's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Phillip Fulmer for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Phillip Fulmer's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Phillip Fulmer through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Phillip Fulmer
Joe Theismann
The most successful quarterback in the history of the Washington Redskins, Joe Theismann is also a world-class entrepreneur whose positive, high-energy presentations provide audiences with strategies for handling trying circumstances and dealing with unforeseen change. A successful businessman who currently serves on the board of directors of Johnny Rocket’s Group, he always challenges audiences to recognize the potential that lies within—as individuals and as members of a team.
Fee Range: $18,750–$27,500
Travels From: VA
Rocky Bleier
Legendary member of the four-time World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, Rocky Bleier is one of America's most courageous sportsmen. Crippled by enemy fire during the Vietnam conflict, he fought overwhelming odds and demonstrated the courage and determination to overcome his injuries, becoming one of the NFL's premier running backs. His remarkable story became the subject of the book, Fighting Back, which was recreated in the 1980 ABC-TV movie of the same name. In his presentations, he motivates audiences to keep on striving for greater accomplishments, employing a dynamic style with real-life stories and an appropriate injection of humor.
Fee Range: $7,000–$11,000
Travels From: PA
Herm Edwards
Affectionately known as the Energizer Bunny of the NFL, coach Herman Edwards is a perpetual motion machine, a breath of fresh air who uses his boundless energy and talent for combining hard work with good fun. Former ESPN analyst, NFL head coach (New York Jets '01-'05 and Kansas City Chiefs '06-'08) and player, Herm Edwards became head coach at Arizona State University in 2017. Whether it is his faith, family, or football team, Herm Edwards exudes passion in all areas of his life. Edwards has a diverse background in professional leadership, and is one of the most recognized voices in sports today. Herman is a strong proponent of being a positive role model and is one of the NFL’s most active participants in off-the-field outreach programs. In his book,You Play to Win the Game, Edwards shares the wisdom and insight he counts on to motivate and sustain himself, his team, and the thousands he has inspired.
Fee Range: $25,000–$35,000
Travels From: CA
Eric Boles
Eric Boles is the CEO and Founder of The Game Changers, Inc., a noted global expert in talent development, business strategy, change management, cultural transformation and peak performance. Eric is also an author of a book, Moving to Great…Unleashing Your Best in Life and Work. Prior to becoming a sought-after speaker and consultant, Eric learned many of his principles of peak performance, team dynamics and leadership from his experience as a wide receiver with the National Football League’s Green Bay Packers and New York Jets.
Fee Range: $19,500–$25,000
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