Fulmer says he's ready to help UT find new coach

Published Jan. 14, 2010 1:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Phillip Fulmer wants to make it clear that he's willing to help his alma mater. But he isn't looking to replace his successor at Tennessee.

Fulmer issued a statement Thursday because he has been deluged with calls.

The man who was 152-52 in 17 seasons at Tennessee did not refer to Lane Kiffin's abrupt resignation. He called ``recent events'' painful and embarrassing.

Kiffin left Tennessee on Tuesday to become head coach at Southern California, where he spent six seasons as an assistant coach.

Fulmer says he's ready to help make ``one of the most important decisions'' in the program's history. He also says the next coach should embrace Tennessee traditions, be mature and have integrity.