TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Coach Phillip Fulmer of the Tennessee Volunteers watches play against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Coaching legend Phillip Fulmer reportedly nearing deal to return to college ranks

Fulmer previously coached at Wichita State and Vanderbilt before cementing his legacy at Tennessee.

According to 247sports, Tennessee is "about done" with a deal to make Phillip Fulmer its next athletic director:

"In fact two different sources, intricately connected to University of Tennessee athletics, on Monday told 247Sports that a move to tab Fulmer as the new top athletics administrator was "about done" and another saying "it's all but done" in terms of hiring Fulmer to a multi-year deal as A.D.

Additionally, numerous sources on Monday told 247Sports that Fulmer's strong rapport with UT system president Dr. Joe DiPietro, particularly their work together as ambassadors and in fundraising for UT approximately the past half-year."

Fulmer led the football program from 1992-2008, winning the school's first National Championship in 1998. He also played for the Volunteers as a student. He had a 151-52-1 record during his run at the top.

When asked about possibly taking the AD job, Fulmer sounded pretty position about the position, via the Tennesseean:

When asked on the local radio show "Jared & The GM" earlier this week what he thought about listeners who called in saying he should be the Vols AD, Fulmer said, "I think they're pretty smart."

Fulmer has kept close tabs on the Vols athletic program since learning last summer that Hart, who was hired in 2011, was leaving.

"We're at a unique time at Tennessee in our history," Fulmer said. "We've been through some really tough issues. Butch has done a great job with the football team. I love Rick Barnes and watching his kids play basketball. Talent-wise he hasn't had time to get it to where he wants it to be, but they play so hard and they're fun to watch. And I've known Holly since she was a kid."

Fulmer also previously coached at Wichita State and Vanderbilt before cementing his legacy at Tennessee.