KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 29: # of the South Carolina Gamecocks # of the Tennessee Volunteers during their game on October 29, 2005 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo By Streeter Lecka)

Football legend could be returning to the college ranks in a different position

What a hire this would be.

Tennessee coaching legend Phillip Fulmer has reportedly emerged as a candidate for the vacant athletic director position, per ESPN.

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.

(H/T Spun)