Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer finally reached out to former quarterback and current USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin about the Vols' head coaching position, sources told to Sports Illustrated's Bruce Feldman on Tuesday.
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A #Vols update: #Tennessee AD Phil Fulmer and #USC OC Tee Martin have had a talk and the conversation was very positive, I'm told.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 5, 2017
Phillip Fulmer and Tee Martin spoke extensively by phone Tuesday morning, and sources close to Martin felt like it was a positive conversation moving in the right direction. Martin played under Fulmer and quarterbacked the Vols to the 1998 national championship.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) December 5, 2017
The report comes hours after Feldman initially claimed that UT hadn't previously contacted Martin, despite his ties to the university and an outpouring of support from Tennessee fans.
Sources have indicated that Martin, who led the Vols to a national championship in 1998, would accept the position if offered. However, the coordinator confirmed last week that his alma mater hadn't reached out to him, despite many others close to the program showing their support.
Former Tennessee QB now USC offensive Coordinator Tee Martin to our @ESPNRadio CFB crew RE Tenn job: "I've heard from everyone in Tennessee, except from Tennessee."
— Kevin Winter (@KevinPWinter) December 2, 2017
Martin also acknowledged the Vol fans shown campaigning for his coaching service during USC's 31-28 victory over Stanford in the Pac-12 championship on Friday.
And to the loyal Tennessee fans. Showing some California Love!! That’s what’s up! #Pac12Champs! pic.twitter.com/0bx3BskTAf
— Tee Martin (@coachtee17) December 2, 2017
The 39-year-old has quickly risen up the ranks as a young assistant with a bright head coaching future, having been named as a Broyles Award semi-finalist last week.
Congratulations to USC OC @coachtee17 on being named one of the best assistant coaches in the country!
USC’s 488.6 yards of total offense per game in 2017 is its highest average since 2005. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/Fbs9jQfhdn
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 22, 2017
Many anticipated that Martin would be contacted by the Vols after his former coach, Phillip Fulmer, replaced John Currie as UT's athletic director on Saturday.
Tennessee has reportedly narrowed its search down to several other candidates as well, including Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.
