Johnny Majors speaks out about Phillip Fulmer being named Tennessee athletics director

Former Tennessee football coach Johnny Majors said Friday that Phillip Fulmer becoming the Vols athletics director would not sway his fervor for the program.

Fulmer replaced John Currie as Tennessee's AD after Currie was suspended with pay by chancellor Beverly Davenport.

"My allegiance is with the University of Tennessee and the players," Majors told The Tennessean. "I cheer for them no matter what. Who the athletic director is does not affect that in any way."

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Majors, 82, declined to comment beyond that.

The relationship between Majors and Fulmer, 67, has been tumultuous for many years. 

It began in 1992 when Majors, who had been the Vols football coach since 1977, underwent heart surgery. Fulmer, his offensive coordinator at the time, was named the interim coach.

Fulmer led the Vols to a 3-0 record while Majors recovered.

After Majors returned Tennessee went 5-3.

At the end of the season Majors was forced to resign and Fulmer replaced him.

ESPN reported in 2005 that Majors took a poke at Fulmer while Majors was speaking to a group in Arkansas.

"I don't pull against those players up there," Majors said at the time. "But I don't have any regard for Judas Brutus, who's coaching up there."

Majors career record was 116-62-8. He led the Vols to 11 bowl games.

Fulmer then posted a 152-52-1 record during his tenure, which lasted through 2008. He led the Vols to 15 bowl games, including the 1998 Fiesta Bowl national championship.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.