Vols extend Fulmer's contract through 2010

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee extended football coach Phillip Fulmer's contract for a year on Tuesday, through 2010, including a raise of almost $140,000 a year.

The contract extension was announced by UT President Joe Johnson and athletics director Mike Hamilton. The No. 6 Vols (10-2) are in Atlanta preparing for Friday's Peach Bowl against Clemson.

The agreement increases Fulmer's total annual compensation to $1,789,500, up from $1.65 million this season.

Fulmer is president of the American Football Coaches Association. Tennessee had its 15th straight winning season this year and will appear in its 15th straight bowl game, both school records.

The Vols' three-way tie for the SEC Eastern Division title is their fifth division title under Fulmer in the last 11 years.

"This latest extension and raise for Phillip is an indication of our recognition of his status as one of the nation's elite college coaches, as well as the successes of the 2003 Volunteers team," Hamilton said. "His total management of our program from recruiting, academics and on- and off-the-field management sets the standards for many other coaches around the country. We're fortunate to have him at the University of Tennessee and look forward to an exciting 2004."

The agreement calls for a base salary of $275,000. Radio and television commitments account for $729,500, and endorsements and special event appearances total $575,000. All the money comes from athletics department revenues; no state funds are used for coaches' salaries at UT.

Fulmer also can collect deferred compensation worth just over $1 million if he completes three more years at Tennessee.

"Phillip is ever aware of the total university as he represents the football program and himself throughout the nation," Johnson said. "I am proud of Phillip and his sense of commitment to the University of Tennessee and sound principles of leadership and values."

A win in the Peach Bowl would give Tennessee its 100th victory in the past 10 seasons. Only Nebraska (107-21) and Florida State (103-20-1) have won more games over that span.

Fulmer is the second-winningest active coach in Division I-A with a winning percentage of .807 (113-27).

"I am very pleased with the continued confidence shown in me and our program by Dr. Johnson, Mike Hamilton and our administration," Fulmer said. "It has been an honor and privilege to lead the Tennessee program these last 12 years and I look forward to many great years to come."

UT has the longest current bowl streak in the SEC. Florida is about to play in its 13th straight, and Georgia in its seventh.