Things started changing late last week in Tennessee's search for an athletics director.

Now, especially with newly confirmed and soon-to-start Chancellor Dr. Beverly J. Davenport meeting today on campus with Dr. Joe DiPietro and others, as well as attending the Lady Vols' upset win against No. 6 Notre Dame, it appears Davenport's search for a new athletic director has a clear-cut favorite and familiar name: Phillip Fulmer.



While sources Sunday night and into Monday morning were continuing to indicate Davenport is adamant she wants UT to interview sitting athletics directors, with a source indicating last Friday was the deadline for interested potential candidates to submit their curriculum vitae and qualifications, Fulmer has gone from wishful candidate early in the process to replace the forced-out Hart to off the radar and now back front and center.

Literally, Fulmer was front row in courtside seats alongside John "Thunder" Thornton for the Lady Vols' game and also recently sat courtside for a Vols' hoops game.



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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.



Lastly, Fulmer according to multiple sources has the backing of a couple of Tennessee's overwhelmingly most prominent boosters.



With Davenport likely in town the majority of this week, per sources speaking on condition of anonymity because UT is deferring public comment on its search process, it also is indicated indepth talks on the A.D. position are imminent in the coming days.

