The Tennessee Volunteers entered the 2009 season following a 2008 campaign that ended with a bowl-ineligible 5–7 record."Tennessee Volunteers Schedule - 2008" , ESPN.com. Retrieved March 9, 2011. After the 2008 season ended, Tennessee fired head coach Phillip Fulmer and replaced him with Lane Kiffin, who promised to turn the program around.Low, Chris. "Nothing like a little Kiffin love ... and hype" , ESPN.com. December 1, 2008. Retrieved March 9, 2011. Kiffin made an offseason splash by breaking the social norms among SEC head football coaches and violating a handful of NCAA rules.Low, Chris. "A point-by-point inspection of Kiffin-gate" , ESPN.com. February 5, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2011.Low, Chris. "Secondary violations for all" , ESPN.com. February 17, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2011.Low, Chris. "Florida players: Kiffin's comments make it personal" , ESPN.com. March 23, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2011. In a season-opening win over Western Kentucky, Kiffin appeared to have made a difference for Tennessee, as the Volunteers had their largest margin of victory in nine years.The Associated Press. "Kiffin wins coaching debut as Crompton's 5 TDs power Vols" , ESPN.com. September 6, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
