Vols lock up Fulmer, Pearl with new deals through 2014

Should Fulmer remain at Tennessee through the end of 2012, he'll also be rewarded with a $1 million longevity bonus to celebrate his 20th anniversary as head coach.

Fulmer's staff of assistants also received raises totaling $250,000. Defensive coordinator John Chavis and new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson will each receive $340,000 -- a $40,000 boost over last year's coordinator salaries.

The athletic department increased football ticket prices for the upcoming season to help pay for both salary increases and the rising costs to do business in a tougher economy.

"The fans want championships, they expect championships and in essence they pay for it," Hamilton said.

Pearl was previously signed through 2013 and made $1.3 million last season. His new deal increases his salary to an average $2.3 million a year. It includes a $250,000 bonus and an upfront retention bonus of $1.5 million.

"We went to Bruce and talked about giving him some upfront money to incent him to feel even better about Tennessee than he already does," Hamilton said.

Should he chose to leave Tennessee in the next five years, Pearl would owe a buyout that starts at $2.5 million and decreases incrementally each season to $1 million.

Under Pearl, Tennessee experienced its best season with a 31-5 record, the first outright regular season SEC championship since 1967 and a second-consecutive NCAA tournament regional semifinal appearance.

The Vols also achieved their first top ranking in the Associated Press basketball poll after toppling previously unbeaten Memphis.