SPORTS> North America
Fulmer out as Vol football coach after 17 years
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-04 15:15

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer has confirmed he's leaving at the end of this season, implying that he's been forced out after 17 years that included a national championship.

Fulmer, 58, his voice cracking and pausing to keep his composure, announced he will step aside at a news conference Monday afternoon. He said he was "accepting the university's decision."

Fulmer had a 150-51 record with the Vols, including the national championship in 1998.

But Tennessee fell on hard times this season and fell to 3-6, including 1-5 in the Southeastern Conference after a 27-6 loss at South Carolina on Saturday.