Coach Fulmer steps down from post at Tennessee

From NCAA College Football Information & Resource

November 04, 2008

Fulmer's tenure at UT ends after this season.

Following a lackluster performance this season with a 3-6 overall record, Tennessee has decided to part ways with head footbacll coach Phillip Fulmer after almost sixteen years with the university.

Fulmer made a statement Monday regarding his impending ouster as the Vols' head coach at a news conference, saying that he will indeed step down from his post at the conclusion of this season.

"This is not an easy day for me or my family. It is not a day that I sought or accepted easily," Fulmer said.

"Our Tennessee family is united in its goals, but divided in the right path to get there. I love Tennessee too much to let her stay divided. That is why I accept the university's decision that this will be my last season as Tennessee's football coach."

The separation has been caused by the Volunteers' poor performance this year with UT falling in sixth place in the SEC East division and at the bottom of the 12-team league with a disappointing 1-5 conference win-loss tally. The team's last defeat came at the hands of the Gamecocks at South Carolina last weekend to the tune of 6-27.

"Many fans have been supportive, some have been very angry. All of us are disappointed," said Fulmer on how the Volunteer supporters have reacted about the team's showing this season.

Fulmer signed a new seven-year contract during the offseason following the Vols impressive run last season capped by a Divisional championship and the New Year's Day Outback Bowl win over Wisconsin. His deal was worth $2.4 million and would cost Tennessee $6 million when bought out.

At this point, Fulmer has a 150-51 record with the Vols, his 150 wins being the most among active coaches just behind Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Penn State's Joe Paterno. He has also lead his teams to a couple of conference titles, seven divisional crowns, and a lone national championship in 1998.

"I am not certain what the future holds for me professionally," Fulmer said. "We have three games left, and I will give them my full devotion to make sure we finish in a positive way."

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