Fulmer’s rocky tenure ends

Knoxville —- His voice cracking and pausing to keep his composure, Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer announced Monday that he will step aside at the end of the season.

Fulmer, 58, who had a 150-51 record in 17 years with the Vols, including the national championship in 1998, said he was “accepting the university’s decision.”

“Many fans have been supportive, some have been very angry. All of us are disappointed,” Fulmer said during a news conference.

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

Fulmer signed a new seven-year contract in the summer that was worth $2.4 million this season. A buyout after this season will cost $6 million.

He is the nation’s third-winningest active coach among those with 10 years of experience, trailing Florida State’s Bobby Bowden and Penn State’s Joe Paterno.

“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.”

Said Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who was a first-round draft pick in 2002 after playing for Fulmer: “It is a shame, because they are losing more than a football coach. He has helped a lot of players and people, including myself, to be the successes they are today.”

Added Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson: “I’m kind of shocked and surprised. I think I’d be hard-pressed to find a guy who’s done more for his alma mater than that.”

CHANGE ON THE WAY

A list of college football coaches who will not return in 2009:

>Tennessee: Phillip Fulmer

>Clemson: Tommy Bowden

>Washington: Tyrone Willingham

>Toledo: Tom Amstutz