Phillip Fulmer Forced Out at Tennessee

ESPN and sources at the University of Tennessee have leaked that Phillip Fulmer and University officials have come to an agreement that it would be best for the program if Fulmer did not return to coach after this season. Agreements were made over the weekend with his agent and the university over buyout and settlement offers and apparently left Fulmer with the decision to step down and save a little face by retiring or else be fired. Fulmer chose the first option. Though Fulmer brought Tennessee to a national championship and its best winning percentage in over 50 years, his last few years have been marred by big losses to key rivals, many arrests of players, and a dwindling credibility for the program. It will be interesting to see how history paints this man that brought the school its biggest moments in many years as well as its most embarrassing off-field problems. Fulmer leaves as the longest-serving coach in the SEC. He will finish out this season and not return. Tennessee has no ... (link)