BREAKING NEWS (UPDATED): Fulmer Out at Tennessee

Phillip Fulmer, who a decade ago brought Tennessee its first national championship in 47 years, will not return as the Volunteers’ coach next year, multiple sources told ESPN.com. An announcement is being planned for later Monday at Neyland Stadium. Fulmer, who has won 150 games at his alma mater and is the dean of SEC coaches, met with Tennessee officials Monday morning, and they reached a mutual agreement that it would be best for all parties if Fulmer did not return next season. The sides also agreed that Fulmer would coach the remainder of the 2008 season. The Vols (3-6, 1-5 SEC) have lost four straight games and are in danger of posting their second losing season in the last four years. – ESPN.com

Phillip Fulmer will not return next season as Tennessee’s football coach, multiple sources confirmed to VolQuest.com. The decision ends a 16-plus year career for the dean of SEC coaches. A news conference inside Neyland Stadium will take place this afternoon at 5 p.m. Eastern, where Fulmer will “step aside.” The Manchester, Tenn., native and former Tennessee offensive linemen is due $6 million for the remaining term of a contract that was renewed for seven years in July. The money is to be paid in equal installments over 48 months. It is unclear, at this time, what the move signals for the future of the remainder of the Vols’ coaching staff. Sources indicated that Fulmer’s fate had been sealed even before the team lost its 20th game since 2005. The Vols are just 3-9 in their last 12 against Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Further, against the Southeastern Conference’s “Big 5″ of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and LSU they are just 12-21 since 2001. In 16 full seasons at his alma mater, Fulmer delivered the Vols to incredible highs - culminated by 1998’s undefeated national championship squad and a 45-5 run from ‘95-98. However, the Vols’ 2005 season was their first losing season since 1988 and only their third losing campaign since 1980. One more loss this season would assure Tennessee its second losing season in four years and mark the program’s highest number of losses since 1977 - when Johnny Majors was in his first season. It’s the only time in Tennessee history that the Vols have lost as many as seven games in a season. – VolQuest.com

University of Tennessee Director of Athletics Mike Hamilton and Head Football Coach Phillip Fulmer will hold a press conference today 5 p.m. Eastern time in the Neyland Stadium Media Center to discuss the future of the football program. – UTSports.com

Multiple sources report that Phillip Fulmer has agreed to step down as Tennessee’s head coach next season. Tennessee will hold a news conference at Neyland Stadium Monday at 5:00 p.m. on the future of the football program. – WATE