Tennessee Volunteers head coach Phillip Fulmer has decided to accept the university’s decision and step down at the end of the season.

“This is not an easy day for me or my family. It is not a day that I sought or accepted easily,” an emotional 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.”

Fulmer has been Tennessee’s head coach for the past 17 years and he won a National Championship in 1998 with an unbeaten 13-0 record, but lately he hasn’t gotten the job done.

“Many fans have been supportive. Some have been angry. All of us are disappointed,” said Fulmer. “I’m proud that the accomplishments over the last 17 years have been part of such high expectations.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Vols go after a big name to fill Fulmer’s shoes or if they’ll hire an unknown college assistant but whoever they get better be able to recruit elite athletes from all over the country.