This wasn't a surprise - Do I agree he needs to leave, yes; however, Tennessee football is better for his being there!

Fulmer out as Vol football coach after 17 years

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—Tennessee’s Phillip Fulmer has confirmed he’s leaving at the end of this season, implying that he’s been forced out after 17 years that included a national championship.

Tennessee Volunteers coach Phillip Fulmer agrees to step down

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Saying he would accept the university's decision, an emotional Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer confirmed Monday at a tension-filled press conference at Neyland Stadium that he would not return next season. Fulmer, tearing up several different times and with many of his players openly glaring at Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton, made it clear that it wasn't his decision to step aside after 17 seasons at his alma mater. "Many fans have been supportive. Some have been angry. All of us are disappointed," said Fulmer, who brought Tennessee its first national championship in 47 years in 1998. "I'm proud that the accomplishments over the last 17 years have been part of such high expectations. "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."

Fulmer to leave Tennessee at end of season

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- An emotional Phillip Fulmer, with his wife at his side and tearful, angry players surrounding him, announced Monday that he had accepted Tennessee's decision that this will be his last season as the Volunteers coach.

Fulmer, 58, is being forced out after 17 years as Tennessee's coach, a run that included a national championship. He has a 150-51 record with the Vols, including the 1998 NCAA title -- the school's first since 1951.