An emotional Phillip Fulmer, with his wife at his side and tearful, angry players surrounding him, announced yesterday 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.

"This is not an easy day for me or my family. It is not a day that I sought or accepted easily," said Fulmer, his voice cracking as he fought back tears standing next to wife, Vicky, in Knoxville, Tenn.

"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."

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

"Many fans have been supportive, some have been very angry. All of us are disappointed," Fulmer said about this season.

Fulmer signed a new seven-year contract in the summer which was worth $2.4 million this season. He will receive $6 million as a buyout of the contract, payable over a 48-month period.

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

Athletic director Mike Hamilton said Fulmer was asked to stay with the program in an administrative capacity, but Fulmer said he has not decided what he will do next.

Hamilton said he and Fulmer spent a lot of time in recent weeks discussing the direction of the program, and the decision was made to make an announcement with three games remaining to give fans a chance to honor and celebrate the coach.

Tennessee will formally celebrate Fulmer's career Nov. 29 when the Vols host Kentucky.

"Our discussions leading to coach Fulmer's announcement today did not come without great consternation or thought, but it is in my opinion the best solution given our current circumstances," Hamilton said.

Many visibly upset Tennessee players crowded the small media room for the announcement and gave Fulmer a round of applause as he entered.

"This is bigger than winning or losing or (having) a solid foundation," senior offensive tackle and captain Ramon Foster said. "He just stepped down as far as the end of this year. From the team, we're not really satisfied with that move."

ELSEWHERE

Oklahoma: Defensive end Auston English could miss the next two games for sixth-ranked Oklahoma after spraining his left knee. He was injured in a win against Nebraska on Saturday. English was chosen as the Big 12's preseason defensive player of the year after leading the conference in sacks last season.

Toledo: Tom Amstutz will resign after the season as the football coach of Toledo, which is heading for a third straight losing year. Toledo is 2-6, although one of its victories came against Michigan. Amstutz is 57-38 in eight years at Toledo.