When University of Tennessee head football coach Phillip Fulmer won the National Championship in 1998, no one thought that in 10 years his tenure would end like this.

While on the verge of tears, Fulmer explained at a press conference that he would coach the Volunteers for the remainder of this season and then step down from the only team he has ever coached.

In 17 years as head coach, Fulmer amassed the second highest winning percentage of any college coach with a record of 150-51. Fulmer won two SEC Championships and the 1998 National Championship during his tenure. He coached future NFL stars like Peyton Manning, Jamal Lewis, Al Wilson, Albert Haynesworth and Peerless Price.

This season is the culmination of a slow decline in national prestige for the football program on Rocky Top. With a 3-6 record and 1-5 SEC record, fans and administration alike recognize that it’s time for a change.

The SEC East being one of the toughest divisions in any conference in the country, UT simply cannot fall any further behind. Georgia, Florida and Alabama have catapulted ahead of the Vols with newer coaches Mark Richt, Urban Meyer and Nick Saban.

From 2000 to 2008 Fulmer was 11-16 against these three powers. This simply doesn’t cut it in a program that expects championships.

Even though Fulmer’s final season isn’t ideal, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in college football. Anyone who has been to the Vols Walk down Peyton Manning Pass before a game can see that Coach Fulmer is loved by the entire state of Tennessee. Despite this season’s disappointments, everyone knows he is the best thing Tennessee football has had for 17 years.