Update: Fulmer stepping down, hopes for more coaching

UT Coach Phillip Fulmer and the University of Tennessee have reached an agreement that this will be Fulmer's last season as head coach at Tennessee.

Fulmer made the announcement at a 5 p.m. news conference, sometimes choking up a bit as he talked of his time with the program.

He said he'd need some time to reflect on this season and his career, but that he hoped this season would not be the end of his coaching career.

Athletic Director Mike Hamilton said multiple options were still on the table in deciding what role Fulmer will have with the University of Tennessee after this season.

ESPN.com and WBIR contributor Chris Low reported earlier in the day that Fulmer's time as head coach was coming to an end. Shortly after 4:30, the entire team filed into a room at Neyland Stadium to await the announcement.

Brent Hubbs of Volquest.com and WBIR contributor reports Fulmer is agreeing to step down at the end of the season, rather than the move being considered as an outright firing or resignation.

This weekend's 27-6 loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks brought UT's season to 3-6.

The team has struggled with inconsistent offensive play, with no set quarterback and a lack of rhythm.

At this point, Tennessee would have to win its last three games to be eligible for a bowl game. That would mean knocking off Wyoming, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky, in that order.