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.

“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 ...

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