It took longer than some Tennessee Volunteers fans wanted, but it has finally happened.  Head football coach Phil Fulmer and the UT Vols have agreed to part ways after yet another disappointing football season for those on Rocky Top.

An announcement is being planned for later Monday at Neyland Stadium. Fulmer, who has won 150 games at his alma mater and is the dean of SEC coaches, met with Tennessee officials Monday morning, and they reached a mutual agreement that it would be best for all parties if Fulmer did not return next season.

The sides also agreed that Fulmer would coach the remainder of the 2008 season. The Vols (3-6, 1-5 SEC) have lost four straight games and are in danger of posting their second losing season in the last four years.

Fulmer and the Vols won the National Championship in 1998.  Since then it’s been a roller coaster of mediocre success and disappointing seasons.

The names already being thrown around to replace Fulmer are Lane Kiffin, Will Muschamp, Jim Grobe, Tim Brewster, Chris Pederson and Butch Davis.

I have already received several emails from UT fans excited that this day has finally come.  Hopefully Vol Nation will give Phillip Fulmer the respect he deserves during the remainder of the season.  He has truly dedicated his entire life to the program and deserves to go out to a round of applause.