Tommy Tuberville has stepped down as coach at Auburn after ten seasons on the plains.

The school released a statement Wednesday night:

"The last 10 years have been a great time in my life, both professionally and personally," Tuberville said. "It's been a great place to coach and live, and we've had a lot of success along the way. I'm going to remain in Auburn and help the Auburn family however I can. I'm very appreciative of the coaches, players, staff and Auburn fans over the last decade."

In 10 years at Auburn, Tuberville posted an 85-40 record and a 51-29 mark in Southeastern Conference play. Tuberville directed the program to eight winning seasons, including a perfect 13-0 mark in 2004.

"Tommy and I have had the opportunity to discuss the direction of the program," Jacobs said. "Through those discussions, Tommy felt it would be in his and the program's best interest to step aside as Auburn's head football coach."

"We appreciate everything Tommy has done for this program, this university and the Auburn community over the last 10 years," Jacobs said. "He has established a strong foundation to build upon and we thank him for the standard he set. We wish Tommy and his family-wife Suzanne, and sons Tucker and Troy-nothing but the best."

The buyout portion of Tuberville's contract will be fulfilled, from which no state or university funds will be used. All assistant and contractual staff will be paid according to their respective contracts.

"I will begin the search immediately for Auburn's next head football coach," Jacobs said. "We will move as quickly and efficiently as we possibly can, but we're going to be thorough and strategic with our search to find the best fit for Auburn."

A press conference with Athletics Director Jay Jacobs will be held at 11 a.m. CT in the Athletic Complex Auditorium on Thursday. The press conference will be closed to the