Health issues forces Cutcliffe out

"I'm not going to be ready to jump back into it with the ability to do the kind of job I expect from myself," Cutcliffe said. "I'm just to a point now where I'm just really getting into the rehab good, getting some endurance."

Cutcliffe, fired as Mississippi's coach in December, didn't take part in spring practice at Notre Dame after his surgery March 9.

The 50-year-old Cutcliffe was expected to be the top offensive assistant during coach Charlie Weis' first season and use his experience coaching Peyton and Eli Manning to help develop Irish quarterback Brady Quinn.

Cutcliffe, however, said he suffered several setbacks since the surgery. He's lost about 30 pounds and estimates he is about half way through his rehabilitation program.

"I just want that energy level back," he said. "I want to feel what I felt through most of my life. I'm looking forward to that opportunity. I know the most important thing right now is to try to get fully recovered."

Cutcliffe said he doesn't expect to be back at full strength until the fall.

Weis, who has experienced health problems, said Cutcliffe made the decision to quit on his own. He said he told Cutcliffe he could have as much time as he needed.

"This was his decision. It was not a forced decision on him," Weis said. "He has a 4-year-old daughter and I don't think he feels it's in his best interest to do this at this time."

Weis said he already has a replacement for Cutcliffe, but declined to identify the person until a contract was signed.

Weis said Cutcliffe told him last week that he didn't think he would be able to coach this year. Weis asked Cutcliffe to think about the decision over the weekend, and Cutcliffe then called Weis back Tuesday to resign.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said he had talked several times in the last few months with Cutcliffe, one of Fulmer's best friends and his former offensive coordinator at Tennessee.

"I think David felt he needed to take care of himself right now, get himself stronger, and really sit back and evaluate what he wants to do," Fulmer said. "I believe he felt he couldn't do what he wanted to do for Notre Dame."

Cutcliffe and family might move back to Knoxville. Chris, Cutcliffe's oldest son, plans to enroll at Tennessee this fall in hopes of becoming a coach. Fulmer said he'll be a manager and intern for the football team.

Does that mean that his father could rejoin the Tennessee staff in the future?

"I hope he comes back to East Tennessee, he indicated he might look at that," Fulmer said. "I'd certainly consider that (hiring Cutcliffe), but I don't think he's ready for that or wants to do that right now."

Ron Higgins from The Commercial Appeal contributed to this story