I have to say that I don't blame him for wanting to collect his buyout money. If everyone on this board answered truthfully, we would probably all do the same thing if we were in his shoes.
What about the going out gracefully talk? Showing Fulmer the door before the end of the season would be anything but graceful. I know its not going to be graceful no matter when they do it, but I can't imagine a scenario where he wouldn't at least finish out the season.