Mickey Harte has stepped down as Tyrone senior football manager.

The 68-year old's reign began in November 2002, and guided them through the most successful period in their history.

Harte led Tyrone to three All Ireland Football titles, six Ulster Championships and one Allianz Football League title.

He'd been seeking a one-year extension, but had that request turned down.

Harte's final game in charge came with a 1-13 to 1-11 defeat to Donegal in the Ulster Football quarter-finals on November 1.

His last league campaign saw Tyrone finish fourth in Division 1, with four wins and three defeats.

"I respect the outcome of these meetings and that’s it’s time to reflect on what happened and leave the present to unfold itself," Harte told The Irish News of the decision not to give him an extension.

"I always say that I feel privileged ever to have been a manager of any Tyrone team.

"To get through the minors, the under-21s and seniors for so long is an absolute privilege and I would never look at it in any other way.

"That’s how I leave things, I am privileged to have been given the opportunities I have been given and I did my best every year I was there."

Teams must replicate “barbaric” Kilkenny to stop Limerick | Paddy Stapleton