Jeremy Pruitt, who was the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers from 2018 until he was fired in 2020 after an internal investigation found evidence of recruiting violations, may be in a bit of hot water.
Just a few weeks ago, the Vols were hit with a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA that accused the program of committing 18 different recruiting violations under Pruitt, including the distribution of around $60,000 in improper benefits.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t hit the tables and try to make some cash while under investigation.
Pruitt has apparently made the jump from football to poker, as he competed in a $1,100 buy-in tournament in North Carolina this week that is a part of the World Series of Poker.
Former Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt's final No-Limit Hold'em results and earnings in the World Series of Poker Circuit Event No. 9. https://t.co/XvHwN7B5aU
— Dan Harralson (@danharralson) August 13, 2022
In the No-Limits Hold’Em competition, which is the ninth event on the WSOP circuit, Pruitt finished 23rd with $2,964 in winnings. The total prize pool for the event was $404,625 with 415 total entries.
A longtime SEC assistant, Pruitt spent two different stints under Nick Saban at Alabama. He was the defensive coordinator during the latter stint, which ultimately allowed him to land his first head coaching job with the Vols.
After a 5-7 finish in Year 1, Pruitt’s Tennessee team went 8-5 in 2019 with a win in the Gator Bowl. However, the team ultimately went 3-7 during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and poor performance alongside potential NCAA penalties ultimately cost him his job.
Depending on the results of the NCAA investigation, Pruitt’s future in coaching (at least at the college level) could be in question. He spent the 2021 season as a senior defensive assistant with the New York Giants but was not retained following the season.
He could be facing a show-cause from the NCAA, which would significantly limit his job prospects for the foreseeable future, but it seems he’s at least found a new career path.
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