The University of Tennessee has fired head coach Jeremey Pruitt with cause per multiple reports from sources close to the program, confirmed by the Knoxville News Sentinel.
The firing comes in the midst of an NCAA investigation into the Volunteers football program, which allowed Tennessee to fire Pruitt for cause and frees the University from a $12.8 million buyout.
Pruitt, former Florida State, Alabama and Georgia defensive coordinator (2014-2015), exits Knoxville with a 16-19 record over three seasons after taking the job after former Volunteers coach Butch Jones was let go in 2017.
Tennessee athletic director and former head football coach Phillip Fulmer is also on his way out.
Phillip Fulmer will retire as Vols AD once his replacement is hired.
Fulmer's exit is not tied to the investigation of football program, which resulted in Jeremy Pruitt's firing.
He's stepping aside to allow next AD to hire Pruitt's replacement.
— Blake Toppmeyer (@btoppmeyer) January 18, 2021
Pruitt was a combined 0-9 versus Alabama, Florida and Georgia and offensively, the Volunteers were consistently among the worst in the SEC.
Pruitt’s last game at Tennessee was a 34-13 home loss to No. 5 Texas A&M.
Check back here for more information as trouble brews in Rocky Top.
Make sure and check out the new episode of UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton! This week I talk about Dawgs who are coming back for next season and give out more of our season superlatives. Listen here: