The University of Tennessee announced Monday that they will be firing head coach Jeremy Pruitt. This comes after an internal investigation uncovered recruiting violations within their football program. The university found evidence of Pruitt’s staff committing Level I & Level II violations under the Government Athletic Rules. They later go on to say they believe this happened due to Pruitt’s lack of reasonable preventive measures, and neglect of conduct.
Jeremy Pruitt’s tenure with the school was one of the worst in the history of their football program. In his three years with the school he finished with a record of 16-19. Due to the cause of which he was fired, Tennessee will not be paying Pruitt’s $12.8M buyout either. In a document obtained by the Athletic, the school stated in it’s termination letter
“Your failures are likely to lead to significant penalties to the University and has jeopardized the eligibility of our student athletes.”
Nine other staff members got the axe along with Pruitt. Newly hired defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele, will take over as interim head coach. Steele has had coaching experience from pretty much all over the country, notably at Baylor, and most recently as Auburn’s defensive coordinator.
Sources have told ESPN that Tennessee’s recruitment of Amarius Mims, 2021’s No. 2 offensive tackle prospect, is one of the few names involved. Mims signed with Georgia back in October. While Tennessee was one of Mims top six schools the race for his talents really came down to Alabama and Georgia. Other players in question are running back Eric Gray, and quarterback Brian Maurer.
