(WVLT/Peg Broadcasting News)
Jeremy Pruitt was fired as UT’s head coach on Monday after an investigation into potential recruiting violations. Because Pruitt was fired “for cause”, UT says it will not have to pay Pruitt the $12 million they would have owed him had he been fired for poor performance. WVLT reports that UT Chancellor Donde Plowman named Kevin Steele as acting head coach in Pruitt’s place. Plowman also said nine people had been fired, including two assistant coaches, Shelton Felton and Brian Niedermeyer. All those fired were hired by Pruitt, she said.
Meanwhile, this coaching shift has led UT athletic director Phillip Fulmer to announce retirement from Rocky Top. Fulmer, who is 70, says he will stay at UT until a new athletic director is hired if asked. UT’s Chancellor and the president of UT are both praising Fulmer and there are no allegations that Fulmer was involved in anything improper.