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In the middle of leading one of the worst coaching searches of all time, Tennessee has fired AD John Currie. Chynna Greene broke the news out of Knoxville.
#BREAKING: According to sources, UTAD John Currie has been fired after only 8 months on the job
— Chynna Greene (@ChynnaGreene) December 1, 2017
Currie was in Los Angeles yesterday, reportedly interviewing Washington State head coach Mike Leach. Currie returned to Knoxville this morning to meet with Chancellor Davenport. That meeting was brief, with Currie leaving after 12 minutes. According to Greene, Currie is out.
Currie was hired on February 28th of this year.
This is yet another monkey wrench into this absolutely insane coaching search. It certainly feels like this isn’t ending anytime soon. What a mess.
UPDATES
Here’s an update on a potential buyout.
If Currie was dismissed for cause, Tennessee would owe him nothing ... But if not, he is due $100,000 for every month remaining on his deal (54 months) = $5.4 million
— Jesse Simonton (@JesseReSimonton) December 1, 2017
John Brice says Fulmer will take control.
Confirming @wvlt excellent work, multiple people connected to UT say that Currie is out. Fulmer will assume the reins moving forward. Has been unfolding that way for past 48 hours.
— John Brice (@JohnDBrice1) December 1, 2017
McMurphy says Currie wanted Leach, but Tennessee officials weren’t having it.
Sources: John Currie was prepared to hire Mike Leach but university officials wouldn’t allow him to do so. Phillip Fulmer has been sabotaging search process in hopes to become Tennessee’s AD
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 1, 2017
ESPN’s Chris Low confirms the report.
Just filed to ESPN: Tennessee has parted ways with AD John Currie on the heels of what has been a disastrous Tennessee coaching search. He met with university officials on Friday morning, and the decision was made then.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) December 1, 2017