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UPDATE: Tennessee has hired Danny White away from UCF to become the new AD.
The hottest name in Tennessee’s search for a new athletics director has reportedly exited the race. Jon Gilbert, the current AD at ECU, is out, per a report from Stephen Igoe of 247Sports.
Sources: ECU athletics director Jon Gilbert informed interim chancellor Ron Mitchelson on Wednesday that he is not involved and will not be involved in the AD search at Tennessee.
— Stephen Igoe (@StephenIgoe) January 21, 2021
Tennessee athletics director Phillip Fulmer will be leaving his post once his replacement is hired. The new man in charge will be tasked with finding Tennessee’s next head football coach.
Gilbert was an easy name to speculate on after his time at Tennessee working under Dave Hart. He oversaw the basketball program while in Knoxville, growing close with Tennessee head basketball coach Rick Barnes. Gilbert’s son is currently a walk-on on the basketball team.
Per 247Sports, Gilbert was contacted by Tennessee regarding the vacant AD job. The University is using the Parker Executive Search firm to help replace Fulmer.
It would make sense for Tennessee to move as quickly as possible here, considering what is currently happening to the football roster. The quicker you get your guy, the quicker you can stop the bleeding. With Gilbert out, it’ll be interesting to see who they turn to next. We detailed some popular names in the search on Tuesday, but obviously others could be involved.