Tennessee reportedly fires football coach Butch Jones

Published 12:15 pm Sunday, November 12, 2017

Another coaching job in the Southeastern Conference has come open.

Tennessee has fired Butch Jones in the midst of his fifth season at the helm, according to multiple reports. Fox Sports reported Jones informed his staff of the school’s decision Sunday morning. Defensive line coach and former Michigan coach Brady Hoke will serve as the Volunteers’ interim coach.

Jones’ firing makes for three vacancies in the league. Florida parted ways with Jim McElwain earlier this season while Ole Miss is searching for a permanent coach following Hugh Freeze’s abrupt resignation this summer.

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Tennessee went a combined 12-13 in Jones’ first two seasons before posting back-to-back 9-4 campaigns in 2015 and 2016. But the Volunteers have regressed to a 4-6 record this season, including an 0-6 mark in SEC play following Saturday’s 50-17 loss to Missouri.

The Volunteers were just 14-24 in SEC games under Jones. Tennessee hasn’t won an Eastern Division title since 2007.