Bruce Pearl Out at Tennessee

After Tennessee fell to Michigan last week in the NCAA tourney’s first round, many speculated head coach Bruce Pearl would be on his way out. They were right. Via Fox Sports: “Bruce Pearl’s tenure at Tennessee is over. According to multiple sources, the Vols head coach – who is the subject of an NCAA investigation in which he admitted to lying to the NCAA – was informed of the decision Monday morning by athletic director Mike Hamilton. Pearl, according to a source, received compensation as part of a buyout agreement. An official announcement could be released as early as Monday afternoon. Sources said that former Appalachian State head coach Houston Fancher is expected to take the reigns as the interim coach until a permanent replacement is hired. Pearl has spent the past six seasons at Tennessee after coming from Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has led the Vols to six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. However, Hamilton – according to sources – was recently informed that the NCAA would be coming down hard on Pearl and he opted to cut ties. Pearl, 51, was 145-61 in his time in Knoxville. The Vols were blown out in the first round of the NCAA tournament by Michigan last week and finished the season 19-15 overall and 8-8 in SEC play.”