Tennessee has reportedly fired its athletic director amid a disastrous coaching search
- Tennessee athletic director John Currie is reportedly out amid a messy search for a new football coach.
- Tennessee had reportedly come to an agreement with Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, but ended the deal due to backlash.
- Tennessee had reportedly reached out to several other candidates who turned down the job.
Amid a messy search for a new football coach, the Tennessee Volunteers have reportedly fired athletic director John Currie, according to ESPN's Chris Low.
According to Low, Currie was on a flight back from Los Angeles where he interviewed Washington State coach Mike Leach on Thursday when school officials told him to not make a deal with any coaches.
Currie has held the position since April 1, according to Low.
Tennessee's coaching search turned ugly after the team reportedly came to a deal with Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, then reneged over backlash. Schiano had been accused of knowing that Jerry Sandusky had been acting inappropriately with boys during his time at Penn State and not saying anything.
Since then, Tennessee's net has been cast wide but failed to reel in any coaches. According to Low, Currie also reached out to Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy, Duke's David Cutcliffe, NC State's Dave Doeren, Purdue's Jeff Brohm and Florida's Dan Mullen. According to various reports, all of the coaches have turned down the opportunity.
After a disappointing 4-8 season, Tennessee's coaching search has only riled the fan base, according to Low. During a campus wrestling event, people in attendance reportedly chanted "Fire Currie!"
According to Low, the school signed Currie to a five-year contract worth $900,000 annually, and would owe him $5.5 million if he is fired without cause.