Tennessee hires Ala. assistant Jeremy Pruitt as head coach

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee has hired Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt as its head coach, capping a tumultuous search that cost an athletic director his job as the Volunteers attempt to recover from one of their most disappointing seasons.

The school scheduled a news conference Thursday evening to introduce Pruitt, who agreed to a six-year deal that will pay him $3.8 million annually plus various benefits such as an expense allowance and additional money for summer camp.

Pruitt’s hiring comes six days after former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer was named athletic director and put in charge of the coaching search. Fulmer took over for John Currie, who was suspended just eight months into the job as Tennessee investigates whether it can fire him for cause. Jeremy Pruitt

Pruitt replaces Butch Jones, who was fired Nov. 12 after going 3427 overall and 14-24 in Southeastern Conference competition in five seasons.

Tennessee went 4-8 this season and set a school record for losses.

“Six days ago, I mentioned several attributes that I sought to find in the next leader of our football program, and Coach Pruitt meets all criteria,” Fulmer said in a news release. “I’m certain he appreciates the unique opportunity to lead a program of Tennessee’s caliber. He’s driven to win at the highest level. He will honor our university’s values, operate with integrity and be a role model for our studentathletes.

“I know Coach Pruitt will hit the ground running and go to work restoring our program to a championship level.”

Knoxville radio station WNML first reported that Pruitt had accepted the job.

Tennessee would love to see Pruitt match the success of Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who preceded Pruitt as the defensive coordinator on Nick Saban’s Alabama staff.