After nearly a month absent a head coach, it seems as though Tennessee has finally found its captain.
Multiple reports popcorned up late Wednesday night saying the Vols were finalizing things with Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. Tennessee’s talks with Pruitt on Wednesday were reportedly the second meeting between the two parties this week, with some saying the orange and white had offered the gig to him.
Sources tell ESPN that Tennessee is in the process of trying to finalize a deal with Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt after offering him the job earlier in the day. Vols also interviewed Auburn DC Kevin Steele and Georgia DC Mel Tucker.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) December 7, 2017
Vol fans should know not to get hopeful until Pruitt is in the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Center on campus and speaking to the public. Even then, some may have doubts. After Greg Schiano, Jeff Brohm and Mike Leach were in different ways almost Butch Jones’ replacement, nothing will feel secure until Pruitt is singing Rocky Top on camera while decked out in orange gear.
Vols are expected to name Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt as their new coach tomorrow, barring an unexpected setback https://t.co/zvuSfR8Kxm
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) December 7, 2017
Per two sources who just spoke to me via phone, @Vol_Football “full focus is on Jeremy Pruitt. I don’t think the playoff is going to be an issue.”
— John Brice (@JohnDBrice1) December 7, 2017
#Vols closing in on hire of Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. https://t.co/Oh85yTq0tp
— Patrick Brown (@pbrown247) December 7, 2017
Alabama DC Jeremy Pruitt has accepted the job as Tennessee’s new coach. Details are still being ironed out, sources said, but the deal is basically done. He has coached in Alabama HS ranks for 8 years and in college for 11 years, 8 at Alabama
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) December 7, 2017
Pruitt is widely considered one of the best coordinators in all of football. His defenses at Florida State, Georgia and Alabama have ranked among the elite in the country, and his recruiting results are second to few (if any). A coach with a defensive resume that can recruit as well as Pruitt can sets up for an optimistic future on Rocky Top.
