KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Butch Jones of the Tennessee Volunteers looks on during the second half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

If Tennessee doesn't fire Butch Jones, this reported reason could be why

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Tennessee head coach Butch Jones was already on an explosive hot seat prior to Saturday's 15-9 loss to South Carolina, and things have only heated up more in the hours since that loss.

However, one report from the Knoxville News-Sentinel could prove to be a reason why Tennessee has been sticking with Jones and may continue to do so throughout the season. According to that report, Jones would be due nearly $8.5 million if Tennessee were to fire him after the South Carolina game, with his staff's buyout ballooning that to nearly $14 million total in buyout expenses.

Jones entered the season on the hot seat despite back-to-back nine win season, as many felt that Jones had lived up to Tennessee's potential with the talent he had garnered at the school. After a surprise comeback win over Georgia Tech in the opener, things have quickly flatlined in Knoxville, as losses to Florida, Georgia (41-0), and now South Carolina are leaving a lot to be desired for a school expecting better.

[H/T SEC Country]