Tennessee is reportedly parting ways with running backs coach Robert Gillespie, multiple sources confirmed to Volquest.com on Tuesday.
Gillespie was the only coach retained by new head coach Jeremy Pruitt from the previous regime prior to the report. He was among the coaches officially announced as part of Pruitt's inaugural staff last week after National Signing Day.
Gillespie was making an annual salary of $515,000, according to contact information released last week via Volquest. However, he was not offered an extension and only had one year remaining on his contract, while the rest of Pruitt's staff currently has two or three years remaining on their current deals.
Gillespie joined Tennessee's staff as a running backs coach in 2013 and added recruiting coordinator and assistant head coach to his title during the 2015 season.
The running back position was one of the few bright spots for the Vols during a historically bad 2017 season, as well as throughout Gillespie's tenure.
Rajon Neal (2013) and Jalen Hurd (2015) both recorded more than 1,000 yards, while future NFL Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara flourished in a limited role during his time in Knoxville.
Gillespie was absent from Tennessee's staff meeting on Tuesday morning, according to the report.
