TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Butch Jones of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts to the officials during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tennessee reportedly "hasn't made contact" with one of their most popular coaching candidates

This is likely to upset many Vol fans.

Despite an outpouring of support from its fanbase, Tennessee reportedly still hasn't contacted former quarterback and current USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin about its head coaching vacancy, according to Sports Illustrated's Bruce Feldman.

Sources have indicated that Martin, who led the Vols to a national championship in 1998, would accept the position if offered. However, the coordinator confirmed last week that his alma mater hadn't reached out to him, despite many others close to the program showing their support.

Martin also acknowledged the Vol fans shown campaigning for his coaching service during USC's 31-28 victory over Stanford in the Pac-12 championship on Friday.

The 39-year-old has quickly risen up the ranks as a young assistant with a bright head coaching future, having been named as a Broyles Award semi-finalist last week.

Many anticipated that Martin would be contacted by the Vols after his former coach, Phillip Fulmer, replaced John Currie as UT's athletic director on Saturday.

However, it seems that the former quarterback will be passed by as Tennessee has reportedly narrowed its search down to several other candidates, including Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.