The Butch Jones era at Tennessee is reportedly over, according to FOX Sports' Bruce Feldman. Jones reportedly informed his staff that he's no longer the Vols' head coach early Sunday morning.
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However, WNML's Jimmy Hyams reported that Jones declined the opportunity to coach Tennessee's last two games, according to a source.
Breaking news: Tennessee coach Butch Jones has been fired and has informed his coaches. Jones was given the chance to coach the last 2 games and declined, a source said.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) November 12, 2017
SEC Country reported that Jones didn't plan on resigning as the Vols' head coach following a meeting with athletic director John Currie last month.
The coach also claimed that he believes Currie will "absolutely" support him through the remainder of the season during his postgame press conference following the Vols' loss to Kentucky two weeks ago.
In September, ESPN's Darren Rovell reported that Jones' buyout was worth $9.2 million.
$9.2 million: What Tennessee owes Butch Jones if it fired him tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/FUKprzRJSr
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 30, 2017
While that may have led the Vols to prolong their coaching decision, it's interesting that Jones opted not to coach in his final two games. Somehow the large buyout price has to play a factor into his decision, but who knows?
Brady Hoke will serve as the interim head coach for Tennessee's final games.
