GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 21: Coach Butch Jones of the Tennessee Volunteers directs play against the Florida Gators September 21, 2013 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators won 31 - 17. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Report: Butch Jones' right hand man of a decade 'relieved of duties'

That's an odd start to the season.

When Tennessee hired Butch Jones to coach the football team his first hire was Chris Spognardi as his director of football operations. They have actually worked together for the better part of a decade, that is until now. According to GoVols247, Spognardi was 'relieved of his duties' late Tuesday and has been put on administrative leave.

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According to his Tennessee bio, Spognardi 'Oversees the Vols football operations and works behind-the-scenes in all aspects of the program.' He could still return pending a university review of the situation. Spognardi is in some sort of legal situation, the details of which have not been revealed at this time.

 

[h/t Saturday Down South]