Donnie Tyndall is out as the Tennessee Volunteers head men’s basketball coach after just one season, the university announced on Friday morning.
Tennessee finished with a 16-16 (7-11, SEC) record this season.
The Volunteers terminated Tyndall’s contract after NCAA officials informed the school of violations that will be handed down to Tyndall from his time at Southern Miss, where he reportedly offered improper benefits to Prop 48 athletes not under scholarship.
“It is disappointing that we have to take this action.” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Dave Hart in a statement.
“It is highly likely that Coach Tyndall will face significant penalties at the conclusion of the NCAA’s infractions process. We believe that this decision is in the best interests of the University of Tennessee.”
Tennessee’s release also stated their belief that Donnie Tyndall will be held responsible for those violations at Southern Miss by the NCAA.
The university concluded that Tyndall is highly likely to be found responsible for serious (e.g., Level I and/or Level II) violations of NCAA rules that occurred during his tenure as head men’s basketball coach at another institution.
Southern Miss served a self-imposed postseason ban this year.
Tennessee, meanwhile, will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. in the Ray Mears Room at Thompson-Boling Arena to address the news.
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*Section Photo Credit: Nicole Auerbach-USA TODAY Sports, Featured Photo Credit (above): Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports