In September, I said that Bruce Pearl was our coach and I expected him to be our coach for a long time.
I am disappointed with the events that have brought us to this point today, events that I would call “the cumulative effect of evolving circumstances.”
Since our September news conference, several instances have occurred that have caused us to change our position, as indicated in Mike’s comments.
I care about Coach Pearl and his family. I appreciate the job that he has done at Tennessee.
From the University’s perspective, this decision is an institutional decision, with counsel and input from many who know and love this university.
Mike Hamilton has kept me informed throughout the past weeks and I have been involved and engaged in the entire process.
I have kept the University of Tennessee system President informed, and he fully supports the steps that Mike and I have taken. The President, in turn, has communicated with the Board of Trustees.
I have personally stayed in contact with the Board of Trustees Vice-Chair, Jim Murphy.
Our job in administration is to weigh all the issues and all of the inputs—sometimes including details we cannot share—and then make tough decisions. Our goal is to weigh all of the information and ultimately do what is in the best interest of the University of Tennessee.
Going forward, I am confident that Mike Hamilton will find the right coach who can build on the foundation created over the past several years.
Mike Hamilton has my support. I join him in looking forward to continued success.