UPDATE: Chancellor announces a number of violations led to Pruitt’s dismissal

University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman said in a Monday afternoon news conference that disturbing results were revealed in an internal investigation of the UT football program.

Those findings were enough for Plowman and Athletic Director Phil Fulmer to fire head coach Jeremy Pruitt and 9 others including the team’s linebacker assistant coaches and 7 other staffers.

The internal review began in November after Plowman received credible information regarding a potential violation within the football operation. Plowman said they received the results on Friday and issued termination notices on Monday. She also said that those preliminary findings have been reported to the NCAA.

Tennessee announces leadership transition in football program, Fulmer to step down.https://t.co/xF4Qanr9RJ

— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) January 18, 2021

Pruitt will not receive the remaining $12 million of his salary or a buyout because of a clause in his employment contract that says he cannot receive either because he was fired ‘for cause.’

Fulmer also announced that he will be retiring so that the new executive can hire the new football coach. Plowman noted that Fulmer, 70, was not connected to the investigation.

“I ask our great alumni and fans to be supportive and lift up this program as we fight through these difficult times,” Fulmer said.

Former Auburn defensive assistant and UT alum Kevin Steele who was hired by UT last week was named interim head coach.

Plowman said a national search will begin immediately for a new athletic director.