Tennessee fired first-year Vols basketball coach Donnie Tyndall, the program announced on Friday. The firing was first reported by CBS Sports.
Tennessee terminates contract of Tyndall pic.twitter.com/GgUrjrWgCk
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 27, 2015MORE: Rick Pitino defends Jim Boeheim | Rick Barnes on hot seat at Texas?
Tennessee's statement reads as follows: "The University of Tennessee announced today that it has terminated its employment agreement with head men's basketball coach Donnie Tyndall for cause. The decision was made based on information the university received during the NCAA's investigation of another institution.
"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."
"It is disappointing that we have to take this action." said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Dave Hart. "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."
The Knoxville News Sentinel reported athletic director Dave Hart met with the Tennessee basketball team early Friday morning to inform the players of Tyndall’s firing.
The Tennessee basketball team had a meeting with athletic director Dave Hart this morning to inform the players of Tyndall's firing.
— Ben Frederickson (@Ben_Fred) March 27, 2015Tyndall reportedly met with the NCAA for a second time last week to discuss potential Proposition 48 rules, which set a standard for athletic eligibility based on a prospective student-athlete's grades.
The investigation into Tyndall and the Southern Miss program began in November. The NCAA had questions as to how a handful of Golden Eagle players, who were initially ruled ineligible out of either high school or junior college, but signed with the school as Prop 48 recruits, paid for their tuition while ineligible. During that time, the players were responsible for their own tuition and living costs.
Southern Miss self-imposed a postseason ban earlier this season, but a clause in Tyndall’s contract allowed Tennessee to fire him if he was found guilty of any violations.
Tyndall, 44, finished his only season in Knoxville with a 16-16 record. Before his time at Southern Miss, he led Morehead State to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in six seasons.
A news conference will be held today at 11 a.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena to address the decision.