UT: 'Hang On,' Image of Fired Coach Coming Off Stadium

One of the last and most visible signs of Butch Jones' time as head football coach at Tennessee is poised to disappear in the coming weeks as UT prepares to remove Jones' image from Neyland Stadium's video board.

After weeks of pestering from Vols fans, University of Tennessee Chancellor Beverly Davenport responded Tuesday to pleas for the university to remove the picture, which has hung above the stadium for weeks since Jones was fired Nov. 12.

"Please hang on," Davenport tweeted. "A crane has been ordered."

More than 1,000 people liked the tweet Tuesday afternoon.

It also earned Davenport dozens of rave reviews and praise from Twitter users who have been wondering on social media when the change might happen.

Some even suggested she take Jones' place on the video board.

"You are the best Bev," tweeted one user. "Thank you for all you do! 2017 person of the year!"

"Thank you Chancellor Davenport!!! and thank you for bringing the type of inspired leadership back to Rocky Top our student athletes deserve!!" wrote another.

Jones, who spent five seasons at Tennessee, was fired after mid-season while the Vols stood at 0-6 in conference play.

They went on to finish the season 0-8 in the SEC.

The current trio of pictures on the scoreboard facing Neyland Drive was added on Oct. 2, 2014.

From left to right, Jones is pictured with former coach Gen. Robert Neyland and former defensive end Reggie White.

Vice Chancellor for Communications Ryan Robinson said Tuesday the university hasn't decided yet what image will replace Jones.

University of Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was named as Jones' replacement last month after a whirlwind search that was also marked by the suspension of Athletics Director John Currie.

"We appreciate the interest of our fans," Robinson said in an email. "We are in the midst of the process right now which could take until mid-February. No final decision has been made on the new image."

For Vols fans though, just the news that change is coming was a welcome start to the new year.

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