The University of Tennessee has fired men's basketball coach Donnie Tyndall, the school announced Friday morning. Gary Parrish of CBS Sports first reported Tyndall's departure.
Tyndall's firing comes after just one season in Knoxville. He was under investigation by the NCAA for providing players at his previous program, Southern Mississippi, with extra benefits such as tuition, living expenses and other fees.
According to the school's release, "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's disappointing that we have to take this action," Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart said. "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."
According to Tyndall's contract with Tennessee, should he be fired for cause or if the NCAA finds that he committed a Level I or Level II violation at either Southern Miss or Tennessee, the school would not have to pay the remainder of his contract. He signed a six-year deal worth $1.6 million per season in 2014. The contract included a $3 million buyout.
Tyndall went 16-16 overall, including 7-11 in the SEC in 2014-15, in his lone season on Rocky Top. He replaced Cuonzo Martin who spent three seasons as UT's head coach before leaving for the coaching job at California.
