Tennessee coach Butch Jones: No plans to resign after Sunday meeting

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Butch Jones has no plans to resign from his position as Tennessee’s head football coach after meeting Sunday with athletic director John Currie, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Tennessee officials discussed Jones’ immediate future Sunday, and Currie followed up by making the rounds in the football portion of the Anderson Training Center.

RELATED: Tennessee officials discuss Butch Jones immediate future Sunday afternoon

The Vols (3-5) have four consecutive losses entering into Saturday’s homecoming game against Southern Miss (5-3) at 7:30 p.m. at Neyland Stadium.

It looks to be a long week in Knoxville.

Several Tennessee fans have expressed displeasure with the football program on social media channels, and there is widespread speculation that Jones’ days are numbered as the Vols’ head coach.

Currie has proven nothing if not thorough his first seven months on the job, as evidenced by the drawn-out process involved in reinstating the Lady Vols name earlier this fall.

Jones’ situation is a bit more complicated. There are recruiting class implications as well as the schools’ preparedness to find a replacement and pay what would be a buyout of approximately $8.3 million.

Tennessee has five football assistants who have experience as full-time or interim head coaches, but Currie has not expressed any interest in going down that road.

RELATED: Sources tell SEC Country Tennessee must win out for staff to be retained

Currie’s support for Jones has been unwavering,  perhaps an indication that the Vols’ major donors are not ready to make a change.

Jones said Saturday night he believes Currie will “absolutely” stand behind him for the remainder of the season.

RELATED: Butch Jones says Kentucky loss falls on his shoulders

 

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