Pearl: “These Were The Best Years Of My Life!”

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Still no official word from Tennessee yet, but Bruce Pearl has confirmed his firing at UT on his Facebook page:


– As many of you know, I have been fired as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers.  This really does not come as a surprise to me, but my emotions are getting the best of me.  This is perhaps the saddest day in my life.  I loved everything about Tennessee, Knoxville and the Volunteers.  These were the best years of my life!


That post followed up this post from yesterday afternoon:


– I will preface this by saying that I love the University of Tennessee and the Volunteer pride.  That said, I have disappointed not only myself, but you as fans, in my actions involving violations of NCAA rules.  I am forever grateful to the fans to let me coach their team.  I will be a Volunteer for life!


Tennessee must now set out to hire a coach who will be willing to take a job:


a) Where the AD is in hot water and just undercut his coach two days before the NCAA Tournament

b) Where the NCAA might hand down some stiff — but not as stiff now — sanctions

c) Where he will have to replace an incredibly successful and popular coach who was as much loved for his personality as his wins

d) Where in a couple of years, fans will definitely start a “Bring Back Bruce” campaign if the new coach isn’t succeeding early.

Best bet?  Some up-and-comer who would jump at the chance to make a million bucks.