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Tennessee AD Hart Scrutinized As Basketball Program Once Again Searching For Coach

Tennessee last week fired men's basketball coach Donnie Tyndall after just one year, but AD Dave Hart "disagreed with the notion that the recent turbulence in the program has tarnished the image of the once-again vacant job," according to Ben Frederickson of the Knoxville NEWS SENTINEL. Tyndall’s "NCAA trouble" with previous employer Morehead State "turned his first season at UT into his last." Tyndall had replaced Cuonzo Martin, who "turned down a contract extension (and decreased buyout) for a fresh start at California following a Sweet 16 run" last season. Former UT coach Bruce Pearl’s six-season span before Martin was "also ended by NCAA rule breaking." Hart now is "looking to hire UT’s seventh men’s basketball coach in 20 years." Asked if candidates would be wary of taking the job, Hart said, "I don't think so, because of the history of our basketball program. We're still top-15 in attendance. We have history and tradition here, unlike just about anybody else" (Knoxville NEWS SENTINEL, 3/30). In Nashville, David Climer wrote, "You can screw up 10 basketball coaching hires. ... None of it really matters as long as your football coach has things headed in the right direction." But UT men's basketball accounts for a $17M "chunk in the athletics department's annual budget," so Hart "needs to hire a capable, untainted replacement for Tyndall." Hart's legacy and job security at UT are "tied for the most part to his hiring" of Butch Jones as football coach in December '12. As long as Jones' rebuild "remains on track, Hart holds considerable cachet." Climer: "How secure is Hart's position in the aftermath of Tyndall's exit? It's not quite to the level of a Supreme Court justice, but it's in the neighborhood" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 3/29).

WHERE THE HART IS: In Chattanooga, Mark Wiedmer wrote under the header, "Hart Should Follow Tyndall Out UT Door." While Jones' hiring "appears to be a winner" for Hart, Tyndall is "another matter." Wiedmer: "A huge matter. A disturbing matter, given that Hart hired him only 339 days ago." The GPA of UT's student-athletes "has risen dramatically over the last two years, a clear sign that UT isn't concerned only with wins and losses." But just as former UT AD Mike Hamilton "ultimately was done in" by Pearl's "NCAA troubles, Hart can't brush aside Tyndall's issues" (CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS, 3/29). Also in Chattanooga, Patrick Brown noted it has been a "bumpy few months for Hart," as in addition to the Tyndall situation, he "faced some heat for the decision to remove the 'Lady Vols' moniker from every women's team on campus except the women's basketball team." The athletic department also has been questioned for its involvement "in the university's discipline of student-athletes, particularly in some recent sexual assault cases." ADs "typically come under fire when the coaches they hire don't pan out." UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek "issued a statement Friday in support of Hart," but Hart "has to get this basketball hire right" (CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS, 3/28). Hart during his press conference Friday said that a coach "with NCAA baggage would not be considered for the Vols' job moving forward." He also said that he "will hold himself accountable for all of his hires." SI.com's Zac Ellis wrote Hart "may have inherited a less-than-ideal situation, but he has made some questionable moves." Ellis: "Hart's next hire will be crucial for the future of the program. He must get this one right" (SI.com, 3/27).

GOING THEIR SEPARATE WAYS: In Dallas, Chuck Carlton notes Texas yesterday announced that men's basketball coach Rick Barnes "was out, saying the two had agreed to part ways." Barnes is "due to receive" $1.75M. However, Barnes said that the message from men's AD Steve Patterson was that he "would return" for '15-16 following an NCAA Tournament Round of 64 loss to Butler. Barnes said, "Some things changed." Carlton notes it is "not known yet whether Patterson will conduct the search himself or hire an outside firm." Patterson "did not attend" the news conference yesterday announcing Barnes' departure. Patterson in a statement said Barnes "elevated our program immensely" and "won with integrity." Carlton notes Barnes "did have an avenue to stay, if he agreed to make program changes sought by Patterson" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 3/30).

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