Alabama coach Nick Saban has reached out to former Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt about the vacancy as defensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide, sources told CBS Sports. Alabama did not discuss Pruitt’s candidacy when asked for comment.
Sources say Pruitt will very likely be hired by Tide as a subject of the ongoing NCAA investigation. He was fired in Tennessee two years ago after the NCAA imposed 18 allegations of Level I violations on volunteers.
There is widespread speculation that Pruitt will be involved in Saban’s search for a replacement for Pete Golding, who took the same role at Ole Miss earlier this month. Goulding was not expected to remain in Alabama.
Pruitt’s candidacy is questionable, as it is unclear whether he would be allowed to accept the job if offered.
SEC Bylaw 19.8.1.2 states, “Considering hiring an individual who has participated in activities that have resulted in, or may result in, a Level I, Level II, Level III, or serious violation.” It is obligatory to “consult” with the president or president. Contact the Commissioner directly before offering employment to an individual. ”
That wording doesn’t disqualify Pruitt directly, but Alabama should consult SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey before making any hiring.
“There are specific bylaws that define when consultation is necessary,” Sankey told reporters earlier this month. “This is not an approval process. Our campus makes its own personnel decisions, whatever myths exist. But for hiring decisions, here’s the background from a compliance perspective. ”
Auburn hired Liberty coach Hugh Freese in late November. Freeze said he was Miss Ole’s coach when the program, which the NCAA called “an open-ended culture involving boosters in football recruiting,” was given his two-year bowl ban.
“Hugh got the result of the violation lawsuit,” Sankey added, clarifying how Freeze’s lawsuit may differ from other lawsuits that may be under ongoing investigation. “We will notify Auburn University leaders and they will make those decisions. This is not an approval or disapproval. There is a clear understanding of the track record, there are oversights, and we plan to avoid these issues in the future.”
Pruitt is considered one of the best defensive minds in the country, despite finishing three seasons with Tennessee with a 16-19 record. He has extensive experience with both his SEC and Sabang, and over the course of eight years he has participated in four national championships, serving as his former boss as Director of Player Development (2007-09) and defensive backs as his coach (2010). -12), and served as defensive coordinator (2016). -17).
The NCAA claims that some Tennessee players and their families received approximately $60,000 in cash and gifts provided by Pruitt, his wife, and Voles’ assistant coach. Pruitt has been accused of failing to promote a climate of compliance and monitoring football staff for 2018-21, and the university has been accused of failing to monitor its recruitment.Tennessee lacks institutional controls Although it was not found that he had committed a crime, he could still face serious penalties.
Other coaches have recently been hired despite the NCAA’s baggage. I was. Xavier hired basketball coach Sean Miller last year, but his former program, Arizona, continues to come under NCAA scrutiny for alleged violations dating back to an FBI investigation into college basketball that began in 2017.
The show cause penalty does not ban coach hiring, but is considered a scarlet letter in the industry. Schools that hire coaches with such designation must explain to the NCAA why.
