Conflicting reports involving head coach David Cutcliffe's possible move to Tennesee have taken the Internet by storm today. The Vols are currently searching for a new coach to replace Lane Kiffin, who became the head coach at Southern California on Tuesday night.
Several Tennessee media outlets have reported that Cutcliffe is set to become the Volunteers' new coach, however those announcements have not been substantiated by the Duke sports information office. Sports Information Director Art Chase told The Chronicle today that as of 4 p.m. there had been no direct contact between Tennessee and Cutcliffe. Whether or not Cutcliffe has been contacted by unofficial representatives of the university—for example, former players or members of a hired search firm—is currently unclear.
Chase issued a no comment on Cutcliffe's interest in the position.
A number of news outlets reported that Cutcliffe had in fact accepted the job, though in some cases updated reports have backed off. WFMY News 2 of Greensboro, N.C. cited sources close to Cutfliffe earlier today and maintained that the coach would head to Knoxville to take the job, but it has since updated its story and now reports that Cutcliffe has not officially accepted the position.
As recently as 4:55 p.m., Dave Hooker of the Knoxville News Sentinel noted that there has been no such commitment:
Duke coach David Cutcliffe has not agreed to become Tennessee's next football coach, a source close to the situation told the News Sentinel on Thursday.While there appears to be mutual interest and a deal could be struck, UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said earlier in the day that the interviewing process is ongoing.
The News Sentinel also learned that a new coach would not be hired today.
The Chronicle will continue to update this story as it develops.
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