Via ESPN:
Tennessee has hired Butch Jones, calling a Friday afternoon news conference to introduce the coach, who is leaving Cincinnati.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be the head football coach at the University of Tennessee,” Jones said in a statement. “I understand the values, traditions and level of expectations that come with this position, and I look forward to being a part of the Vol Nation.”
Jones takes the job after declining an offer to become the new coach at Colorado. A six-year contract was finalized with the Volunteers early Friday, sources told ESPN, and Cincinnati said Jones had resigned his position with the Bearcats effective immediately.
“I would like to thank Butch Jones for his time at the University of Cincinnati,” athletic director Whit Babcock said in a news release. “With that said, we are excited about the future of this program and this job will be extremely attractive nationally. Our search will begin immediately.”
At Tennessee, Jones will succeed Derek Dooley, who was fired Nov. 18 after going 15-21 in three years. Dooley posted a losing record in each of his three seasons at Tennessee, the first time since 1909-11 the Volunteers have finished below .500 three straight years.
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