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Pearl took over the Vol's after a (14-17, 6-10) season and immediately had an impact.
In his first season at the helm, Pearl orchestrated one of the biggest turnarounds leading the Vol's to their first tournament appearance since 2001.
Coach Pearl continued the same success throughout his tenure making a school record, six straight NCAA tournament appearances, where he racked up an 8-5 postseason record along with the first Elite Eight berth in school history.
The Vol's unhappily, cut ties with their most successful coach who finished his career at Tennessee with a 145-61 record.
The firing was a bit surprising, because athletic director Mike Hamilton wanted to stand by Pearl throughout the process, but according to sources UT-Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheeks made the call in his firing.
Coach Pearl had been involved in recruiting violations that started in September after he knowingly broke NCAA rules by hosting recruits and 'mislead' the NCAA investigators in their investigation after photos surfaced.
Tennessee has agreed to pay 948,728 as a part of his termination agreement. Former Appalachian State head coach Houston Fancher has been the designated interim coach until the new coach is hired.
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