Knoxville Photos

Suddenly, it was over. Just like that. Not the game, but the career. Enough about sacking Pearl. The real question is this: Why would ANY coach or prospect give Tennessee (football or basketball) serious consideration?

The current athletic director recently demonstrated (again) that he is willing to sacrifice anyone to keep his job. Thank God Jim Tressel wasn't a coach under Hamilton. He would have been sacrificed in a split second.

The difference? The athletic director at THE Ohio State seems bent on standing behind his coach, who committed a major NCAA infraction, instead of cutting his legs out from under him.

Contrast that the the UT Athletic director. "Coach Pearl may not be back next season" just 24 hours before the Vols first game of the NCAA tournament.

What prompted the "Pearl might not be here" statement? The urge to distance himself from the coach HE HIRED and is now the subject of an NCAA investigation.

So, here's the question reporters need to ask, and keep asking: "Mr. Hamilton, in light of your remarks, when will you announce the new head basketball coach at UT? Since you seem to be considering a coaching move, who is on your short list?"

And keep asking him again and again.

Bruce Pearl isn't the only one who needs to be on the hot seat.