The Tennessee Volunteers were recently thrust back into the spotlight as a former head coach is suing the NCAA, alleging it “conspired with Tennessee” in an effort to get him fired.
That former coach is Jeremy Pruitt.
Jeremy Pruitt Files $100 Million Lawsuit
According to Ross Dellenger, Jeremy Pruitt is suing the NCAA for $100 million, claiming the organization and the University of Tennessee collaborated to oust him.
NEWS: Former Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt is suing the NCAA for $100M, claiming the association “conspired with Tennessee” to make him a “sacrificial lamb”😳
(h/t @RossDellenger) https://t.co/NVVBqArm3W pic.twitter.com/asI55eevIy
— On3 (@On3sports) March 27, 2025
Pruitt appears to be going it alone.
In his own words, he believes the NCAA and the school tried to make him the “sacrificial lamb.”
Honest to god, I forgot about him😂
— NKY Bracketology – Sansom Sports Media (@BracketNky) March 27, 2025
Fans pointed in laughter, essentially, jokingly saying they forgot he coached at Tennessee.
Others took a bit more serious of a tone, indicating Pruitt would be better off leaving it alone.
At this point, things would be better if we just leave it alone JP.
— Joel Norris (@pigskin_frenzy) March 27, 2025
Still, others doubled down, and continued to spite their previous coach.
Indicating Pruitt hasn’t gotten a job anywhere besides a local junior high school is diabolic stuff.
The paycheck from his junior high basketball coaching job is not making ends meet in Fort Payne, Alabama.
— RJ Michaels (@RJMichaelsgroup) March 27, 2025
Others took it a bit higher up, indicating the perceived tension between the NCAA and Tennessee.
Tennessee and the NCAA working together? That would never happen…
— Chris Murphy (@murph_2911) March 27, 2025
While Tennessee is coming off a successful season that included a College Football Playoff appearance, the fan base is once again forced to revisit Pruitt’s rocky tenure in Knoxville.
Pruitt’s Tenure in Knoxville
If the lawsuit is any indication, Pruitt’s stint at Tennessee is mostly remembered for controversy.
Per the NCAA, Pruitt was officially credited with a 5-19 record after the school vacated all wins from the 2019 and 2020 seasons due to recruiting violations.
The NCAA ruled 16 players ineligible after more than 200 infractions occurred during Pruitt’s time with the program.
In actuality, Pruitt posted a 16-19 record across his three seasons leading the Volunteers before the wins were vacated.
It’s safe to say the former Alabama defensive coordinator was dissatisfied with how things ended in his only head coaching role.
Whether he returns to coaching remains to be seen.
KEEP READING: Nico Iamaleava Becoming Vocal Leader for Tennessee
Following his departure from Tennessee, Pruitt served as a senior defensive assistant with the New York Giants in 2021. He has not coached since but appears motivated to return, based on how outspoken he’s been about his exit nearly five years ago.
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