Tennessee men’s basketball coach fired after 1 season

The Tennessee Volunteers fired men’s basketball coach Donnie Tyndall after only one season.

The university announced Friday the reason was “for cause” and the decision was based on information Tennessee received during the NCAA’s investigation for violations stemming from Tyndall’s time as head coach at Southern Mississippi.

“It is disappointing that we have to take this action.” Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart said in a statement. “It is highly likely that Coach Tyndall will face significant penalties at the conclusion of the NCAA’s infractions process. We believe that this decision is in the best interests of the University of Tennessee.”

Tyndall, 44, met with NCAA representatives in November concerning reports that players at Southern Miss received extra benefits, such as tuition, living expenses and other fees. Tyndall also reportedly met with NCAA investigators on March 16.

CBSSports.com reported that the NCAA informed Tennessee officials on Thursday of the list of violations it plans to impose against Tyndall in the near future.

According to ESPN.com, Tyndall would likely receive a suspension for the 2015-16 season.

Hart said later Friday he would have never hired Tyndall had he known the details of the coach’s activities during his tenure at Southern Miss. In the termination letter, Hart said Tyndall acknowledged deleting emails that could have been relevant to the investigation.