KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WTVA/AP) - Tennessee Athletic Director Dave Hart believes Derek Dooley improved Tennessee football during his three-year tenure as the Volunteers' coach.
Dooley just didn't improve the Vols enough to keep his job.
The 44-year-old Dooley was fired Sunday after posting a (15-21) record that lacked wins over ranked opponents and Southeastern Conference foes. Dooley was (4-19) in SEC games and (0-15) against Top 25 teams. Tennessee (4-7, 0-7 Southeastern Conference) is (1-14) in the SEC over the last two years.
Hart said Sunday that Dooley improved the team despite inheriting a tough situation, but he noted that "you can't ignore the results at the end of the day."
Tennessee's 41-18 loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday guarantees the Vols their third-consecutive losing season.
Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney will coach the Vols' season finale.
