UT Vols: John Currie cancels speaking engagement at Knoxville Quarterback Club

Tennessee athletic director John Currie won't make a scheduled appearance Monday at the Knoxville Quarterback Club.

The group sent an email to members this morning explaining his absence.

More: UT Vols: John Currie didn't do his homework on Greg Schiano

More: UT Vols: Deal with Ohio State's Greg Schiano unravels after backlash from fans

More: UT Vols: John Currie says Tennessee 'carefully interviewed' candidate Greg Schiano

"As many might have guessed, UT Athletic Director, John Currie, will not be able to attend today due to the coaching search. We do have a speaker that will be very knowledgeable and is always interesting to hear. We look forward to seeing you there."

Currie is in the middle of a coaching search to replace Butch Jones, who was fired earlier this month.

Early Sunday afternoon, USA TODAY reported that UT was finalizing a deal with Ohio State defensive coordinator Schiano. Ohio State coach Urban Meyer confirmed during a Big Ten teleconference Sunday afternoon that Schiano had been contacted by UT about the job.

USA TODAY reported Currie flew to Columbus, Ohio, to complete the deal, and paperwork was in the process of being finalized.

However, a wave of backlash from fans, local and state politicians and local business owners caused the deal to unravel, USA TODAY's Dan Wolken reported.

More from GoVolsXtra:

UT Vols: Deal with Ohio State's Greg Schiano unravels after backlash from fans

UT Vols: John Currie didn't do his homework on Greg Schiano

UT Vols: Reaction from fans, media strong on Greg Schiano on Twitter

Tennessee gubernatorial candidates speak out against potential Greg Schiano hire

UT Vols: Former players relieved Greg Schiano won't be coach

5 things to know about Greg Schiano

Greg Schiano through the years

Vandy 42, Tennessee 24: Vols lose eight games for first time in program history

UT Vols: What's next for program, coaching staff as John Currie continues coaching search?

UT Vols football left wrestling with legacy as first eight-loss team in program history

UT Vols: Marquez Callaway TD, third-down music among best, worst in loss to Vanderbilt