UT Vols: Jimmy Haslam says he 'had nothing to do' with Tennessee coaching search

The day after Tennessee's long coaching search finally concluded, Jimmy Haslam commented on the process and insisted he was not involved.

The Cleveland Browns owner and Tennessee booster said Friday he "had nothing to do" with the search, which ended Thursday with Jeremy Pruitt's hire.

"I want to clarify something, and I want everybody to hear this: I had nothing to do with the coaching search at Tennessee. Nothing," Haslam said. "I know there's all reports that I was tremendously involved. I'm a huge backer and supporter of the University of Tennessee, as is our entire family. I was not involved in the coaching search at UT. Very delighted with the outcome. Have not met coach Pruitt, but coach Fulmer — a good friend of mine — and (UT booster) Charlie Anderson both speak very highly of him.

"We're glad to have him at the university, but I was not involved in that search."

Haslam and the Browns introduced new general manager John Dorsey on Friday in Berea, Ohio. Haslam, whose father, Jim, played at Tennessee and whose brother, Bill, is the state governor., was asked about Tennessee and the coaching search during the press conference.

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The Vols coaching search lasted 26 days from when ex-coach Butch Jones was fired until Pruitt was hired Thursday.

The search saw fans, state politicians and local businesses revolt when former athletic director John Currie attempted to hire Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. The deal fell through after the public outcry.

Haslam reportedly interviewed Schiano when the Browns were looking for a new head coach in January 2014.

The Vols and Currie were subsequently turned down by a handful of head coaches after the Schiano fiasco. Currie was removed from his post on Dec. 1 and Fulmer became the new athletic director.

Fulmer and UT Chancellor Beverly Davenport headed up the rest of the search, which ended with Pruitt's hire.