According to a press release issued Friday afternoon, the University of Tennessee "intends to award a contract" to Turnkey Sports and Entertainment to assist Chancellor-Elect Beverly Davenport in the school's search for its next director of athletics.

A "competitive bid process" began in December and Turnkey was selected "based on its extensive experience selecting and hiring the highest-caliber leaders exclusively in the sports arena," Davenport said in the release.

"I am confident with Turnkey's help, we will identify and hire the best person for the job," Davenport added. "I'm looking for a leader with a proven track record of success on and off the field. I will hire someone who is committed to maintaining the integrity of our program and is dedicated to the success of all of our student-athletes and all of the management of our nationally recognized athletic programs."

A search committee advising Davenport throughout the search consists of Peyton Manning, Donna Thomas, Charlie Anderson, Jimmy Haslam and Professor Donald Bruce, UT's faculty representative for the SEC and the NCAA.

Davenport asked Raja Jubran, alumnus and vice chair of the UT Board of Trustees to chair the search committee for her.

According to the release, Turnkey will begin seeking applications, interviewing and vetting potential candidates as soon as their purchase order is finalized, which is expected to be as early as next week.

"The outpouring of interest in the new AD is just as I expected. This is the premier AD job in the country, and the passion of Big Orange Country is second to none," said Davenport, who begins her role as chancellor on a full-time basis on February 15.

"I appreciate all of the support and words of encouragement I have received. With Turnkey's help, we will conduct a thorough, nationwide search that is open to all candidates to ensure we will yield the best candidates for the job."