TENNESSEE -- Tennessee and Lane Kiffin have reached a tentative agreement with the former Oakland Raiders coach to lead the Volunteers, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.
A formal announcement was expected early next week, said the person, who requested anonymity because the deal had not been finalized.
Kiffin, 33, replaces Phillip Fulmer, who was forced out after 17 seasons as Vols coach. Fulmer won a national championship in 1998 but had two losing seasons in the last five years, including a 4-7 mark this year.
Tennessee athletic department spokeswoman Tiffany Carpenter declined to comment on Kiffin because Fulmer had not finished his season. Athletic director Mike Hamilton did not return a phone message seeking comment.
The Vols (3-7, 2-5 Southeastern Conference) host Kentucky (6-5, 2-5) on Saturday night in what has been dubbed "Phillip Fulmer appreciation day."
The Knoxville News Sentinel first reported the deal.
Kiffin was the youngest coach in the NFL's modern history when hired to lead the Raiders in January 2007 at age 31.
-- ASSOCIATED PRESS
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