Tennessee announced Monday, Nov. 2, that it has relieved soccer head coach Joe Kirt of his duties and named Jonathan Morgan interim head coach.
What the school said
Director of Athletics Danny White said the decision "was not made lightly" and "in no way reflects on Joe's character." He said a nationwide search for the next head coach will begin immediately and that the school will seek input from soccer student-athletes. White said the team remains in contention for postseason play and that he felt it was best to make the change now so a search could begin.
Kirt's record
Kirt spent 20 seasons at Tennessee as an assistant and head coach. The school said he helped guide the Lady Vols to two SEC Tournament championships, three SEC Eastern Division championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. As head coach he went 48-29-17 over five seasons. Tennessee said its program produced 10 All-Americans and 44 All-SEC selections during his time on staff.
What comes next
Morgan will lead the team while the search is conducted. The school did not name a timeline for hiring a permanent coach.
Sources: University of Tennessee Athletics, The Daily Beacon, USA Today Volswire