KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has hired Missouri State’s Cuonzo Martin to take over a Volunteers program facing punishment by the NCAA for recruiting violations.
The 39-year-old Martin takes over for the popular Bruce Pearl, who was fired March 21, a month after being charged with unethical conduct for lying to NCAA investigators.
Martin went 61-41 in three seasons at Missouri State and was chosen this season’s Missouri Valley Conference coach of the year. Missouri State finished 26-9 and won the MVC regular-season championship.
Tennessee athletics director Mike Hamilton said Sunday that school officials are excited about Martin’s coaching ability, toughness and energy.
A press conference to introduce Martin was scheduled for Monday.
