September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey shown on the sideline against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Tennessee 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier Saturday Evan Woodbery of the Knoxville News Sentinel reported that Butch Jones confirmed that J.R. Sandlin is no longer part of the Tennessee Volunteers Football staff.
Sandlin had served as director of recruiting for Tennessee the past four months.
The Vols hired Sandlin after he spent the past two seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Just five days ago Sandlin’s twitter seemed to indicate he was still active in the recruiting process for the Volunteers.
It’s not yet known the reason for Sandlin’s departure from Tennessee.
Sandlin is a native of Tuscaloosa, AL. The former high school offensive coordinator graduated from Central Florida in 2009 with a bachelors degree in sports and fitness.
Evan Woodbery reported that coach Butch Jones said the the search for Sandlin’s replacement is “ongoing”