Feb 22, 2014; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles head coach Donnie Tyndall celebrates their win against the UTEP Miners at Reed Green Coliseum. Southern Miss won, 77-68. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
It took Dave Hart six days and a few no’s, but he finally got his man on Monday evening.
According to various reports, the Vols have hired Donnie Tyndall away from Southern Mississippi to be their head basketball coach.
BREAKING: Sources told @CBSSports that Tennessee has offered Donnie Tyndall. He plans to accept and be the Vols’ next coach. Story coming …
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) April 22, 2014
Tennessee has agreed to deal with Southern Miss coach Donnie Tyndall, source close to situation told ESPN. Story coming.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 22, 2014
The news comes after several media outlets reported on Sunday that Tennessee was finalizing a deal with Louisiana Tech head coach Michael White. Those negotiations broke down and sent the Volunteers back to the drawing board.
After already being reportedly turned down by Gregg Marshall, Tim Miles and Richard Pitino it only seemed logical for Tennessee to go after Donnie Tyndall.
Tyndall, a native of Michigan (as is UT football coach Butch Jones), was 56-17 in two seasons at Southern Miss. He led the Golden Eagles to the NIT quarterfinals in those two seasons.
Prior to his time at Southern Miss, Tyndall was the head coach at Morehead State for six seasons, where he led the team to the NCAA tournament on two different occasions.
Tyndall, who will turn 44 in June, is familiar with both the SEC and the state of Tennessee. He spent four years at LSU as an assistant coach (1997-2001) and four years at Middle Tennessee State, also as an assistant (2002-2006).
Although he probably isn’t the most popular choice among Vol fans, Tyndall is a great hire by Dave Hart. He’s a proven winner that will bring some much needed energy to the program.
Make sure to check back with us for more on the Vols’ hiring of Donnie Tyndall.