WMNL’s Jimmy Hyams reported on Friday that Butch Jones is expected to a sign a contract extension exceeding $250,000 within the next week,
Source: Butch Jones isn’t going to Michigan, despite overtures. He will sign a new contract within a week at UT. Raise will exceed $250,000.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) December 5, 2014
Jones has told me before that he and his family love Knoxville, he wants to be at UT and `enjoy the fruits of my labor’ in rebuilding UT.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) December 5, 2014
FootballScoop.com reported that Michigan requested permission to speak with Jones, but received word that Jones would not “entertain the Michigan job”. Footballscoop.com also reported that in addition to a raise for Jones, his staff is also expected to receive increased compensation.
Bowl Bound
Jimmy Hyams also reported on Friday afternoon that he expects Tennessee to play in the Liberty Bowl, likely against West Virginia. However, Hyams did add that Arkansas is making a strong push for the Liberty Bowl. The Belk Bowl still remains an option for the Vols as well.
We expect UT to go to Liberty Bowl and play W.Virginia, but Arkansas is making push for Liberty. ESPN makies announcement ~ 6:30 Sunday.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) December 5, 2014
Belk still possible for Vols. If UT goes to Belk, likely foe: Notre Dame or NC State. UT bowl presser likely Monday AM.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) December 5, 2014
Suspended Players
Finally, Hyams reported that it’s highly unlikely that suspended UT players A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams will play in Tennessee’s bowl games.
Don’t expect UT suspended players AJ Johnson and Mike Williams to play in bowl, unless complaint dropped or DA’s office dismisses case.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) December 5, 2014
Also, UT student judicial board must investigative any sexual assault allegations and won’t until January.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) December 5, 2014
It appears that Johnson’s Tennessee career is over.
And even though Williams will still have eligibility after this season, I think it’s probably that he doesn’t return either.