Tennessee fires football coach Derek Dooley

November 18, 2012

STEVE MEGARGEE, Associated Press

Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley watches during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart believes Derek Dooley improved Tennessee football during his three-year tenure as the Volunteers' coach.

Dooley just didn't improve the Vols enough to keep his job.

The 44-year-old Dooley was fired Sunday after posting a 15-21 record that lacked wins over ranked opponents and Southeastern Conference foes. Dooley was 4-19 in SEC games and 0-15 against Top 25 teams. Tennessee (4-7, 0-7 SEC) is 1-14 in the SEC over the last two years.

Hart said Sunday that Dooley improved the team despite inheriting a tough situation, but he noted that "you can't ignore the results at the end of the day."

Tennessee's 41-18 loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday guarantees the Vols their third consecutive losing season.

Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney will coach the Vols' season finale.